Occupational Therapist

The occupational therapist seeks to rehabilitate physically and mentally handicapped patients and thus enable people of all ages to function within their physical, psychological and social limitations, and to regain or maintain their maximum potential with regard to personal care, work and study, as well as leisure.

This is done by enhancing the patient’s mobility, muscle power, concentration and emotional stability to improve independence and integration with and acceptance by the community.

Job Characteristics

• Identifying problems which may affect a patient’s competence and independence in his/her daily life, by assessing the patient’s physical and mental abilities scientifically.



• Designing a treatment plan specifically for the patient, by taking into account his individual needs and background. Activities are chosen for their potential to help the patient reach predetermined treatment objectives.



• Helping the patient to accept a permanent or progressive disability or disfigurement, or perhaps to come to terms with the process of ageing and the limitations this imposes.



• Lessening or correcting perceptual motor-sensory dysfunction or learning disabilities in children.



• Providing work orientation and training or retraining in skills of daily living, such as dressing, working, sports and games, other social activities such as concerts, debates, listening to music, and so forth.

Requirements
 
Secondary Education
Possession of at least a HIGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with outstanding marks and matriculation exemption is required to be accepted by South African universities. All candidates are subjected to a strict selection process.
 
Compulsory subjects
Mathematics and Physical Science and/or Biology (South Africa)
 
Tertiary Education
The B. Sc. (Occupational Therapy) or B. Occupational Therapy is offered at some universities in South Africa. The duration of the course is four or five years full-time. Similar degree courses are also offered at universities in Tanzania and Kenya. Universities can be contacted personally for more details. These courses are not offered in Namibia.
 
Occupational therapists are required to register with the HPCSA and are also recommended to register with the South African Association of Occupational Therapists. To practice in Namibia, they must register with the Occupational Therapy Board of Namibia.

Personality
The prospective candidate must be willing to get involved with people with disabilities. The person must also have a genuine interest in people, be able to solve problems, and be creative.

Work Opportunities
Occupational therapists are employed by the Ministry of Health and Social Services, private hospitals and other welfare organizations. They can also open a private practice. Job prospects seem to be favourable.

Back