Fast Facts
Location
Commencing
- Townsville: February, July
Fees
$8,710.00+
+estimated annual Commonwealth Supported Fee for a full-time study load
Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible
Currently displaying fees for 2025, which are indicative only of the upcoming year's.
Duration
4 years full-time
6 years part-time
4.5 years full-time for mid-year entry
Entry Requirements
ATAR 70
English (Units 3/4,C); One of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Health, Psychology or Physical Education (Units 3/4,C)
QTAC Codes
- 316101
Course detail
Gain the knowledge, skills and confidence you’ll need to help individuals achieve their goals in relation to the activities that they need, want or are expected to do in their daily lives. When you study the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at JCU, you’ll learn how to identify your future clients’ potential and how to use therapeutic approaches to help them maximise their participation and engagement in the activities that matter to them.
Occupational therapists are primarily concerned with helping their clients develop or regain the abilities required for a variety of occupations, including those relating to self-care, work, school, play or leisure. JCU Occupational Therapy will help you understand how the human body works from the inside out. You’ll build on your core knowledge of human anatomy and physiology through learning about the psychosocial, biomechanical, neurological and contextual determinants of occupation. You will also acquire a strong understanding of lifespan development, health promotion and health care.
Be prepared to engage in effective healthcare practice from your first year as you learn fundamental communication and practical skills for occupational therapists and allied health service delivery. You will develop a deeper understanding of the role of occupational therapists within the health sector and how their work contributes to the bigger picture of health care through engagements with community.
Benefit from hands-on experience throughout your degree. You’ll hone vital skills while you study and train, whether alongside your expert lecturers and tutors at the JCU Health Occupational Therapy Clinic in Townsville or while on placement with one of JCU’s industry partners. Go beyond the Townsville clinical setting through professional work placements in urban, rural and remote areas. Rural and remote training will give you the advantage of practical experience and the opportunity to develop a wide range of generalist skills. You’ll graduate with confidence after undertaking over 1,000 hours of professional work experience across the course of your degree.
This course is accredited by Occupational Therapy Council (Australia and New Zealand) Ltd (OTC). Upon graduation, you can become a registered occupational therapy professional through a simple application process.
About JCU's Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Make a difference working directly with clients and helping them to maximise their ability to participate in the activities that they need, want or are expected to undertake in their daily lives. With the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) from JCU, equip yourself with a course of study that will prepare you for a dynamic and fulfilling career.
Study An Occupational Therapy Degree and Forge a Future
Become an expert in contemporary therapeutic approaches and help others to participate meaningfully in all aspects of daily life. Take your Bachelor of Occupational Therapy honours degree into many different workplaces. Choose from a wide array of professional roles in hospitals, rehabilitation units, community health settings, mental health services, aged care facilities, schools, workplaces and more.
As an OT you will have the chance to work with clients across the lifespan including new-born babies, children, adolescents, adults, older persons and people nearing end of life. You will work in partnership with clients, focusing on their strengths and collaborating with them to overcome any barriers they might be experiencing due to physical impairment, psychological difficulties or social and/or contextual factors. In doing so, OTs help enable people to achieve their goals using a holistic and person-focused ethos.
Experience has no substitute
Apply your theoretical knowledge through 1,000+ hours of supervised professional placements, including placement opportunities at the JCU Health Occupational Therapy Clinic. Get outside of the classroom and learn how to apply your skills in a variety of settings as you study occupational therapy in Queensland with JCU.
Throughout your placement, you’ll benefit from JCU’s partnerships with urban rural and remote health practitioners. You will have the opportunity to experience placement locally and/or throughout Australia.
Become valuable to employers using your strong cross-cultural skills developed through both in-class teaching and practice placement opportunities. These skills will equip you to work effectively with a diverse array of clients in rural settings, private clinics and busy urban hospitals.
Be Ready Today for Tomorrow
A degree and a job are important; gain both through JCU’s occupational therapy courses in Queensland. Graduate with confidence with a degree accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council (Australia and New Zealand). Graduates can apply for professional registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Be in demand by developing strong communication skills and a problem-solving mindset through your occupational therapy degree studies at JCU. Become a critical thinker and learn how to retrieve, evaluate and apply evidence to improve client outcomes. Grow into a leader in the field with your understanding of advanced practice as you master the clinical, professional, legal and ethical dimensions of occupational therapy.
Change the World with a Bachelor of OT
Study alongside high-quality occupational therapy professionals from a range of practice specialities and learn how to practice with a people-focused ethos. Use the skills gained throughout your degree to work in partnership with clients and develop programs that help them live meaningful, engaged lives in their communities.
Become especially equipped to reach out to marginalised people and under-served communities through your work at JCU.
