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Bachelor of
Allied Health (Occupational Therapy)

Book a chat

How to apply

Enquire now

Entry requirements

Key information

VIEWING DOMESTIC

VIEWING INTERNATIONAL

Guaranteed Entry ATAR*

N/A

No ATAR?

Speak to us about alternate entry options

STAT

N/A

GPA

N/A

TAFE/VET

N/A

Pathway options

Foundation Studies

Prerequisites 

None

Duration 

4 years full-time

Start dates

March

Annual fees

$9,314 Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available.

About these fees.

Assumed
knowledge

None

Practical
experience  

Available

Study abroad

Not Available

Delivery mode

In person
(Port Pirie, Renmark, Mount Gambier)

SATAC**

245061 (Port Pirie)
245071 (Riverland)
244991 (Mt Gambier)

*Rural background applicants prioritised.
 

**This course is available to study at Mt. Gambier, Port Pirie or Renmark. Please choose the relevant SATAC code when applying. Alternatively, learn more about studying occupational therapy in Adelaide.

Overview
 
Overview Careers Program of study Student support Get inspired
 

How to apply

This course is not available to International students.

Continue to explore course options at Flinders University.

Looking for a hands-on health career that’s different every day?

Develop the skills to become a registered occupational therapist, ready to work across public and private healthcare. With a strong rural and remote focus, you can study close to home while gaining industry-led, practical experience and learning culturally responsive care, particularly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Step into the growing field of occupational therapy.

A Bachelor of Allied Health (Occupational Therapy) opens the door to a wide variety of meaningful careers. You'll gain the knowledge and skills to support people of all ages to live independently and participate in everyday activities. With your degree, you could work in hospitals, schools, community organisations, or private practice, helping individuals achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.

Salary

$98K

typical salary in Australia

Job opportunities

4,500

in Australia, 2025

Occupational Therapy

Supports people of all ages to build independence and participate fully in daily life. Occupational therapists work to improve skills in self-care, work, study, and leisure, and provide strategies or equipment to help individuals reach their goals and enhance overall wellbeing.

Show less add

Researcher

Conducts studies and analyses data to advance knowledge in occupational therapy. This role often leads to academic, clinical, or community-based research positions.

Policy advisor

Contributes to the development of policies and programs that shape healthcare, disability, and community services, advocating for improved access and participation.

Manager

Leads teams and services within healthcare, community, or disability settings, ensuring effective and person-centred support. This role can progress to senior leadership or management positions.

Project officer

Designs, coordinates, and delivers projects within healthcare, disability, or community organisations. This role focuses on improving services, implementing new programs, and supporting positive outcomes for clients and communities.

With further postgraduate study and work experience, careers could include:

  • Clinical specialist
  • Academic lecturer
  • Health services manager
  • Advanced practice occupational therapist
  • Research director
  • Policy development leader
  • Consultant
  • Rehabilitation director

What will you study to start your career in occupational therapy?

Learn from experienced academics and industry practitioners in small, supportive classes. Gain hands-on experience through professional placements, including regional opportunities, in a degree developed in partnership with local communities, health networks, service providers, and accrediting bodies.

  1. Year 1
  2. Year 2
  3. Year 3
  4. Year 4

In your first year, all Bachelor of Allied Health students complete core topics and an observational placement covering health science, communication, research, Indigenous health, and interprofessional practice.

Year 1 - Core topics

Your first year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.

  • Human bioscience
  • Therapeutic Communication
  • Research and study skills
  • Introduction to allied health and interprofessional practice
  • Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
  • Care and rehabilitation across the lifespan
  • Australian health and social care

In your second year, you’ll study rural health, anatomy, biomechanics, occupational therapy, neuroscience, and social and psychological aspects of health.

Year 2 - Core topics

Your second year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.

  • Rural health and evidence based practice
  • Anatomy and physiology for therapists
  • Social and psychological aspects of health and wellbeing
  • Clinical musculoskeletal anatomy and biomechanics
  • Introduction to occupational therapy practice
  • Occupational science
  • Neuroscience for therapists

In your third year, you’ll study core topics and complete placements in rehabilitation, community, ageing, mental health, paediatrics, and health promotion.

Year 3 - Core topics

Your third year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.

  • Applied evidence based practice
  • Rehabilitation
  • Community engagement and communication
  • Ageing
  • Health promotion and interprofessional leadership
  • Placement
  • Mental health
  • Paediatric practice

In your fourth year, you’ll complete placements and study neurorehabilitation, advanced skills, transition to practice, and an industry project.

Year 4 - Core topics

Your fourth year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.

  • Neurorehabilitation
  • Occupational therapy placement
  • Advanced occupational therapy skills
  • Transition to practice
  • Industry project

A Bachelor of Allied Health (Occupational Therapy) offers flexible step-in step-out options, allowing you to study for 1, 2, 3 or 4 years with different career opportunities at each stage.

Completing the full 4-year program provides eligibility to work as an occupational therapist. Exiting after 1 year leads to a higher education diploma, after 2 years an associate degree, and after 3 years a non-accredited degree.

Accreditation or Professional Recognition

This degree is accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council of Australia Ltd (OTC) and approved by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (OTBA). Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as an occupational therapist with the OTBA. The program is also approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.

No.1 in Australia
in Health Services & Support for full-time employment, learner engagement and skills development

The Good Universities Guide 2025 (undergraduate), public SA-founded universities only

Ranked in the top 2%
of the universities in the world

The World University Rankings 2024 as a percentage of the total number of universities in the world according to the International Association of Universities

Five stars
in Health Services & Support for full-time employment, learner engagement and student support

The Good Universities Guide 2024 (undergraduate)

Discover South Australia.

