Question 1

How is occupational therapy different to physiotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Occupational therapists focus on the physical, social, psychological and environmental issues that prevent someone from performing daily tasks, while physiotherapists focus more on physical movement and exercise. There is some overlap between the two, and the treatment offered by both professionals is also dependent on the individual therapist’s ongoing education and training. Occupational therapists and physiotherapists also often work collaboratively in rehabilitation settings.

Question 2

What ATAR do you need for occupational therapy?

Accepted Answer

You will be able to get into an OT course with an ATAR between 60 and 92—but there are alternative pathways.

If your Year 12 results don’t quite go to plan, don’t panic. You can get into a health science course online through us by enrolling in undergraduate health subjects that don’t have any entry requirements.

Once you successfully complete these subjects, you’ll be able to transition into a Bachelor of Health Science or equivalent course. From there, you should satisfy the requirements to enrol in a Master of Occupational Therapy with the uni of your choice.

Give our student advisors a call to find out more about how this works.

Question 3

How long does it take to become an occupational therapist?

Accepted Answer

If you enrol directly in a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, it will take at least four years of full-time study to complete your course and the required industry placements. You will then be able to register as an occupational therapist.

If you decide to study a generalist health science degree before completing a Master of Occupational Therapy, it will take you a minimum of three years to earn your undergraduate degree and then two years to earn your postgraduate degree.

Those who study health science online through Open Universities Australia can complete their course at a pace of their choosing.

Question 4

Can you study occupational therapy online?

Accepted Answer

Occupational therapy courses require students to complete at least 1,000 hours of industry placements and clinical fieldwork. That’s why you won’t find any occupational therapy qualifications available online through Open Universities Australia.

However, you can study your initial health degree online before you specialise in occupational therapy. You can also study postgraduate health courses that focus on enhancing your knowledge of clinical practices online. Explore the options on this page to see what’s available.

Question 5

How do I know if I’m eligible to apply for a course?

Accepted Answer

Before starting an enrolment, it’s important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you’re eligible to apply. If you don’t quite meet the requirements, we may be able to help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study.

Chat with us to find out more.

Question 6

How do I enrol?

Accepted Answer

Unlike when you study through a traditional university, you can enrol you in most of the undergraduate subjects available through our website instantly. Enrol in the subjects you’re interested in, and as soon as your study materials arrive, you can start learning online.

As you start completing your subjects, you’ll eventually need to apply to your uni to formally enter your degree. Enrolling in subjects is a great way of becoming eligible and applying successfully. Check out the Registering in this degree section on the degree page you're interested in for more information.

Postgraduate subjects are different. Most of them are restricted, meaning you’ll have to apply for entry and be accepted before you can start studying online. You’ll find information about the application process on the postgraduate degree page that you’re interested in.

Enrolling is easy. You can enrol online or over the phone with a student advisor.

Question 7

Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?

Accepted Answer

There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.

You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a degree, we’ll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We’ll introduce you to flexible study options you didn’t even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.
You’ll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you’ll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you’ll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.
We’ll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.

Occupational therapy courses

Introduction to Occupational therapy