Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

This integrated whole qualification leads to registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa for the provision of occupational therapy and rehabilitation services. Occupational therapists function as an integral part of a multidisciplinary team which aims to improve individual and community health. The specific objective of the occupational therapist is to enable those whose abilities in productivity, self maintenance and play/leisure are threatened, restricted or lost due to impairment, developmental delay, aging or lack of opportunity, to become full and productive members of the community.

The first degree prepares learners for generalist practice and provides access to

- Postgraduate diplomas and masters degrees which equip learners for specialist services in practice areas such as

• employment for people with disabilities; hand therapy and neurological, paediatric and psychosocial rehabilitation;
• research degrees (masters and doctoral degrees)

Matriculation certificate with university exemption

Other

As the number of places is limited registration for this programme is subject to selection.

Learners must have passed prerequisite subjects at a specified level to be considered for selection (Information regarding application and selection may be obtained from tel: 012 354 6040)

Persons registered as Occupational Therapy Assistants, who meet the entry requirements for University may challenge the examination in relevant modules for which they will receive credits

B Occ Ther

Learning outcomes

The learner will have the skills and attitudes to select and apply

• suitable occupations/activities, in combination with therapeutic principles, in various (cross-field) medical, educational, employment and social contexts in order to improve health for productivity (employment/learning), self maintenance and play/leisure;
• plan, resource, manage, supervise and research therapeutic interventions for individuals, groups and communities

based on

• specialised, professional knowledge of Human Occupation as it pertains to the individual, the community and society together with fundamental knowledge of Sociology/Community development, Psychology, Biomechanics, Physiology, Anatomy, and selected conditions of various medical disciplines.

Critical cross-field outcomes

The learning outcomes contain the following cross-field outcomes

• Identifying problems pertaining to people with disability and taking into account the clients' needs and priorities when considering a range of options in addressing the problems.
• Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information in designing and implementing therapeutic programmes and research projects.
• Communicating in various forms with a range of clients and co-workers.
• Taking into account cultural values in the selection of occupations/activities from a variety of backgrounds
• Using appropriate and therapeutic technology in optimising the environment for daily functioning
• Adhering to the profession's code of conduct, ethical rules of the Professional Board and using disability, educational and employment legislation to the benefit of people with disability
• A sense of responsibility to update skills and knowledge.

Learners are provided with clear objectives Learners' knowledge, skills and attitudes are assessed in

• real situations egg during clinical placements in institutions and communities
• simulations e.g. OSPES
• oral and written examinations

Demands on learners become more complex as the programme progresses.

Learners are eventually expected to work independently in a variety of settings.

They are assessed on their ability to provide effective therapy, take responsibility for the occupational therapy for patients/clients; manage a case load; work with team members; supervise support staff and educate patients/clients, fellow health care and related professionals.

Learners receive feedback on their competencies.

Integrated assessment

Portfolios

Simulations

Work-place assessments

Written examinations

Oral examinations

Other

Written assignments

Presentations and group discussions of case studies and seminars

Practical examinations i.e. skills examination