Where world-class education meets laid-back coastal living. With pristine beaches, acclaimed wineries, and vibrant festivals at your doorstep, South Australia offers an unmatched student experience.

Discover South Australia

Photo credit: SATC

Get inspired.

Discover more about Flinders University’s Bachelor of Allied Health (Occupational Therapy)

Study allied health in Renmark

Learn about the course with Dr Amy Mendham and students Emma and Chris.

A career in occupational therapy

OT alumnus and team leader at MPOT, Jack Poole shares what he loves about his career.

“I chose occupational therapy because it's such a diverse career and you get to make a lasting impact on people's lives”

Mia Kleinig

Bachelor of Allied Health (Occupational Therapy)

“Studying regionally means I can stay connected to my community while gaining the skills to make a real difference in rural health care”

Maddison Briggs

Bachelor of Allied Health (Occupational Therapy)

“Occupational therapy is so broad - that's what I love about it. No two days are the same, and you're always helping someone improve their quality of life'

Montana Briggs

Bachelor of Allied Health (Occupational Therapy)

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Adelaide has many accommodation options for international students. You can choose to live on campus, at our city accommodation provider The Switch, or in rental accommodation. 

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Scholarships.

Flinders University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships to support international students pursue their educational and career goals.

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Let’s get started on your Flinders’ experience.

We know not everyone begins uni the same way, so we offer a variety of pathways into Flinders.
Use the dropdown to tell us a bit about you.

Alternative pathways 

UniTEST

If you’re in Year 12, taking the free uniTEST can help boost your chances of getting into Flinders.

More information

Research Project B Pathway

Strong results in your Research Project B subject along with your Year 12 results can be considered for entry.

More information

Year 12 Grades Entry

By using three of your best Year 12 grades, you can also gain a place in your course of choice.

More information

School Recommendation Program

Your school’s recommendation about your academic performance may be considered as part of your admission.

More information

If you started uni but didn't finish, you may be able to gain entry into Flinders with a higher education transfer.

Higher education transfer 

If you’re studying at another university, you may be able to transfer to Flinders based on your Yr 12 results, current GPA or other factors.

More information

If you've had TAFE or VET training, you may be able to continue your study with Flinders.

TAFElink 

Even if you didn’t finish high school (Year 12), you may be able to study at Flinders through your TAFE/VET qualification.

More information

Dual offer pathways 

You may be able to complete a TAFE SA course and have guaranteed entry into Flinders.

More information

Credit transfer 

The TAFE/VET stud you’ve already done may be able to be used as credit towards a Flinders’ course.

More information

No ATAR? No worries. If you've got work or life experience, there are pathways into Flinders.

Flinders Foundation Studies

The Foundation Studies Program is free and  guarantees entry to a range of degrees.

More information

Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) 

The STAT is a 2-hour multiple choice test that assesses your abilities.

More information

Year 12 qualifications 

If you completed Year 12 more than two years ago you can still use your results to apply.

Apply via SATAC

245061 (Port Pirie)

245071 (Riverland)

244991 (Mount Gambier)

+ Learn more about enrolling into Flinders.

Concerned about your ATAR? If it doesn't meet the course requirement, or if you don't receive one, we offer alternative pathways to admission. Contact us to discuss your options—we're here to help.

Frequently asked questions.

Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers view our frequently asked questions or browse the full list @ Ask Flinders.

Ask Flinders

When can I study? keyboard_arrow_up

Applications for the next intake open in August and are submitted via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC)

Where can I study? keyboard_arrow_up

Each of these courses are available to study at Port Pirie, in the Riverland at Renmark or in Mount Gambier.

Do I need any pre-requisite topics in Year 12 to be eligible for entry? keyboard_arrow_up

Knowledge of SACE Stage 2 Biology or equivalent is assumed.

Will I be able to register with the relevant registering body for my profession/group at the end of the course? keyboard_arrow_up

Yes. The degree is accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council of Australia Ltd (OTC) and approved by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (OTBA). Graduates can apply for registration as an occupational therapist with the OTBA. It is also recognised by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.

Are there jobs in occupational therapy? keyboard_arrow_up

Occupational therapy is a growing field, particularly in the areas of children and families, disability and aged care.

According to the National Skills Commission (2024 employment projections for the five years until 2029), employment growth for occupational therapist is 17.2%.

Our graduates are employed locally, interstate and internationally in a range of settings including public and private sectors.

What is the average occupational therapist salary in Australia? keyboard_arrow_up

According to SEEK, in Australia, the typical salary in Australia is $98k for an occupational therapist.

Will I attend occupational therapy placements during my course? keyboard_arrow_up

Yes, students will attend a observational placement in their first year and then clinical placements in their third and fourth year.

How do I apply? keyboard_arrow_up
  • Applications are completed via SATAC
  • Visit: satac.edu.au
ATAR and Selection Rank profile keyboard_arrow_up

The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2025. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.

Notes: 
<5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made 
N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published
ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors
Highest rank to receive an offer 95.20 99.95
Median rank to receive an offer 76.17 80.42
Lowest rank to receive an offer 57.75 61.00
Student Profile keyboard_arrow_up

The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced study in this course in Semester 1, 2025 including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia. Applicant background groupings are based on educational background, not basis of admission. Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.

Notes:
<5 – the number of students is less than 5
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students
Applicant background (Semester 1, 2025) Number of students Percentage of all students
Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) 44 37%
Vocational education and training (VET) study 5 4%
Work and life experience <5 <5
Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) 28 24%
Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test) <5 <5
Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways) 17 14%
International Students 18 15%
All students 118 100%

We’re here to help you every step of the way.

If you would like to talk to one of our friendly advisors about applying to university or to discuss your study options and pathways, please contact us.

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Want more information about studying at Flinders University? Contact us to find out more – we’d love to help you decide if Flinders University is the right choice for you.    

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