Your career

Occupational therapists work in a variety of settings across public health, non-government organizations, and private practice. Occupational therapists are in demand across the health sector and this outlook is projected to continue.

Potential employers include:

• state government departments such as health, disability, and education
• aged care providers
• hospitals
• rehabilitation services
• mental health services
• home-care services
• private practice
• pediatric services
• GP Plus health care services.

International students studying at Flinders University will be eligible to access an additional year in Australia on a post-study work visa, which means Masters graduate can get up to 3 years of PSW visa. 

Applicants must normally hold an approved degree with a GPA of no less than 5.0 or an equivalent qualification, and have either completed the Bachelor of Health Sciences (Principles of Occupational Therapy) at Flinders University or demonstrated that they have completed the following prerequisite topics:

• the equivalent of 9 units of study focused on an understanding of body structures and function, such as human biology, physiology, and anatomy, including detailed musculoskeletal anatomy with an emphasis on the upper limb
• the equivalent of 4.5 units of study focused on an understanding of the human and social environment and social perspectives in health, such as psychology and sociology
• the equivalent of 4.5 units of study of research methods
• the equivalent of 4.5 units of study in communication skills.

Please note: as well as meeting the prerequisites for entry into the Master of Occupational Therapy, international students are required to have the equivalent of the IELTS (academic module) with a minimum overall score of 7 and a minimum score of 6.5 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking).

Due to limited places available, the selection is based on meeting the above requirements and academic merit. Applicants who meet the above requirements will be considered on their best Flinders equivalent GPA of 5.0 or above achieved over a minimum of one semester of full-time equivalent study in one course.

Applicants must also provide a completed pre-requisite self-assessment form as part of the application process.

INSTRUCTIONS

Applicants must meet the following entry requirements to be eligible to apply:

Applicants must hold a Bachelor degree or equivalent qualification and have achieved a Flinders equivalent grade point
average (GPA) of credit (5.00) or above to be considered. Applicants must also have completed:

• the equivalent of 9 Flinders units (0.25 years FTE) of study focused on an understanding of body structures and a function such as human biology, physiology, and anatomy including detailed musculoskeletal anatomy with an emphasis on the upper limb; and
• the equivalent of 4.5 Flinders units (0.125 years FTE) of study focused on an understanding of the human and social environment and social perspectives in health such as psychology and sociology; and
• the equivalent of 4.5 Flinders units (0.125 years FTE) study of research methods; and
• the equivalent of 4.5 Flinders units (0.125 years FTE) of study in communication skills.

Applicants who did not achieve the minimum GPA in their completed Bachelor degree or equivalent qualification can be
considered on the GPA achieved in a graduate certificate provided they have completed a minimum one semester full-time
equivalent study in this course. In addition, applicants can also be considered on the GPA achieved in a minimum of one semester of full-time equivalent study or more undertaken in another Bachelor's degree, graduate diploma, or Masters's degree
of their choice, even if this course is not completed.

Practical experience requirements

To undertake clinical placements in SA you will require a National Police Certificate issued for the purpose of working with children and/or vulnerable groups and the following Department of Communities and Social Inclusion screenings:

• child-related employment
• aged care sector
• vulnerable person employment
• disability services employment.
• Clinical placements outside of SA may have additional clearance requirements.

You must also be immunized in accordance with the relevant State or Territory immunization standards and meet any additional private provider requirements as needed.

Masters students will need to be registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia by the University.