Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

The purpose of the qualification is to train and prepare occupational therapists who will portray a strong professional identity, that will demonstrate knowledge, skills and applied competence in the field of study that provide opportunities for continued personal growth, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society; and have a solid knowledge of the science and theory of the profession of occupational therapy with the ability to apply educational knowledge, skills, principles and methods that will address occupational barriers and provide Occupational Therapy to individuals, groups and communities within a comprehensive health service; manage occupational therapy services effectively; facilitate occupational therapy technicians and community workers, remain involved with research and committed to life-long learning.

Rationale

Learners will be competent in rendering a professional service in all health care environments. They would have acquired the necessary knowledge, skills and clinical reasoning abilities exhibiting desired attitudes, values and behaviour to pursue their profession as Occupational Therapist and as important role-players within the greater health care setting, responding to the needs of the community, business and industry needs and in life-long learning and the appreciation of the value of education and society.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Where applicants do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. RPL will be applied according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment policy. This will relate to both access to the qualification as well as for credit recognition or exemption towards achieving the qualification. The institution will ensure that quality assurance processes that address the specificities of the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems) are implemented; and that administrative and support systems, both prior and subsequent to RPL assessment, are in place.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 540 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 48 Credits

• Occupational Therapy, 16 Credits.
• Occupational Therapy, 16 Credits.
• Technology & activity, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 124 Credits

• Anatomy, 32 Credits.
• Developmental Psychology, 16 Credits.
• Clinical Occupational Therapy, 12 Credits.
• Physiology, 16 Credits.
• Occupational Therapy Assessment, 16 Credits.
• Occupational Therapy Assessment, 16 Credits.
• Physiology, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 248 Credits

• Anthropology, 16 Credits.
• Clinical Occupational Therapy, 16 Credits.
• Occupational Therapy Intervention, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Health Psychology, 16 Credits.
• Occupational Therapy Intervention, 16 Credits.
• Clinical Sciences - Psychiatry, 8 Credits.
• Personology, 16 Credits.
• Clinical Occupational Therapy, 32 Credits.
• Psychopathology, 16 Credits.
• Clinical Sciences, 16 Credits.
• Occupational Therapy Physical, 32 Credits.
• Occupational Therapy Mental, 32 Credits.
• Occupational Therapy Research, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits

• Clinical Occupational Therapy, 72 Credits.
• Occupational Therapy Research, 16 Credits.
• Occupational Therapy, 32 Credits.

1. Understand how social, medical and occupational therapy subsystems interrelate, and have a sound theoretical knowledge in order to discuss models of health and wellness as basis for patient evaluation, treatment and occupational re-integration.
2. Communicate sensitively with all cultures/religions in the handling of individuals with physical and psychiatric challenges, disorders and disability.
3. Creatively think in planning and using scientific theory for planning occupational therapy programs for patients with biomechanical, outcomes neurophysiological, psychiatric, cognitive and developmental problems.
4. Collect and critically evaluate information and handling of individuals physically, individually or in groups using their group handling, splinting, neuro-physiological, stress handling skills to the benefit of the individual.
5. Work and organise effectively with others as a team and run a practice effectively.
6. Research related activities and react as responsible citisens with an awareness of ethical issues in practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across Exit level Outcomes

• Apply the basic principles and techniques related to the content.
• Apply the principles and techniques of, and differentiate and solve problems related to the content.
• Synthesise, differentiate and solve problems related to the content.
• Apply the advanced principles and techniques of, analyse, order and critically evaluate information related to the content.

Integrated Assessment

The overall assessment strategy provides for both Formative and Summative Assessment opportunities as well as continuous assessment. In addition, Integrated, Continuous and Formative Assessment will allow the demonstration of achieved competences as required by the outcomes of the qualification by means of tests, assignments, practical reports and oral presentations. The qualification further provides for a Continuous Assessment approach.