Why Study Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy) at AUT?

• Professionally accredited programme leading to eligibility for registration in New Zealand.
• Strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning and clinical education.
• Interprofessional learning alongside students from other health disciplines.
• Extensive supervised clinical placements across diverse healthcare settings.
• Modern simulation laboratories and specialist teaching facilities.
• Learn from experienced occupational therapists and researchers.
• Develop skills in assessment, rehabilitation, health promotion and assistive technology.
• Excellent employment opportunities in New Zealand and internationally due to demand for allied health professionals.

Programme Structure

The programme is completed over three years (360 points) and integrates classroom learning with professional practice education.

Typical areas of study include:

Year 1

• Foundations of Health Science
• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Occupational Science
• Health and Wellbeing
• Communication in Healthcare
• Professional Practice
• Introduction to Occupational Therapy

Year 2

• Occupational Therapy Assessment
• Rehabilitation Practice
• Mental Health
• Physical Rehabilitation
• Community Practice
• Occupational Therapy Practice Placements

Year 3

• Advanced Occupational Therapy Practice
• Leadership and Professional Practice
• Research and Evidence-Based Practice
• Community Rehabilitation
• Complex Clinical Practice
• Extended Professional Practice Placement

Subjects / Topics Covered

Students study a broad range of topics, including:

• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Occupational Science
• Occupational Therapy Theory
• Human Development
• Physical Rehabilitation
• Mental Health
• Community Health
• Assistive Technology
• Health Promotion
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Research Methods
• Professional Ethics
• Clinical Reasoning
• Therapeutic Communication
• Interprofessional Practice
• Leadership in Healthcare

Clinical Education

Clinical placements are a compulsory part of the programme.

Students complete supervised placements in settings such as:

• Public hospitals
• Rehabilitation centres
• Community health services
• Mental health services
• Schools
• Disability support organisations
• Aged care facilities
• Private occupational therapy practices

Disciplines / Areas of Practice

Graduates develop knowledge across a wide range of occupational therapy practice areas, including:

• Physical Rehabilitation
• Mental Health
• Paediatric Occupational Therapy
• Community Rehabilitation
• Disability Support
• Older Adult Care
• Neurological Rehabilitation
• Vocational Rehabilitation
• Health Promotion
• Assistive Technology

Programme Highlights

• Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand-accredited programme.
• Three-year, 360-point professional bachelor's degree.
• Extensive supervised clinical placements.
• Interprofessional learning with other health disciplines.
• Modern rehabilitation and simulation facilities.
• Strong focus on person-centred and evidence-based care.
• Excellent graduate employment prospects in New Zealand and internationally.
• Eligibility to apply for professional registration upon graduation.

Career Outcomes

Graduates may work as:

• Registered Occupational Therapist*
• Rehabilitation Therapist
• Community Occupational Therapist
• Mental Health Occupational Therapist
• Paediatric Occupational Therapist
• Aged Care Occupational Therapist
• Disability Support Specialist
• Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant
• Hand Therapist (with further training)
• Private Practice Occupational Therapist

Visa Requirements

International students must obtain a New Zealand Student Visa before commencing their studies.

Typical requirements include:

• Offer of Place from AUT
• Valid passport
• Payment of tuition fees (where applicable)
• Evidence of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses
• Approved medical and travel insurance
• English language proficiency
• Medical examination and chest X-ray (if required)
• Police clearance certificate (if applicable)
• Compliance with Immigration New Zealand student visa conditions throughout the programme

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Applications for the 2026 intake have closed, with the next advertised intake commencing on 22 February 2027.
• The programme is accredited by the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand, enabling eligible graduates to apply for professional registration.
• Students must successfully complete all required professional practice placements.
• Before attending placements, students must satisfy clinical compliance requirements, which may include police vetting, immunisation records, health screening, CPR certification and other checks required by placement providers.
• Students must meet both academic and clinical competency standards to graduate and become eligible for professional registration.