Use your experience in studying occupational therapy in Queensland to make a difference. Your unique understanding of the health and social challenges in rural and remote communities will help you serve people all over the world.
Leverage your passion for making a difference into a successful career with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) from JCU. Gain the real-world experience and knowledge you need to stand out in this rewarding field.
Launching Pad to a Person-Focused Profession
Prepare yourself for a career in which you will work to support people of all ages and backgrounds in maintaining meaningful and fulfilling lives. Draw on theoretical and practice knowledge when developing interventions aimed at enabling individuals and communities to participate in occupations and roles that are important to them. Integrate your knowledge of physical, mental and social aspects of health as you customise rehabilitation strategies targeted at the unique needs and wishes of individuals.
Develop the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a wide array of practice settings including public and private hospitals, rehabilitation units, community health centres, aged care facilities, mental health services, schools, vocational rehabilitation settings, private practice and more. Embrace the opportunity for a career that takes you places, as you ready yourself for work in busy urban centres or rural and remote locations both within Australia and internationally.
Professional Qualifications
Be ready today for tomorrow through a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) in Queensland at James Cook University. Study courses accredited by Occupational Therapy Council (Australia & New Zealand) Ltd (OTC) and enrol to be registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia as you study occupational therapy in Queensland.
Graduates are eligible to apply for professional registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Earn an occupational therapy degree that gives you the skills, in-depth knowledge, and practical experience employers are looking for.
Experience Has No Substitute
Work together with leading professionals in your field. Take advantage of JCU's relationships with rural and remote communities to develop a special understanding of the health challenges experienced by people in these settings. Nurture the personal and professional awareness needed to strive towards culturally safe practice in different practice contexts.
Spend time honing your clinical ability as you put theory into practice through more than 1,000 hours of professional placement. Grow your skills through guided application in practical settings both on and off campus. Observe and take part in work at the JCU Health and Occupational Therapy Clinic. Then move beyond campus to apply your skills in hospitals, rural clinics, and other real-world environments.
Strong Professional Skills
Grow your skills and apply your theoretical knowledge as you study occupational therapy. Enhance your critical thinking to be able to find, synthesise, and evaluate evidence as needed to make informed, evidence-based decisions that improve the lives and health outcomes for your clients.
Develop your communication skills so you can engage in an authentic and meaningful manner with your clients and their families. Become skilled at discussing clinical issues among a professional audience including health professionals and other relevant stakeholders. Develop knowledge of the ethical and regulatory issues surrounding your professional role as you work to uphold the highest practice standards.
A Well-Rounded Understanding
Your Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) will equip you with a strong foundation in the core subjects you will draw from and build upon throughout your career. Learn how the systems of the human body work through detailed studies of anatomy and physiology. Understand how the body and mind changes over a lifespan and the way occupational therapy interventions adjust over time.
Gain a strong understanding of healthcare in Australia and the associated opportunities for positive developments in occupational therapy practice. Take a proactive approach to enhancing the wellbeing of your clients by integrating health promotion approaches within your practice. Learn how to work holistically, in partnership with your clients, towards the achievement of their individualised goals, by helping them to overcome biomechanical, neurological, psychosocial and contextual challenges that impact upon occupational participation.
Be Ready Today for Tomorrow With a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
Make a difference in the lives of others and prepare yourself for a rewarding career as you study occupational therapy at James Cook University. To learn more, contact JCU today!
Study Occupational Therapy and Be Part of Positive Change
Graduate from JCU ready to enter the workforce and enjoy a successful career. You will be ready to make a meaningful difference, one client at a time.
Consult the handbook for specific admission requirements and further information.
Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please review the inherent requirements for the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours).
Honours
The Honours component of this degree is embedded into the course.
The need for allied health professionals is growing rapidly as demands increases across a range of areas, both within and outside of the health sector. As a graduate of the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours), your career could lead you to work as an occupational therapist in public and private hospitals, rehabilitation units, community health centres, aged care facilities, mental health services, schools, independent living centres and in private practice. You can also work in research, education and training.
Upon graduation, you can apply for registration for practice in Australia with the Occupational Therapists Board of Australia Health Professional Registration Agency (AHPRA) and become a member of Occupational Therapy Australia — The Australian Association of Occupational Therapists. Graduates may also apply to register to practice in New Zealand and apply to practice internationally.
Entry score threshold
These are the lowest adjusted scores we made an offer to in Semester 1, 2024. Entry scores are based on the most recent Semester 1 intake and are updated in June each year. Meeting the threshold doesn't guarantee admission.
ATAR/Selection Rank: 70
Entry score range
This table shows the range of entry scores for recent secondary students offered a place in the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) for Semester 1, 2024. The table includes offers deferred to Semester 1, 2024 which may have been assessed using the entry score threshold of an earlier year.
