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Your free guide to a career in occupational therapy

The best part about a career in occupational therapy

According to Brisbane based paediatric occupational therapist Nicole Grant, this profession is for those who are passionate and compassionate, creative and resourceful, who like thinking outside of the box and being able to take a holistic approach to health care.

Occupational therapists often play an advocacy role for their clients. Stephanie Cantrill, who is an occupational therapist and polio community officer talks about the needs of those who survived polio in their childhood as they age. Professor Sylvia Rodger (who sadly passed away in April 2017) covers how occupational therapists advocate for their clients here:

 

While many other people in the health industry are involved in the diagnosis of diseases, the occupational therapist’s role is about looking at what their client wants to do, and help make that happen.

There are volunteer roles for occupational therapists from time to time, such as assisting asylum seekers and refugees.

Many occupational therapists are employed via the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and some were called upon to raise issues during a NDIS enquiry.

 

What you really need to consider before deciding on a career in occupational therapy

The biggest thing you need to know is that the profession of occupational therapy isn’t about providing careers advice! The “occupation” in occupational therapy is all about daily activities, whether it be playing and learning for a child or an adult with cerebral palsy living independently.

Many occupational therapists work with people who are disabled or recovering from an injury, and there is a high degree of sensitivity and respect for humanity that is required for this profession.

 

What do occupational therapists do and where do they work?

Occupational therapists often work with people who have a disability, illness or have suffered an injury. This can be in a number of settings including private practice and in hospitals. In this video OT Michelle Maclean talks about her first job when she was working in an oncology (cancer) ward in a hospital:

 

Here is a video outlining 6 places where an occupational therapist might work. There are many areas of specialization within occupational therapy, or conditions which OTs can have a special interest in. These include:

If an OT works in a hospital, they may have an allied health assistant work alongside them.

In this video Professor Sylvia Rodger, a leading occupational therapist in Australia talks about 6 different areas of the profession (physical conditions, mental health, developmental lifespan conditions, work, paediatrics and public housing design):

 

In 2013, South Australian Kaurna man Trevor Ritchie became the first indigenous graduate of the occupational therapy course in his state.

Paediatric OT Nicole Grant has shared her career story, and OT academic Clare Wilding shared her thoughts on what happened at an occupational therapy conference in 2013. Emma Gee was an occupational therapist who had a stroke at the age of 24 and has gone on to become an inspirational speaker.

In this video OT Linda Rylands talks about her job working with patients in a psychiatric hospital:

 

ATAR for occupational therapy and accredited courses

ATARs / Selection RanksClick here for the ATAR for every occupational therapy course in Australia in 2022.

Accreditation – A career in occupational therapy starts with completing an accredited course. On the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency Approved Programs of Study page – select “Occupational Therapist” in the Profession box, and “General” in the Qualification Type box to search for courses.

 

Are occupational therapy graduates getting jobs?

Refer to the occupational therapy section on our employment page for detailed information.

 

How long does it take to become an occupational therapist?

It takes a minimum of 4 years to become an occupational therapist.

Please go to our occupational therapy infographic page for more information on the pathways to becoming an OT.

Become an occupational therapist

University scholarships

Click here for a list of university scholarships.

 

How much money do occupational therapists earn?

Go to our earnings page for detailed information.

 

Videos about a career in occupational therapy

Click here to go to our videos about a career in occupational therapy by real occupational therapists.

 

Latest News

Click here for the latest news about a career in occupational therapy.

 

Career in occupational therapy – information from professional association

  1. Occupational Therapy Australia – about OT
  2. Occupational Therapy Australia – university programs and student placements

 

This page was last updated in January 2023.