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Occupational Therapists are health professionals who assist people to overcome difficulties or limitations in their daily life. These difficulties may be caused through accident or injury, through disease or illness, psychological or emotional difficulties, developmental delay or the effects of ageing. These problems can be physical, cognitive, perceptual or psychological in nature. Occupational Therapists work with people from all walks of life. People of all ages. People with or without disability. People of all cultures and backgrounds. Occupational Therapists work together with people and their life situations to make decisions that are both personally meaningful and therapeutic. The Occupational Therapist’s goal is to assist each individual to reduce the difficulty they experience, to move from dependence to independence, and maximise their safety, personal productivity, well-being and quality of life.
An Occupational Therapist is a university-trained health professional. Their role is to maximise a client’s independence, safety and quality of life by minimising the impact of the client’s impairments and building on their strengths and skills. This is done by assessing and addressing the barriers raised by disease, injury, development and ageing. OTs often use education and rehabilitation to develop a person’s performance in everyday activities. This is what we refer to as ‘occupation’. Occupational Therapy is a health profession concerned with promoting the health and well-being of individuals through occupation. The term occupation refers to activities of everyday life including work, play/leisure and self-care. The primary goal of Occupational Therapy is to enable individuals to participate in occupation by enhancing their abilities or modifying the environment to better support participation. Occupational Therapists believe that participation can be supported or restricted by social, physical and legislative factors. Therefore, Occupational Therapy practice is often directed to changing aspects of the environment to enhance participation in occupation for either individuals or groups of people. Clients of Occupational Therapists are actively involved in the therapeutic process. Therefore the outcomes of Occupational Therapy are diverse, client-driven and measured by participation and or client satisfaction […]
University Studies Occupational Therapists are required to have completed approved training in order to register and practice in Western Australia. Currently the required training includes a minimum of a four-year Bachelor Degree at university; although Occupational Therapists who trained many years ago or trained overseas may also register and practice if their training is recognised and approved by the Registration Board (please refer to FAQ section: Working as an Occupational Therapist in Western Australia). Some universities also offer a two year postgraduate Occupational Therapy degree. Occupational Therapy training varies in focus at different universities. There are many Occupational Therapy Schools in universities across Australia, not including international schools and training facilities. The contact information for some of these universities is listed on the Links Page of this website. As there are various methods of entering into university studies, not only through year twelve university entrance exams (TEE/TER or other equivalent exams), we would advise you contact Admissions or Administration Office at the university you wish to attend for specific entry requirements. It is often suggested that students have a background in sciences such as biology or chemistry. This is not essential, but will prove helpful during Occupational Therapy training. For current […]
Occupational Therapists work with all age groups and in a wide range of physical and psychosocial settings. Occupational Therapists can be found working in a variety of different locations and situations, including: * Public & Private Hospitals * Mental Health Wards, Centres, Clinics and Hostels * Private Practice * Retirement & Nursing Homes * Schools * Industry * Government Departments * Vocational Rehabilition Centres * Medical Rehabilitation Centres * Community Health Centres * Home Care Services * Tertiary Education Centres * Independent Living Centres * Associations (eg. Association for the Blind, Arthritis Foundation)
Work experience in Occupational Therapy is very hard to come by, particularly due to the demands on Occupational Therapists to supervise Occupational Therapy students in fieldwork or practicals during the course of their degree. Needless to say, you may have success if you enquire of various Occupational Therapy Departments at workplaces who employ large numbers of Occupational Therapists. For a list of major hospitals and other services please refer to the Yellow Pages (www.yellowpages.com.au).
