Occupational Therapy health course launch

A brand new Occupational Therapy degree is being launched by Southern Cross University at the Tweed Gold Coast tomorrow, Friday October 24.

The degree is being offered from the beginning of next year at SCU Lakeside, new premises located at Caloola Drive, Tweed Heads.

Southern Cross University's Occupational Therapy degree is the only one available for study between Newcastle and Brisbane, and it is anticipated the 40 places available for students will fill quickly.

Professor Iain Graham, head of the School of Health and Human Sciences, said there was a real need for occupational therapists and other allied health professionals to meet the changing health demographic of the south-east Queensland and Northern Rivers regions.

“With our knowledge and expertise, we are in the perfect position to offer training and education for the health workforce,” he said.

“There are skills shortages in occupational therapy and this degree will prepare students to find employment in this vitally important field which spans a broad base of career opportunities.

“Occupational therapy covers all areas from maintaining a healthy workforce to rehabilitating people to enable them to get back to work.

“The introduction by Southern Cross University of a new Occupational Therapy degree has received strong support from the health industry throughout the region, both north and south of the border.”

Professor Graham said the introduction of the new course was an integral part of the University’s strategy to address a shortfall in the number of allied health professionals currently working in regional and rural areas of Australia.

“Southern Cross University is committed to working in partnership with NSW North Coast and South East Queensland area health services and across health and community service organisations in the area to provide quality health practitioner education,” he said.

To coincide with OT Week, the School of Health and Human Sciences will launch the new undergraduate Occupational Therapy degree on Friday, October 24, from 1pm - 2pm (Queensland time), at the Terraces Room, Twin Towns Resort, corner of Wharf and Griffith Streets, Tweed Heads.

The launch will provide an opportunity for local schools and the local health community to find out more about the course.

Photo: Professor Iain Graham, head of the School of Health and Human Sciences, said Southern Cross University had both the knowledge and the expertise to offer training and education for the health workforce.