Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

The purpose of the programme is

1. To prepare students for a professional career as occupational therapists who may register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
2. To provide a sound theoretical knowledge base applicable to occupational therapy that can be applied within a clinical and a research context.
3. To train competent practitioners who can deliver relevant, high quality direct and indirect occupational therapy services at all levels of care.
4. To establish the foundation for life-long learning and to provide the necessary basis for students who would like to proceed to post-graduate study.
5. To provide South Africa with sufficient numbers of competent practitioners to ensure that an effective and efficient occupational therapy service may be provided.

Senior Certificate with Matriculation Exemption or equivalent university admission qualification.

Additional requirements

Senior Certificate with Matriculation Exemption or an equivalent university admission qualification with specific requirements for Mathematics (compulsory subject) and Science or Biology (recommended subjects) as prescribed by the Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, university of Stellenbosch.

1). GENERIC / CRITICAL CROSS FIELD OUTCOMES

The B.Occupational Therapy graduate will

a) Gather and critically evaluate information and by using a problem-solving approach, present relevant solution(s) in relation to specific situations

b) Manage all professional activities effectively and efficiently

c) Communicate effectively and efficiently

d) Use appropriate technology to obtain, analyse and utilise information to enhance the practice of the profession

e) Explore options to further own professional development and contribute towards community development

f) Work effectively with other members of the health team and be recognised as a contributing team member.

2). SPECIFIC OUTCOMES

The B.Occupational Therapy graduate will

g) Have a good grasp of the basic, pre-clinical and clinical subject matter and demonstrate the ability to apply this subject matter in the practice of the profession

h) Show understanding of the use of the scientific method in the acquisition of the scientific knowledge to enhance the practice of the profession.

i) Use theoretical knowledge to understand and solve problems regarding human occupation

j) Demonstrate basic skills in the presentation of scientific reports - both written and verbal. This includes the use of computer technology as an aid to effective communication and adaptation of communication as required by the situation in the clinical field of practice

k) Understand and use the occupational therapy process to address problems regarding occupational form and occupational performance within various cultural settings.

l) Have an in-depth understanding of how the application of the Biopsychosocial Model will precipitate holistic treatment of patients/clients

m) Demonstrate the ability to provide and manage direct and indirect occupational therapy services in a cost-effective manner

n) Practise according to the ethical code and professional scope of the profession as determined by the Professional Board for Occupational Therapy and other systems

o) Co-operate as a team member within a variety of teams in all fields of practice

p) Communicate the treatment process, the outcomes of treatment and recommendations effectively and efficiently to the relevant role players.

q) Have an in-depth understanding of the philosophy of human occupation within the context of occupational therapy

r) Demonstrate skills to select, analyse, adapt and use activities to achieve treatment aims

s) Demonstrate the ability to use various clinical reasoning approaches to address human occupation problems

1).

The assessments used for the Bachelor in Occupational Therapy ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved.

1. A range of formative and summative assessments such as tests, assignments, oral and written presentations and examinations, objective structured practical evaluations (OSPE) and fieldwork placements are used.
2. The required range of modalities are used integratively to assess whether the specified outcomes are achieved.
3. The student's written and oral presentations must be of an acceptable standard in terms of use of Afrikaans or English language and the structural organisation of presentations.
4. The assessments used meet the standard and the level of achievements for NQF level 7.

2).

1. Demonstrate competence in (c, d, h, j, o, p) and a student must be able to communicate in a logical and coherent way in both written and verbal presentations.
2. The criterion to assess outcomes (g, h, I, l, q) is largely whether the information and conceptual content of the work submitted is correct and applicable in occupational therapy practice.
3. Competence in outcomes (I, k, l, n, r, s) will be demonstrated if the student shows an ability to apply theoretical knowledge in direct occupational therapy services at all levels of care by implementing occupational therapy programmes in a holistic manner.
4. The criterion to assess outcomes (b, j, m, o, p) is whether the student is able to perform indirect occupational therapy services of an acceptable standard.
5. Competence in outcomes (a, k, s) will be demonstrated if the student is able to generate solutions by applying procedural, narrative and interactive clinical reasoning strategies.
6. The criterion used to assess outcomes (b, n) is whether the student is able to conduct professional behaviour according to the ethical code within the scope of the profession and takes responsibility for practice.
7. The criterion used to assess outcome (e) is whether the student shows enthusiasm, participates in discussions and presents knowledge attained in assignments, clinical practice and tutorials/seminars.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

1. The research project constitutes the assessment of the student's use of literature, application of research principles and reporting of findings in a project.
2. The presentation of a comprehensive case study constitutes the student's application of the occupational therapy process, clinical reasoning, communication, use of resources, practical skills and critical evaluation of the treatment executed.
3. The final assessment of the student's theoretical knowledge constitutes oral and written examinations.
4. Peer evaluations demonstrate the student's ability to evaluate the value of occupational therapy treatment.