In order to practice Occupational Therapy in Western Australia you need to qualify for and maintain annual registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia. Please find details on the Allied Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) website. http://www.occupationaltherapyboard.gov.au/ Resources for finding a job, once registered include: * WA Occupational Therapy Association Website (Members Only Section includes both locum and other Occupational Therapy positions) * Newspaper Advertisements (West Australian Newspaper www.thewest.com.au) * Agencies Atlantic Health Services 200 Cambridge St, WEMBLEY, 6014 Contact: Louise Cole Ph: (08) 9388 3577 (+61 8 9388 3577) * Major Hospitals Fremantle Hospital Alma St, FREMANTLE, 6160 Contact: Reception on (08) 9431 2098 (+61 8 9431 2098) Graylands Hospital (Mental Health) Brockway Rd, MT CLAREMONT, 6010 Contact: Reception on (08) 9347 6733 (+61 8 9347 6733) Joondalup Health Campus Cnr Shenton Ave and Grand Boulevard, JOONDALUP, 6027 Contact: Reception on (08) 9400 9432 (+61 8 9400 9432) Osborne Park Hospital Osborne Place, STIRLING, 6021 Contact: Reception on (08) 9346 8198 (+61 8 9346 8198) Princess Margaret Hospital for Children Roberts Rd, SUBIACO, 6008 Contact: Reception on (08) 9340 8803 (+61 8 9340 8803) Royal Perth Hospital Wellington St, PERTH 6000 Contact: Reception on (08) 9224 2133 (+61 8 9224 […]
Prior to seeking work in Western Australia you will need to have your qualifications assessed by OTC (Occupational Therapy Council ). The website address of the organisation is www.cotrb.com.au If you wish to write to them their address is Occupational Therapy Council (Australia & New Zealand) Inc., PO Box 959, South Perth WA 6951; Ph: (08) 9368 2655; Fax: (08) 9368 2677; Email: admin@cotrb.com.au; Website: www.cotrb.com.au For other details on finding work in Western Australia please refer to How do I find work as an Occupational Therapist in Western Australia.
A person may be referred to an Occupational Therapist by many means. The most common referrals are from a doctor (GP or specialist), or other health professional, friend, relative, or direct contact from a client. Occupational Therapists are often employed in the public sector, and individuals may receive Occupational Therapy services through hospitals, community centres, clinics and the like. There are also many Occupational Therapists working in Private Practice in Western Australia. For contact details and areas of specialty of Occupational Therapists in Private Practice, please refer to the Find An OT section of this website.
Fees for Occupational Therapy vary according to the type of setting and nature of intervention. Fees may be subsidised by government centres or covered by health insurance, motor vehicle or workers’ compensation insurance. (Please note: in the public health system there is often no fee charged directly to the recipient of Occupational Therapy services).
Practising Occupational Therapists in Western Australia are required to be registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia. For full information go to the Allied Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) website. Occupational Therapists must have completed a minimum of a Bachelors Degree in Occupational Therapy at a certified training institution. Occupational Therapists are trained in many disciplines, some of which include: * Human Biology * Social & Behavioural Science * Occupational Science * Occupational Therapy Theory & Practice * Communication * Management * Research University degree courses in Occupational Therapy vary in structure nationally and internationally. Training includes both theoretical study and considerable fieldwork or practical experience with clients under the supervision of a qualified Occupational Therapist. Occupational Therapy courses are very popular and there is considerable competition for places. Postgraduate courses are also available at Masters and Doctorate levels, for people who have completed an undergraduate degree. Currently in Western Australia a four year Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy is offered at Curtin University of Technology (Bentley, WA: www.ot.curtin.edu.au) and Edith Cowan University (Joondalup, WA: www.sebhs.ecu.edu.au/occ_therapy). Please contact the Occupational Therapy Schools at each university to find out about any course information (undergraduate or postgraduate).
* The practice of Occupational Therapy in Australia is regulated and Occupational Therapists are required to be registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia. As from July 2012 registration should be completed through the Allied Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) (www.ahpra.gov.au) * Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics (available for download from the Downloads section of this website). “The ethos of the occupational therapy profession and its practice requires its members to discharge their duties and responsibilities, at all times, in a manner which professionally, ethically, and morally compromises no individual with whom they have professional conduct, irrespective of that person’s position, situation or condition in society.” * Occupational Therapy Standards of Conduct and Practice (available for download from the Downloads section of this website) * World Federation of Occupational Therapists (www.wfot.org) * In addition to the above requirements, Occupational Therapists are often governed by standards or requirements of their individual workplace/s (eg. government, schools)
* Access * Aged Care * Arthritis * Burns * Disability * Driver Training * Equipment & Aids * Ergonomics * Hand & Upper Limb Therapy * Health Promotion & Wellness * Injury Prevention & Management * Lymphodema Management (including Compression Garments) * Medico-Legal Assessment * Mental Health & Counselling * Neurology * Occupational Health & Safety * Orthopaedics * Paediatrics * Pain Management * Palliative Care * Rehabilitation * Research * Soft Tissue Therapy * Vocational Rehabilitation
The salary scale for Occupational Therapists employed in the public sector (ie. government positions with the Western Australian Health Department) are available from the Health Services Union or HSU. A new graduate commencement salary is currently 49,431.00 per annum (full-time). Salary is subject to rise in annual increments until reaching the cap of Level 4-6 HSU. Further salary increases arise with promotion to more senior positions, up to Level 9. For Occupational Therapists working in private practice there is no scale or standard rate of pay. Obviously Occupational Therapists working in this arena also need to consider the cost of Indemnity Insurance and other costs associated with running a business.
