Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy)
Allied Health
A course by
AUT
Prepare for a career as an occupational therapist with AUT's Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy), equipping you to promote health and wellbeing for individuals, groups, and communities through hands-on learning and clinical practice.
Online study
Flexible online learning from anywhere
Available in 2 locations
It will take a total of 3 years
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Become a qualified occupational therapist
Graduates meet requirements to register as occupational therapists in New Zealand and many other countries.
Support participation in meaningful daily activities
Learn to assess and assist people to participate fully in learning, communication, mobility, self-care, domestic, social, and work life.
Apply occupational therapy intervention strategies
Design, adapt, and evaluate interventions tailored to individual, group, and community needs.
What You're Signing Up For
The Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy) at AUT develops graduates to become occupational therapists, helping people of all ages improve their participation in daily life activities. The degree provides a mix of classroom learning and over 1,000 hours of clinical fieldwork, including placements in hospitals, community services, and other health settings. Students gain foundational knowledge in human health, occupational therapy theory and practice, professional reasoning, and systems change to enable occupational justice and participation.
Course Content
- Lifespan Development and Communication
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Knowledge, Enquiry and Communication
- Health and Environment or Hauora Māori
- Experiencing Occupation
- Occupational Therapy Practicum I, II, III
- Personal and Environmental Factors in Occupation
- Methods of Research and Enquiry
- Enabling Occupation: Cognitive, Affective, Physical, and Group Performance
- Creating Enabling Environments
- Evidence and Practice
- Professional Practice and Ethics (elective option)
- Health Coaching (elective option)
- Promoting Occupational Justice and Participation
- Preparation for Occupational Therapy Practice
- Fieldwork placements in diverse health and community settings
What you need to know first
University Entrance or equivalent
Capable of meeting Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (HPCA Act) and Children’s Act 2014 requirements (including police clearance)
IELTS (Academic) 7.0 overall with all bands 6.5 or higher if English is not your first language or if you have not completed at least three years of secondary education in New Zealand
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Health
Allied Health
Occupational Therapy
Future employment opportunities might be
Occupational Therapist (public and private sector)
Community development roles
Research in health settings
Schools and education settings
Primary Health Organisations (PHOs)
Health and hospitals
Rehabilitation and ACC
Residential care facilities
Coming Soon: Nexties Explorer
Our AI-powered Explorer is almost ready. Soon, you’ll be able to build a dynamic profile of your skills, goals, and strengths, and get a curated selection of courses just for you.
More details