Topic:

Introduction

Occupational therapists help people who are ill, injured, or disabled to live a better life, overcome barriers and carry out daily activities independently. According to the website, Seek, the annual salary for occupational therapists in Australia were mostly advertised between AU$75,000 and AU$90,000. Moreover, there are over 8,000 jobs available related to Occupational Therapy, which indicates a good chance of employment after graduation.

Why study Occupational Therapy in Australia?

  1. Job Growth 

The healthcare and social assistance industry is regarded as one of the largest and most important industries in Australia. According to Job Outlook, there were 22,700 occupational therapists in 2020 and this number is likely to reach 26,600 by 2025, an increase of 17% over 5 years.  

  1. Career Satisfaction 

According to Seek website’s survey, the job satisfaction of occupational therapists was rated 4.4 out of 5.0 (a score above 4 is regarded as a job with high rate of satisfaction).  

  1. High Salary Rate 

According to Job Outlook, full-time occupational therapists earn approximately AU$1,569 per week, or AU$81,500 per year.  

  1. Post-Study Work Visa

After completing Occupational Therapy studies, students will be eligible for a 2-8-year Post-study Work Visa. Graduates can utilise these visa opportunities to get more work experience. This will allow students to prepare for their future migration options. 

Career outcomes after graduation

You can become an Occupational Therapist in a range of health settings including: 

  • Public/private hospitals 
  • Injury prevention and rehabilitation services 
  • Mental health services
  • Aged care facilities 
  • Public/Private Schools 
  • Government/Non-government departments

Course Options

  • Bachelor of Occupational Therapy – 4 years 
  • Master of Occupational Therapy – 2-3 years 

Entry Requirements

  • For the Bachelor’s course, normally applicants are required to have completed Year 12 or equivalent and attained IELTS 7.0 
  • For the Master’s course, normally applicants are required to have completed a Bachelor’s degree and attained IELTS 7.0  

Prerequisite

Prerequisite units such as Anatomy, Physiology, and Social Sciences might be required for entry into the Master’s course.  

What units might you study for your Occupational Therapy degree in Australia?

  • Anatomy 
  • Physiology 
  • Psychology 
  • Sociology 
  • Human Development
  • Occupational Therapy 
  • Health Research 

Placement

1,000 hours of practical placement in hospitals, schools or healthcare organisations is included in the Occupational Therapy program in Australia. This means you will get real-world work experience as part of your course. 

Professional Accreditation

For most universities in Australia, their occupational therapy degrees are accredited by the OTC (Occupational Therapy Council). Students will be eligible to register as an occupational therapist if they successfully complete their studies at an accredited school and meet the English requirements required by the OTC.

Expected salary as an Occupational Therapist in Australia

The medium base annual salary for an occupational therapist is AU$82,422.  

(Statistics from Indeed.com)

School Recommendations

Bachelor’s Level 

Master’s Level 

Interested in studying Occupational Therapy in Australia?

Contact SOL Edu today for free counselling, and a free application process! 

FAQs

Is occupational therapy a good career in Australia?

With over 8,000 available jobs in Australia and the demand growing every year, occupational therapy is a lucrative and fulfilling career.

If you’re interested in learning how to become an occupational therapist in Australia, Sol Edu can help you study for migration. We also offer a wide range of migration services for a smooth and easy move.

What qualifications do you need to be an occupational therapist in Australia?

If you’re looking to study occupational therapy in Australia,  education institutions require you to have at least completed a year 12 or equivalent diploma to undertake a bachelor course in Occupational Therapy. If you wish to study a masters degree, you are required to have completed a bachelor’s degree and attained IELTS 7.0.

How much does it cost to become an occupational therapist in Australia?

A bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy can cost around $15,000 to $33,000 per year. A master’s degree can range from $14,000 to $37,000 per year, depending on the University.

Are you wondering how to become an occupational therapist in Australia? Soledu can assist you in getting into a University for your chosen course and set you on the path to becoming an occupational therapist.

Are OTs in demand in Australia?

With over 8,000 available jobs related to occupational therapy and the healthcare industry continuing to grow, the need for talented therapists is great in Australia.

Is occupational therapy hard?

On the job, you must continuously adapt to new technology, evolving therapies and an ever-changing caseload of patients. Occupational therapy is both a challenging and rewarding career at the same time.

How can I practice occupational therapy in Australia?

To be a practising occupational therapist in Australia, you must be registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia and meet the Board’s registration standards. If you are an occupational therapist wanting to immigrate to Australia, our team of immigration experts can help you. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your visa options.

Do occupational therapists get paid well in Australia?

Yes, with an annual salary that can range from $75,000 to $90,000, occupational therapy is a very lucrative career path.