Title: Memory StrategiesLink out: Click hereDescription: This workshop will cover :- The use of information processing model of cognition to describe and understand the skills needed for memory . Encoding, storage and retrieval outlined with ideas about how to identify and manage problems at each stage. Categories / memory types described with examples of application in everyday life. Factors that impact on everybody’s effective memory with ideas to improve memory function. Assessment tools and their use and rehabilitation principles and strategies for impairments of each skill and memory category will be revisited and explored with case examples. Start Time: 17:00Date: 2012-04-03End Time: 20:00
Prospective Students Sessions: 2012 Various organisations in Western Australia that currently employ Occupational Therapists run sessions for Prospective Occupational Therapy Students (ie. people interested in OT as a career). These include: Fremantle Hospital Occupational Therapy Department – Introduction to Occupational Therapy Program for 2012 (in lieu of work experience) When Tuesday, 17th April 2012 Tuesday, 10th July 2012 Tueday, 9th October 2012 Where: OT Dept, V4 Greenslades Bldg, Fremantle Hospital Time: 1.30pm for 1 to 1½ hours Why To educate potential OT studentsof the role of OTs in general and specifically to Fremantle Hospital Nos. Limited to 15 per session Register: Ring 9431 2098 between 8.30am and 4.30pm weekdays Graylands Hospital (Mental Health) Information Sessions and Tours Contact: Astrid Howell for details Ph: (08) 9347 6670 Royal Perth Hospital Occupational Therapy Department at the following sites: Shenton Park Campus First Wednesday of each month 10-11am in February, April, June, August, October and December Contact: Susan Crabtree for details Ph: (08) 9382 7315 Wellington Street Campus First Tuesday of each month 9-10am 6th March, 1st May, 3rd July, 4th September and 6th November Contact: Julia Begley for details Ph: (08) 9224 2133 Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Occupational Therapy Department (OT “G” […]
Title: Electronic Technology WorkshopLocation: St Catherine’s College – NedlandsLink out: Click hereDescription: This workshop will look at the evidence available in a number of technological areas. Computer software is often marketed to improve cognitive skills however is this reflected in available evidence? We look at how Smartphones can be incorporated into rehabilitation, as well as other electronic devices to facilitate independence. The availability of environmental controls to overcome motor impairment will be explored and finally, the hype around the use of game consoles within rehabilitation will be considered. The workshop aims to equip its participants with an understanding of the evidence currently available on electronic technologies and how best to incorporate them into practice.Start Time: 13:00Date: 2012-10-25
Title: PRPP – One day introductionLocation: St Catherines College, Nedlands, WA 6009Link out: Click hereDescription: We are now pleased to advise that Gill Smith and Paula Buttigieg will present a one day introduction course on PRPP. This one day course will give you the skills to understand the theory and descriptors behind the tool and start to apply it with clients. Attendees will then be able to attend the full 5 day assessment course which we will run in coming months. Start Time: 08:30Date: 2013-02-20End Time: 17:00
Title: Home Visiting ComplexLocation: St Catherines College, Nedlands, WA, 6009Link out: Click hereDescription: The two day complex course will include complex bathrooms for conceptual designs, major ramps and lift considerations and kitchen design. Participants can attend the two day complex course only if the basic course has already been completed or they have 4 or more years experience within this clinical area.Start Date: 2013-03-14Start Time: 08:30End Date: 2013-03-15End Time: 17:00
Title: Hand and Upper Limb WorkshopLocation: Curtin UniversityLink out: Click hereDescription: This half day workshop is planned the day after the conference on Saturday 27th October. It will include a basic upper limb anatomy review, education on common hand and wrist conditions followed by demonstration of a resting splint and pattern. There will be an opportunity for participants to fabricate a resting splint. Information regarding compression garments will be covered with practical advice on garment types, fitting, repair and compliance issues. Telehealth services for therapists will also be addressed on the day. Materials for splinting are included in the cost for this course. This half day workshop will host guest speakers working within the area and will be facilitated by Claire Good. Start Time: 08:30Date: 2012-10-27End Time: 13:00
Title: Mindfulness and ConnectionLocation: St Catherine’s College – NedlandsLink out: Click hereDescription: Most models of therapy are now recognising the value of Mindfulness and the need for part of the self to observe and be curious about our responses and beliefs and not just to be lost in the experience. The workshop will draw on what is Mindfulness, both for the therapist and for the client and why it makes our work more effective. As part of this exploration, participants will practice using the tools of mindfulness to study Character (our protective, supportive defences) that are imprinted in the body and in the neurophysiology. They influence us in the way we ” show up” with our clients and they also show us what is limiting our clients/patients optimal functioning. What you can expect: •To experientially learn skills that you can immediately integrate into your practice. •Applying the use of Mindfulness based body-°©centred information in your therapy. •The value of “loving presence” in the therapeutic relationship. •The opportunity to deepen your own self awareness and explore the impact of your own therapeutic style. •Recognising the limiting patterns of character styles and developing sensitivity to more difficult clients. Start Time: 9:00Date: 2013-01-22End […]
