Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapists assess people's abilities and help them gain or regain skills. With us, you’ll learn to professionally plan and direct therapy treatments, recommend adaptations to equipment and environments and advise clients on changes to their lifestyle to help them with daily activities.
Our Occupational Therapy qualifications will enable you to work towards a career to help people do the things that are important to them so they can lead meaningful, satisfying lives. You’ll gain advanced knowledge in areas such as illness, mental health, injury, and disability, and know how to assist clients accordingly based on their situation and environment.
The biggest point of difference at Otago Polytechnic is our real-world approach to learning. The experience you’ll gain on our fieldwork placements will give you the skills to seamlessly transition from study to employment within the occupational therapy industry.
“I loved my time at Otago Polytechnic... there was a strong sense of community, our studies were individualised to our own goals and aspirations, and the practical study components and work placements cemented our learning.”
Andrew Chu-Shing
Occupational Therapist at Middlemore Hospital
Occupational Therapy qualifications
Health, Health & Wellbeing
Don’t have the academic requirements you need to enter one of our diploma- or degree-level healthcare programmes? No problem. By studying courses such as Function of the Human Body and an Introduction to Careers in Health, you will be well prepared to apply for your chosen diploma or degree.Duration
1 Year Full-time
2 Years Part-time
Delivery
On campus, Online with block course(s)
Health, Health & Wellbeing
This Level 4 programme is the second part of our health bridging pathway for those that don't yet meet the entry requirements for our diploma or degree level health programmes. To enter directly into Level 4, you need to hold a New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) (our Level 3 Health Bridging certificate), or equivalent, e.g. NCEA Level 3.Duration
17 Weeks Full-time
1 Year Part-time
Delivery
On campus, Online with block course(s)
Health
Working with people is at the very heart of this highly regarded programme. You'll do five placements to gain vital practice experience. When you graduate, you'll be able to register as an Occupational Therapist in New Zealand, with a degree recognised by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.Duration
3 Years Full-time
6 Years Part-time
Delivery
On campus, Work Augmented Learning
Career potential
Occupational Therapist
Health, Health & Wellbeing
Are you keen to deepen your understanding of occupational therapy practice and develop your research skills? Enhance your professional practice and increase your employment potential with this postgraduate qualification that will prepare you for jobs in research-focused positions or higher-level practice roles. If you want to pursue an academic career, this honours degree provides a pathway to take you to the top of your field.Duration
1 Year Full-time
Delivery
Online with block course(s)
Career potential
Case Manager, Community/Youth Development Worker, Needs Assessor, Occupational Therapist, Private Practitioner, Researcher
Student stories
Discover our School of Occupational Therapy
Get a taste of what it’s like to study this field at Otago Polytechnic:
- See all qualifications offered
- Meet your lecturers and find out what makes them leaders in their chosen area
- Hear about our latest news and events
- Learn first-hand what it’s like to study with us from real students and graduates
- Read about our postgraduate research and projects
Postgraduate specialties in Occupational Therapy
We offer a range of postgraduate programmes and pathways to continue your study journey.
Contact us
If you’re not sure what to study and would like some guidance, we’re here to help. Feel free to chat to us directly about any questions you may have.
