Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Otago Polytechnic

Subject area

Occupational Therapy

Qualification

Check out Fees Free to see whether you are eligible for a year of fees-free study or two years industry training. Contact your provider to confirm your study options meet the criteria.

Entry requirements

Academic qualifications
NCEA Level 3
Three subjects - at Level 3 or above, made up of: 14 credits each, in three approved subjects

Literacy - 10 credits at Level 2 or above made up of: 5 credits in reading 5 credits in writing

Numeracy - 10 credits at Level 1 or above, made up of: achievement standards - specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects, or unit standards - package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627- all three required).

OR A qualification at Level 4 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) equalling 60 credits or more completed within one year. This may be achieved through successful completion of a pre-entry programme such as the Certificate in Health at Otago Polytechnic; completion of pre-entry qualifications does not guarantee automatic entry into this programme.*

OR Successful completion of courses equating to 50% of first year student workload completed within one year.

* Applicants who do not meet this entry criterion may be given provisional entry to year one at the discretion of the Head of School.

Additional criteria
An elementary understanding of occupational therapy practice in Aotearoa/New Zealand, gained through observation or contact with occupational therapists in practice, attending seminars or open days, and/or reading about occupational therapy. A satisfactory level of physical and emotional health as certified by a general practitioner. A recommendation for suitability from two nominated referees (confidential). All applicants who are accepted must obtain a First Aid Certificate, make a health declaration, provide immunisation status and complete the requirements of the Vulnerable Children's Act 2014 (including police vetting).

International Students
In addition to meeting the entry criteria outlined as above, the following criterion also applies: Competency in English for students whose background is non-English speaking is evidenced by an IELTS overall band score (Academic) of 6.5 with a minimum score of 6.5 in each band, or equivalent, from one test taken in the preceding two years.

About the course

What can I expect out of this qualification?

The core aim of the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy programme is to graduate ākonga who fulfil the requirements for registration as an occupational therapist in Aotearoa New Zealand and can competently and confidently support people and whānau to have a life they value through active participation in occupation and inclusion in society.