Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy (OT) is a highly regarded field in which you can apply your knowledge and skills to provide therapy for people who, because of illness, injury or circumstances, are limited in their ability to perform everyday tasks. Occupational therapists work with people who have special needs and life challenges that hinder their ability to meaningfully and effectively engage in their occupational roles and everyday tasks. Occupational therapists help their clients to develop new skills or alter their environment and daily activities to meet their goals. Occupational therapists work with people of all ages. Employment can be found in the public and private health sectors, in hospitals, community services, disability organisations, schools, insurance and occupational health and safety areas, and private practice.
Clinical Placement: Bachelor of Health Science / Master of Occupational Therapy students have a minimum of 1,000 hours of professional practice in a range of settings in order to meet the fieldwork guidelines of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Occupational therapy practice units are in each year of the course.
Facilities: The Occupational Therapy Labs are state of the art teaching spaces, with equipment available for teaching practical skills such as activity of daily living education, client transfer and mobility assistance, and splinting. Science facilities are exceptional, with modern science labs and anatomy wet labs. In addition, student learning is supported through online and other simulated case-based approaches, in line with the UWS approach to blended learning. Students also have the benefit of facilities in the community during fieldwork placements, with the UWS program having strong ties with fieldwork sites in NSW and Australia and partnerships with international universities via student exchange programs.
Our Graduates: Graduates from UWS occupational therapy programs are renowned for their ability to use their knowledge and skills in a practical, evidence-based approach in practice. They are sought after by employers for these skills and become proud ambassadors for the UWS occupational therapy program.
Courses: UWS occupational therapy courses are among the top programs in Australia. The four year combined Bachelor of Health Science / Master of Occupational Therapy degree has further raised the standing of UWS graduates in the eyes of clients and potential employers. There is also a standalone two year Masters of Occupational therapy degree for students with relevant health science degrees. Both courses prepare students to apply to be registered as an occupational therapist in Australia.
Occupational Therapy Academic Staff:
| Academic Staff Member | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
| Dr Ros Bye | r.bye@uws.edu.au | 02 4620 3353 |
| Michelle Bissett Academic Course Advisor | m.bissett@uws.edu.au | 02 4620 3754 |
| Karen Liu Associate Professor | Karen.liu@uws.edu.au | 02 4620 3432 |
| Dr Julia Bowman Senior Lecturer | j.bowman@uws.edu.au | 02 4620 3340 |
| Lee Zakrzewski Senior Lecturer | l.zakrzewski@uws.edu.au | 02 4620 3789 |
| Karen Arblaster Lecturer | k.arblaster@uws.edu.au | 02 4620 3755 |
| Rachelle Coe Lecturer | r.coe@uws.edu.au | 02 4620 3596 |
| Kristy Coxon Lecturer | On leave | On leave |
| Bronwyn Russo Associate Lecturer | b.russo@uws.edu.au | 02 4620 3625 |
