As an Occupational Therapist (OT), your main objective is to empower individuals to carry out everyday tasks independently. OTs work in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, nursing homes, private clinics, and private residences. The focus of an OT is to provide personalised care to individuals, such as assisting with tasks like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. OTs also help clients improve their productivity, whether it be at work, school, or through volunteer activities. Additionally, they support clients in participating in leisure activities such as sports, art, or music. OTs work collaboratively with each client to establish goals and provide support where needed.

The following are the typical responsibilities of this job:

• Evaluating injured workers to determine the most effective approach for facilitating their return to work.
• Conducting on-site visits to workplaces in order to gain insight into the obstacles that injured workers may encounter when attempting to resume their duties.
• Analysing hazardous manual tasks performed in the workplace to identify opportunities for improved safety.
• Producing thorough reports with clinical opinions and supporting evidence.
• Facilitating workshops on health and wellness-related subjects.
• Collaborating with medical professionals, insurers, and employers.
• Performing Pre-Employment Assessments to ensure that employees are physically capable of performing their job duties.

To become an Occupational Therapist in Australia, you must first complete an accredited degree in occupational therapy. To prepare for a career in this field, consider obtaining a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Occupational Therapy) (HLT43015).

You may choose to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy, which typically requires 4 years of full-time study. Alternatively, if you already hold an undergraduate degree, you can pursue a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy, which typically takes 2 years of full-time study. Some institutions may require you to have completed specific prerequisite courses during your undergraduate studies.

Acquiring relevant work experience is also recommended. Examples of such experience may include working as a nanny for a child with special needs or serving as a counsellor at a summer camp for individuals with disabilities.

To practise as an Occupational Therapist in Australia, you must be registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia and satisfy the Board's registration

Below are some of the top Australian universities that provide Bachelor's programs in Occupational Therapy.
1)Deakin University

•  Degree - Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
•  Course duration - 4 years full time (part time available)
• Mode - On campus (Waterfront)
• Why study this course Deakin University?
• Get ready for an Occupational Therapist career.
• Acquire hands-on experience with 1000 hours of work placement.
• This program is endorsed by the Occupational Therapy Council (Australia and New Zealand Ltd) and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.
• Entry Requirements
• Year 12 or equivalent; OR 
• Certificate IV in a related discipline; OR 
• Diploma in any discipline or 50% completion of a Diploma in a related discipline; OR 
• Successful completion of at least two units of study at a higher education institution; OR 
• Work or life experience demonstrating academic capability

• Degree - Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
• Course duration - 4 years full time (part time available)
• Mode - On campus (2 locations)
• Why study this course Chrales Sturt university? 
• The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy program emphasizes current practice issues, such as quality management of services, ethical concerns, research, and communication skills, to prepare students for professional practice or further studies.
• The course is accredited by OT Australia, the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists, and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT). Graduates can work both domestically and internationally as a result of WFOT accreditation.
• Entry Requirements
• Completion of Year 12 or equivalent; OR 
• Completion of two university level subjects; OR 
• Completion of a Certificate IV or higher; OR 
• Completion of a tertiary preparation course from an Australian University or an accredited provider

• Degree - Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
• Course duration - 4 years full time (part time available)
• Mode - On campus (2 locations)
• Why study this course Southern Cross University?
• Occupational therapy helps people of all ages participate in the tasks and activities they need and want to do in various settings. Occupational therapists transform and adapt environments, activities, and equipment to promote meaningful engagement and participation, working with individuals, groups, governments, private practices, and communities.
• The program is accredited by Occupational Therapy Australia and the Occupational Therapy Council, as well as approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.
• Entry Requirements
• Year 12 or equivalent
• Below are some of the top Australian universities that provide Master's programs in Occupational Therapy.

• Degree - Master of Occupational Therapy
• Course duration - 2 years full time
• Mode - On campus (Hawthorn)
• Why study this course at Swinburne University?
• Get ready for a career as an Occupational Therapist, helping clients dealing with neurological, musculoskeletal, or mental health issues. Gain practical industry exposure by taking part in Design Factory Melbourne, working together with other students to create new and inventive solutions to issues.
• The Occupational Therapy Council (Australia and New Zealand) Ltd accredits and approves of this course, making it suitable for Occupational Therapy Board of Australia.
• Entry Requirements
• To be eligible for the course, you must have completed one of the following within the past ten years:
• A Bachelor's degree with at least one unit in anatomy and physiology; or
• A postgraduate degree with at least one unit in anatomy and physiology during your undergraduate studies.

• Degree - Master of Public Health
• Course duration - 2 years full time (part time available)
• Mode - On campus (2 locations), Online
• Why study this course at CQ Univesity?
• Gain practical skills and advance your career as a public health professional, while taking advantage of professional development opportunities.
• Study community-based public health principles such as modern disease prevention, and gain substantial industry exposure by completing a placement at a public health organization.
• Accomplish your objectives at your own pace with a variety of flexible study choices, including online and part-time options.
• The course adheres to the standards set by the Australian Qualifications Framework.
• Entry Requirements
• To be eligible for the program, you must meet one of the following requirements:
• Completed a Bachelor's degree or higher; or
• Currently registered with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulatory Authority (AHPRA) as a Registered Nurse with a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience.

• Degree - Master of Occupational Therapy
• Course duration -  2.5 years full time
• Mode - On campus (Perth)
• Why study this course at Curtin University?
• Get ready for an Occupational Therapist profession with this graduate program.
• Develop skills to analyze, think professionally, and reflect for creating effective solutions for clients.
• Take advantage of Curtin University's exceptional labs and amenities.
• This course is recognised by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.
• Entry Requirement
• Applicants should possess a Bachelor's degree or equivalent, preferably in a health-related field, and provide proof of prior study in human biology, psychology, or behavioral science.

For all international students aspiring to take up the course the following are required from their side to secure a student visa

• Unconditional offer letter from the university or institution
• Evidence of access to sufficient funds
• Proof of Overseas Student Health Cover
• Other relevant documents listed on the Department of Home Affairs visa checklist

Occupational Therapy is a PR pathway course with the SOL enlisting this as one of the occupations which are in shortage and many students in the past have made headway into this profession thereby also making their PR pathway in the country. The Australian visa options for Occupational therapists are 189 visas, and 190 visas along with some more available Employer Sponsorship visas.

To apply for a Permanent Residency visa Registration and licensing are required by the accredited institution in the country.

1)How long does it take to become an occupational therapist in Australia?

Typically, completing a Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy requires four years of full-time study. However, for those who have already completed an undergraduate degree, pursuing a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy is an option. This path generally takes two years of full-time study.

2)How much does it cost to study occupational therapy in Australia?

The program fees for the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy are estimated to be AUD 156,800. Please note that these fees are only indicative and subject to change.

3)Is occupational therapy hard to study?

For those who have a passion for becoming an Occupational Therapist, it is a highly rewarding career path. The job provides flexibility and various opportunities, and the satisfaction of making a meaningful difference in people's lives. However, it's important to be well-prepared and aware of potential challenges that may arise. Overall, if you're up for the challenge, pursuing a career in Occupational Therapy is an excellent choice.