Title: Bobath CourseLocation: TBALink out: Click hereDescription: The Bobath concept is a problem-solving approach to the assessment and treatment of individuals with disturbances of function, movement and postural control due to a lesion of the central nervous system (IBITA 1996, Panturin 2001, Brock et al 2002, Raine 2006). This approach to the rehabilitation of adults with central nervous system pathology originated in the work of Berta and Karel Bobath and has evolved over more than 50 years. The rationale for current practice is based partly upon present-day knowledge of motor control, motor learning, neural and muscle plasticity, and biomechanics. It is also based upon the experience of expert clinicians and takes client needs and expectations into account (Sackett 2000). Shauna Picard, a tutor from the International Bobath Instructors Training Association (IBITA) will be providing a 2 day “what is normal movement” course for Occupational Therapists working with adults who have neurological deficits. Start Date: 2013-04-19End Date: 2013-04-20
Title: Motivational Interviewing TrainingLocation: St Catherines College, Nedlands, WA.Link out: Click hereDescription: Motivational Interviewing is a technique that is used wherever a person’s behaviours need to change as part of the treatment process. It can be defined as a directive, client-centred approach for eliciting behaviour change by helping clients to explore and resolve ambivalence. It is inappropriate to think of motivational interviewing as a technique or set of techniques that are applied to or (worse) “used on” people. Rather, it is an interpersonal style, not at all restricted to formal counselling settings. It is a subtle balance of directive and client-centred components, shaped by an understanding of what triggers change in a person. The Motivational Interviewing workshop covers: Motivation, Motivational Approaches, Efficacy of Brief Interventions, Ambivalence, Principles of Motivational Interviewing, Applying the Principles, Building Motivation for Change, Strengthening Commitment and Session Content and Management. Participants can expect to gain an understanding of Motivational Interviewing and practical skills that can immediately be applied in their day-to-day interactions with patients and clients. Start Date: 2013-08-16End Date: 2013-08.16
Title: Fitness to Drive ForumLocation: St Catherines College, Nedlands, WA.Link out: Click hereDescription: This one day forum is targeted at Occupational Therapists working with clients who are looking to return or begin driving following a medical event or with a disability. The forum will focus on current issues for Occupational Therapists within the area and discuss some of the medical conditions which may affect a person’s ability to drive safely and legally. The Forum will host guest speakers from the Department of Transport and other speakers working in specialty roles within the area. The forum also provides an opportunity to network with other therapists dealing with similar clinical issues.Date: 2013-08-23
Title: PRPP – Half day refresher course.Location: St Catherines College, Nedlands, WA.Link out: Click hereDescription: This is a newly designed course and will involve a revision of PRPP system of task analysis focusing on stage 2 descriptors; discussion on use of the PRPP system with good and bad experiences; sharing resources on stage 1 task analysis and how best to share and report PRPP results. Registrants will need to have attended the 5 day assessment +/- intervention course previously to be eligible to attend this course. Date: 2013-09-13
Title: Hand and Upper Limb CourseLocation: Curtin UniversityLink out: Click hereDescription: This interactive and practical full day workshop will provide a theoretical basis for your clinical reasoning when working with patients with hand and upper limb conditions. The workshop is aimed at new graduates, rural therapists, those interested in hand therapy, and therapists new to the field. The programme for the day includes an anatomy refresher, review of healing timeframes and assessments that determine our intervention, discussion of common upper limb conditions, and a practical splinting workshop, including the opportunity to fabricate a splint. Coordinated by Yvette Robert, this workshop will be presented by experienced Occupational Therapists working in hand and upper limb. Start Time: 9:00Date: 2013-10-05End Time: 16:00
Title: How to Start and Market your businessLocation: St Catherines College, Nedlands, WA.Link out: Click hereDescription: This exciting workshop is being co-ordinated by The Small Business Development Corporation and includes three, 2 hour workshops and a panel discussion with experienced private practice OT’s. Each 2 hourly workshop will give you skills in different areas essential in being able to run or work in your own business. Biz Basics, The 12 Step Business Plan and Marketing your Business. Full details of each workshop can be found under the CPD link. Start Time: 8:30Date: 2013-11-16End Time: 17:00