JCU Townsville
Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | 96.75 | 99.95 |
Median | 80.20 | 83.70 |
Lowest | 62.55 | 70.00 |
Notes:
<5 – indicates less than 5 OP/ATAR-based offers made.
* Refer to Adjustment Factors
Find out more about who you might study with by viewing this course’s student profile.
Adjustment factors
James Cook University applies bonus ranks under the Regional Preference Scheme and QTAC’s Educational Access Scheme (EAS). Learn more about JCU’s adjustment factors.
Handbook year | Information valid for students commencing in 2025 |
Course code | 70509 |
Course type | Bachelor Honours Degree (AQF Level 8) |
Professional Accreditation Status | This Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) is accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council of Australia (Ltd) and approved by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia. Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as an occupational therapist with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (OTBA). Graduates may also apply to register to practice in New Zealand and apply to practice internationally. The program is also approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. |
Owner | Academy |
College | Healthcare Sciences |
Award Requirements
Admission Requirements
Course pre-requisites | English (Units 3/4,C); plus one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Health, Psychology or Physical Education (Units 3/4,C) |
Minimum English language proficiency requirements | Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 3a – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy. Students also need to take note that in accordance with the National Registration Board’s requirement, they must hold a valid IELTS minimum score of 7.0 in all components within 2 years prior to applying for registration upon Graduation as Occupational Therapists in Australia. |
Additional selection requirements | Students will be eligible to be offered a position in the research major by the Head of Academic Group if they have achieved an average GPA of 5.5 across level one and level two. Students that are not offered a position in the research major, or that are offered a position in the research major but decline this offer, will continue in the professional major for levels three and four. Information published by JCU or otherwise made available to students when applying, may specify additional criteria to be considered in ranking applicants in order of merit if the number of applications exceeds a quota or other limit on the places made available for the course. Information provided by applicants during the application process and any other information obtained by JCU in the application process may be used by JCU to rank applicants in order of merit by reference to those additional criteria. |
Special admission requirements | A quota on entry into the research major may be applied depending on the availability of supervisors. |
Course includes mandatory professional placement(s) | Clinical placement/professional practice: This course includes prescribed professional or clinical placements. Students may be required to undertake such placements away from the campus at which they are enrolled, at their own expense (Note: health professional courses generally involve extensive professional or clinical placements). Further information about placements can be found at Coursework Enrolment Procedure. |
Post admission requirements | This course may have specific admission requirements such as immunisation, a Suitability to Work with Children Card, a federal police check and/or other conditions that students must comply with. Students must complete all professional experience placement requirements by the prescribed deadlines and maintain currency of these requirements in order to stay admitted in the course. You will find your course requirements here: https://www.jcu.edu.au/professional-experience-placement/preparation-checklists |
Academic Requirements for Course Completion
Credit points | 96 credit points as per course structure |
Course learning outcomes | The James Cook University Bachelors of Occupational Therapy (Hons) degree will prepare graduates for registration as an entry level Occupational Therapist (OT) in Australia and function as a pathway for research and further learning. The course is aligned with the Australian Standards for Occupational Therapy including AHPRA OT code of conduct and OTA Occupational Therapy Competencies. On successful completion of the course, graduates of the program will be able to:
|
Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements | Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University's learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please visit: Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours). |
Reasonable adjustments | All JCU students have the opportunity to demonstrate, with reasonable adjustments where applicable, the inherent requirements for their course. For more information please visit: Student Disability Policy and Procedure. |
Course Structure
CORE SUBJECTS
Level 1
Teaching Period 1
BM1031:03 Anatomy and Physiology for Occupational Therapy 1
OT1011:03 Introduction to Occupation and Occupational Therapy
RH1002:03 Communication Skills for Health Professionals
RH1004:03 Foundations of Allied Health Professional Practice
Teaching Period 2
BM1032:03 Anatomy and Physiology for Occupational Therapy 2
HS1003:03 Lifespan Development for Health A
HS1401:03 Health and Health Care in Australia
OT1012:03 Enabling Occupation through Partnerships
Level 2
Teaching Period 1
HS2402:03 Health Professional Research 1
HS2403:03 Health Promotion for Health Professionals
OT2015:06 Physical and Cognitive-neurological Determinants of Occupation
Teaching Period 2
HS2401:03 Rural and Remote Primary and Public Health Care
OT2013:03 Psychosocial Determinants of Occupation
OT2014:03 Contextual Determinants of Occupation
RH2002:03 Clinical Medicine for Therapy
OPTIONS
Select a major from Table A
TABLE A (Majors)
Type of major | Single |
Credit points in major | 48 credit points |
MAJOR | AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
JCU Townsville | Only available full time | |
