Occupational Therapists are an integral part of the rehabilitation team. They use evidence-based practice and have a holistic perspective, in which the focus is on adapting the environment and/or task to fit the person.
What you will do
Occupational Therapists conduct:
- individual evaluations to understand the patient’s goals, and;
- customised interventions
Both are done to improve the patient’s ability to perform daily activities and to help them reach their goals. Occupational therapists also complete outcomes evaluations to ensure that the goals are being met and/or make changes to the intervention plan.
Skills and knowledge
Occupational therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). They help patients to live life to its fullest by:
- promoting health
- helping maintain the skills needed for daily life, and;
- assisting to live better with an amputation or injury.
Courses
The following Occupational Therapy degrees are available in New Zealand:
- Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy) - available at AUT University
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy - available at Otago Polytechnic
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy - available at Waikato Institute of Technology
Have a question?
For more information about roles and vacancies, please contact us.