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Celebrating Occupational Therapy Week at Southern Cross University

A group of students and an academic outside a University building

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Published
21 October 2024

If you thought Occupational Therapists were a kind of specialised safety officer at work, think again. To celebrate this year's Occupational Therapy week from 21-27 October, Southern Cross OT academics and students share insights into this expanding profession.

Occupational Therapy (OT) is a specialised health discipline that empowers individuals to overcome barriers and engage in meaningful activities, whether at home, work, or in their communities.

Occupational Therapists work with people who have physical, sensory, cognitive, or mental health challenges that impact their ability to perform everyday tasks.

When Occupational Therapists talk about occupations, they don’t mean just jobs (although it can also mean that). They might mean helping to develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and working such as self-care, household tasks, leisure or social interaction – all the things that make life meaningful and satisfying.

There is a strong demand for occupational therapists nationally. According to Occupational Therapy Australia, demand for graduates currently outstrips supply, and graduate employment rates are close to 95 per cent at Southern Cross University. (ComparED, Rehabilitation 2024).

This year for Occupational Therapy Week, four OT students at Southern Cross University Coffs Harbour are sharing their experiences of professional placement.

Student Lara Enersen completed her placement at the on-campus student clinic and said it deepened her passion for OT.

“During my placement, I further explored my passion for working with older adults with neurological conditions, including those with traumatic brain injury and Parkinson’s disease. I supported their journey toward independence by recommending home modifications and implementing cognitive therapy strategies,” she said.

Three students measure a sitting position in a laboratory
"It was incredibly rewarding to have clients recognise the value of my work, whether it was recommending equipment and home modifications or providing education to support their independence," said OT student Sophie.

Jorja Darling also completed her placement in the student clinic.

“The integration of theory with real-world practice, guided by our experienced supervisor, has empowered me to enhance clients’ independence and well-being, leading to meaningful changes in their daily lives. Witnessing the tangible impact of occupational therapy has been immensely satisfying,” she said.

Students also have the opportunity to attend placements in the community. Sophie Chen completed her practicum in adult community and aged care.

“I had the opportunity to build trust with clients through initial and follow-up home visits to better support them maintaining independence while facing various health challenges. It was incredibly rewarding to have clients recognise the value of my work, whether it was recommending equipment and home modifications or providing education to support their independence,” Sophie said.

Marion Campbell said her placement confirmed the choice of a career in OT.

“Being able to visit people in their own environments and help implement changes that truly improve their daily lives has been incredibly rewarding. It's been a privilege to make a meaningful, positive impact and I’m excited for the future.”

Occupational therapy is a degree-based health profession and practitioners must be registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (OTBA) to practise in Australia.

Southern Cross University offers a four-year Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at the Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour campuses.

Media contact

content@scu.edu.au