Title: Home Modifications – BasicLocation: St Catherine College – NedlandsLink out: Click hereDescription: The two day basic workshop is specifically targeted to therapists new to the area and will include: Theories behind practice, anthropometrical measurement for design, basic grab rail and handrail installation, step design and minor ramping, basic bathroom modifications, the role of the building code for design purposes and terminology and documentation.Start Date: 2014-03-24Start Time: 08:30End Date: 2014-03-25End Time: 17:00
Title: Home Modifications – Complex Location: St Catherines College, Nedlands, WA. Link out: Click here Description: The two day complex course will include complex bathrooms for conceptual designs, major ramps and lift considerations and kitchen design. Participants can attend the two day complex course only if the basic course has already been completed or they have 4 or more years experience within this clinical area. Start Date: 2014-03-27 Start Time: 08:30 End Date: 2014-03-28 End Time: 17:00
Title: Advanced Soft Tissue CourseLocation: St Catherines College, Nedlands, WA 6009Link out: Click hereDescription: This practical and interactive full day course will cover more advanced elements of soft tissue occupational therapy practice. The course will look at advanced assessments, diagnostic tools, conditions and treatment principles. There is a strong focus on integrating theory with practical application in this course, with participants learning hands-on treatment skills. It is aimed at new graduates, final year undergraduate, MOT students and those therapists in areas of practice wishing to learn skills for working in the field of soft tissue Occupational Therapy. Prior completion of the Introductory Soft Tissue Curse is preferred. Start Time: 8:30Date: 2014-04-12End Time: 17:00
Title: Update your AnatomyLocation: TBALink out: Click hereDescription: ANATOMY UPDATE – WEDNESDAY JULY 16TH In response to members requests regarding an update on anatomy. Terri Duval will be presenting this course to aid in a quick brush up on your anatomy theoretical skills. Feeling like you have forgotten those basic terms and really need to be upskilled in this area then this is the course for you. Start Time: 8:30Date: 2014-07-16End Time: 12:30
Title: Handwriting – Getting it WriteLocation: St Catherines College, Nedlands, WA 6009Link out: Click hereDescription: This 2-day workshop investigates elements of handwriting, drawing and tool usage for kindergarten and primary school children. Handwriting difficulties are one of the primary reasons for a referral to an occupational therapist. Handwriting is also one of the most complex tasks in which children engage. It requires skills in the areas of cognition, visuo-spatial, language fine motor and kinaesthetic development. Research has indicated that children who can write well perform at a higher level academically. There has also been correlation in the literature with regard to proficient handwriting and children’s performance in the areas of increased concentration, improved self-confidence and self-esteem, as well as the ability for children to express themselves creatively.Start Date: 2014-10-03Start Time: 9:00End Date: 2014-10-04End Time: 17:00
Title: Hand and Upper Limb WorkshopLocation: Curtin UniversityLink out: Click hereDescription: This interactive and practical full day workshop will provide a theoretical basis for your clinical reasoning when working with patients with hand and upper limb conditions. The workshop is aimed at new graduates, rural therapists, those interested in hand therapy, and therapists new to the field. The programme for the day includes an anatomy refresher, review of healing timeframes and assessments that determine our intervention, discussion of common upper limb conditions, and a practical splinting workshop, including the opportunity to fabricate a splint. Coordinated by Yvette Robert, this workshop will be presented by experienced Occupational Therapists working in hand and upper limb. Start Time: 09:00Date: 2014-11-29End Time: 16:00
Title: Home Modifications – BasicLocation: St Catherines College, Nedlands, WA 6009Link out: Click hereDescription: The two day basic workshop is specifically targeted to therapists new to the area and will include: Theories behind practice, anthropometrical measurement for design, basic grab rail and handrail installation, step design and minor ramping, basic bathroom modifications, the role of the building code for design purposes and terminology and documentation.Start Date: 2015-03-23Start Time: 08:45End Date: 2015-03-24End Time: 16:00
Title: Home Modifications – ComplexLocation: St Catherines College, Nedlands, WA 6009Link out: Click hereDescription: The two day complex course will include complex bathrooms for conceptual designs, major ramps and lift considerations and kitchen design. Participants can attend the two day complex course only if the basic course has already been completed or they have 4 or more years experience within this clinical area. All requests to participate in this course will be considered on an individual basis if the above qualifications have not previously been met.Start Date: 2015-03-26Start Time: 08:45End Date: 2015-03-27End Time: 16:00
