Do you have the desire to make a positive impact on people's daily lives by helping them overcome physical, mental, or emotional challenges? If so, a career as an occupational therapist may be the perfect path for you.

Occupational therapists work with individuals of all ages to promote independence, enhance functional abilities, and improve overall well-being.

In this article, we will delve into the world of occupational therapy, exploring what occupational therapists do, the services they provide, the benefits of pursuing this fulfilling career, and the qualifications required to become an occupational therapist in Australia.

So, what is an occupational therapist?

An occupational therapist is a healthcare professional who assists individuals in achieving their full potential in daily activities, or occupations, that are meaningful to them.

They work with clients who may have physical, developmental, cognitive, or emotional challenges that hinder their ability to engage in daily tasks.

Occupational therapists employ various therapeutic techniques to help their clients regain or enhance their skills, enabling them to participate in activities essential for their personal, social, and professional lives.

What do they provide?

Occupational therapists offer a wide range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of their clients. Some of the services they provide include:

  • Evaluation and Assessment: Conducting comprehensive assessments to identify clients' strengths, challenges, and barriers to participation in daily activities.
  • Treatment Planning: Collaborating with clients to develop individualised treatment plans and goals, focusing on enhancing functional abilities and promoting independence.
  • Rehabilitation and Intervention: Implementing therapeutic interventions to improve clients' motor skills, sensory processing, coordination, cognitive abilities, and emotional well-being.
  • Adaptation and Modification: Recommending assistive devices, adaptive equipment, or environmental modifications to enable clients to engage in activities more effectively and independently.
  • Education and Training: Providing education and training to clients, their families, and caregivers on strategies to optimize independence, manage conditions, and prevent future challenges.

What are the perks of being an occupational therapist?

Choosing a career as an occupational therapist offers numerous benefits and rewards, including:

  • Making a Difference: Occupational therapists have the opportunity to positively impact individuals' lives by helping them regain or develop skills, fostering independence and a higher quality of life.
  • Variety of Work Settings: Occupational therapists can work in diverse settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centres, schools, mental health facilities, community health centres, and private practice, allowing for a dynamic and fulfilling career.
  • Holistic Approach: Occupational therapy focuses on the whole person, considering their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being, providing a comprehensive and client-centred approach to care.
  • Collaboration and Teamwork: Occupational therapists often work as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with physicians, physiotherapists, speech pathologists, psychologists, and educators, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing.
  • Career Opportunities and Growth: The demand for occupational therapists continues to grow, providing ample job opportunities and the potential for specialisation in areas such as rural generalism, paediatrics, mental health, geriatrics, or neurorehabilitation.

Allied health career occupational therapist

What are the Australian qualifications to become an occupational therapist?

To become an occupational therapist in Australia, you must complete a Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited university.  Alternatively, you can complete a Masters in Occupational Therapy after completing an initial undergraduate qualification. Both pathways combine academic coursework with practical fieldwork placements, providing a comprehensive foundation in the theory and practice of occupational therapy.

Occupational therapy training options are now available in some rural South Australian locations.

Following graduation, you must register with AHPRA (Australian Health Practioner Regulatory Agency) and the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia. Continuing professional development is essential to maintain your license and stay current with advancements in the field.

Career path education options for occupational theray

Prove it

Do you know anyone who is an occupational therapist? Start there! It is great to be able to discuss a career in occupational therapy, with someone 'in the know'.

Find out what Grace says about her start in occupational therapy and how rewarding it is working to work in a regional area, in the video below 👇

There are also many organisations that can help you in learning more about occupational therapy:

Hear what Grace loves about being a regional occupational therapist

Take a sneak peek into life as an occupational therapist

Have you wondered what it may be like to be an occupational therapist in a real-life setting?

Take a look now by signing up to the Virtual Intern Allied Health work experience and see typical day-to-day scenarios.

It's easy to do, fun to navigate and helps you see the work of various Allied Health professionals in 'real life' situations.  Click here to sign up: https://virtualintern.com.au/alliedhealthsa/lets-start/

Jump into my work experience

Conclusion

A career as an occupational therapist offers a unique opportunity to transform lives by enabling individuals to engage in meaningful activities and achieve their full potential.

With a person-centered approach, diverse service offerings, and the potential to work in various settings, occupational therapy presents a fulfilling and rewarding path for high school students passionate about helping others.

If you aspire to become an occupational therapist, explore accredited universities offering Occupational Therapy programs and embark on a journey to empower lives through occupation.