Australian Occupational Therapy Schools

Monash University Occupational Therapy School in Australia

Program Overview - Master of Occupational Therapy Practice


University and Faculty:	Monash University Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Program:	Master of Occupational Therapy Practice
University Location:	Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
City Population:	35,000
Student Population:	3,500
Campus Location:	Peninsula Campus (approx. 40 km southeast of Melbourne)
Program Duration:	2 calendar years
Semester Intake:	July each year
Next Intake:	July 2018
Est. Indicative Annual Tuition:	$42,000 AUD (2018)
Est. Indicative Total Tuition:	$84,000 AUD (based on 2018 fees)

This two-year, accelerated learning program will enable students with a first degree other than occupational therapy, but in a related field to obtain a professional, entry-level qualification at a postgraduate level of study, to practice as an occupational therapist.

The Master in Occupational Therapy Practice at Monash University will require full-time enrollment over two years from July to May (mid-year intake). It will operate over 72 weeks and include 1000 hours of fieldwork education commensurate with World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) Minimum Standards for the Education of Occupational Therapists (2002).

The course is an integrated curriculum centred on Scenario-Based Learning (SBL). The two years of the SBL curriculum will be organised into the following units:

Foundations of Occupational Therapy
Humans as Occupational Beings
Occupational Performance
Enabling Change in Human Occupation
Transition to Practice and Advanced Professional Practice

Students complete an extensive practice-based project. Higher achieving students are eligible to complete this as research to the equivalent of honours standard to be eligible to apply for a research master or PhD program on completion.

Unique Features of the Program

The occupational therapy curriculum taught at Monash uses a combination of traditional and scenario-based learning methods and teaching techniques and incorporates knowledge from the disciplines of occupational science as well as the biomedical, behavioural and social sciences.

Professional Certification/Accreditation Information

Graduate qualifications in occupational therapy from Australian universities are recognized internationally. Monash University's Master of Occupational Therapy Practice program is approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT).

Canadian students who wish to practice as an occupational therapist upon their return to Canada, should visit the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists website for accreditation and certification information: http://www.caot.ca/

Admissions Criteria/Entry Requirements for Canadians

Successful completion of a bachelor degree in health, education, social, physical or biological sciences (or subsequent postgraduate study and/or relevant work experience). Applicants must have obtained a GPA of at least 65% credit average in their most recently completed university undergraduate degree.

If students do not have a background in health, education, biomedical, sociological and/or psychological studies, prospective students must complete one of the following or equivalent prior to the commencement of the course:

Study BMA1901 Human Structure and Function as a single unit enrollment at Monash.
Complete a Human Biology short course via distance education at Monash or equivalent.

Applications should include the following:

Curriculum Vitae - This should be brief and contain information regarding your recent employment history including positions held; responsibilities in these positions; employers; professional affiliations; relevant conference presentations, publications and community involvement; and any letters of commendation.

Personal Statement - This statement should be no longer than one page and should outline your reasons for applying for this course and what you hope to gain from it. It should include a brief statement concerning your suitability for studying in an adult learning program.

Knowledge of the work of Occupational Therapists - Applicants are required to provide a statement showing evidence of knowledge of the work of occupational therapists, for example, the roles they undertake. This may include documented work experience with occupational therapists or a report of your understanding of the work of occupational therapists from sources such as personal communication (for example, from occupational therapists or users of occupational therapy services), textbooks, websites. All sources should be referenced.

Confidential Referees - Two confidential referee contact details who can comment on the applicant's personal characteristics and/or academic ability. One referee contact from an occupational therapist or other health professional is advised, but not essential.

Number of Places Available for International Students: up to 10

Application Deadline: October 30 (for students who have already graduated). For students still currently enrolled but who will be completed before January, the application deadline is January 30.