JCU Townsville | Only available full time Students must achieve an average GPA of at least 5.5 across levels one and two to be offered a position in the Research Honours major. |
Location
COURSE AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
JCU Townsville | Mid-year entry available (Please note students will complete the course in 4.5 years when starting mid-year) |
Candidature
Expected time to complete | 4 years full-time or 6 years part-time (levels one and two may be completed part-time however levels three and four must be completed full-time) |
Maximum time to complete | 7 years |
Maximum leave of absence | 1 year |
Progression
Course progression requisites | Must successfully complete all level one OT subjects before attempting any level two OT subjects. Must successfully complete all of level one and level two before selecting an honours major. |
Course includes mandatory professional placement(s) | Clinical placement/professional practice: This course includes prescribed professional or clinical placements. Students may be required to undertake such placements away from the campus at which they are enrolled, at their own expense (Note: health professional courses generally involve extensive professional or clinical placements). Further information about placements can be found at Coursework Enrolment Procedure. |
Special assessment requirements | At the discretion of the College Dean, students may be required to undertake a prescribed English language test to ensure that they have an acceptable level of English language proficiency, including at least at the level required to be admitted to the course, to safely participate in professional experience placements. Refer to Review of a Student’s Suitability to Continue a Course Involving Placement policy. |
Accreditation requirements | Nil |
Supplementary exam for final subject | Not applicable |
Credit
Eligibility | Students may apply for credit transfer for previous tertiary study in accordance with the Credit Transfer Procedure. |
Maximum allowed | 63 credit points |
Currency | Credit will be granted only for studies completed in the 10 years prior to the commencement of this course. |
Expiry | Credit gained for any subject shall be cancelled 17 years after the date of the examination upon which the credit is based if, by then, the student has not completed this course. |
Other restrictions | A maximum of 18 credit points of credit may be granted at level 3 or 4. |
Award Details
Award title | BACHELOR OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY (HONOURS) |
Approved abbreviation | BOccThy(Hons) |
Inclusion of majors on testamur | No |
Exit with lesser award | Students who have completed 24 credit points of their course award requirements, and withdraw from or fail to meet the requirements for progression in the later years, may be eligible for the award of Diploma of Tertiary Studies. Students who have completed 48 credit points of their professional course award requirements, and withdraw from or fail to meet the requirements for progression in the later years, may be eligible for the award of Associate Degree of Health Sciences. |
Course articulation | Not applicable |
Special awards | Students may receive an Award of Recognition in accordance with the Recognition of Academic Excellence Procedure |
Estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee: $AUD8,710.00
A Student Services and Amenities fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.
A variety of Scholarships are available to suit different student types.
JCU Prep provides a pathway into this course. Enrolling in this flexible program will enable you to meet entry requirements including subject pre-requisites and ATARs. Introductory academic subjects are also available to prepare you for tertiary study.
*Excludes entry into the Bachelor of Advanced Science, Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Marine Science, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Nursing Science – Bachelor of Midwifery, Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours), Bachelor of Physiotherapy, and Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours).
Note the course QTAC code for the location you've chosen. You'll need to enter it as part of your QTAC application.
Application dates vary between courses, whether they're delivered in semester, trimester or carousel study modes. View our Application due dates page for more information.
ATAR score is indicative only. Entry scores will be finalised in the major offer round.
Real stories
-
Student
Cheyenne Gamble
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Studying here has opened up so many opportunities for me to join associations that I never would have if I wasn’t at JCU. I have made friends and gained connections all over Australia. It has given me knowledge and inspiration on how to help my community and other rural and remote communities
-
Student
Mackenzie Mete
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
Studying at JCU has provided me with so many valuable learning experiences that have expanded my knowledge and professional development. I love all that this degree has had to offer including the opportunity to complete my practical placements within rural and remote communities.
-
Alumni
Diane Bakon
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
As a student, I was provided with countless opportunities to develop my skills, knowledge and practices. The lecturers were engaged in my learning and progress and negotiated placements across a range of settings to ensure that I gained experiences relevant to my learning, interests and career goals.
-
Lecturer
Daniel Lowrie
Deputy Head of Occupational Therapy
Our emphasis on rural and remote practice, in both our teaching and clinical placement opportunities, equips our students with a wide array of professional skills and knowledge. This results in our graduates being highly employable, not just throughout Australia but also internationally.
-
Employer
Nicole Brown
Townsville Occupational Therapy
Graduates from Occupational Therapy at JCU are equipped with strong theoretical knowledge and the ability to apply theory to practice. The graduates are passionate, evidence-informed therapists guiding the individuals they work with to help achieve their potential.