How To Become An Occupational Therapist In South Africa & Qualifications

Filed in Article by on May 11, 2021 • 0 Comments

Are you looking for a way to become an Occupational Therapist in South Africa and you don’t know the subjects needed or even universities in South Africa where you can undergo the course? If yes, then this informative article is for you. You will be given detailed information about how to become an Occupational Therapist in South Africa, Universities and Subjects Needed.

What Does An Occupational Therapist Do?

An occupational therapist (OT) is a health professional who is responsible for helping patients develop, recover and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. Their patients have generally lost these abilities because of mental, physical or developmentally or emotionally disabling conditions.

Occupational therapists typically do the following:

  • Review a patient’s medical history, ask the patient questions and observe them doing tasks
  • Evaluate a patient’s condition and needs
  • Develop a treatment plan
  • Help people with various disabilities with different tasks
  • Use physical exercises to help patients increase strength and dexterity
  • Use activities to help patients improve visual acuity and the ability to discern patterns
  • Use computer programmes to help clients improve decision-making, abstract-reasoning, problem-solving, memory, sequencing, coordination and perceptual skills
  • Educate a patient’s family and employer about how to accommodate and care for the patient
  • Recommend special equipment, such as wheelchairs and eating aids, and instruct patients on how to use that equipment
  • Assess and record patients’ activities and progress for patient evaluations, for billing, and for reporting to physicians and other health care providers.

What Qualifications Do I Need?

A master’s degree or a more advanced degree in occupational therapy is required in order to work as an occupational therapist. Biology, psychology, sociology, anthropology, liberal arts and anatomy are all appropriate majors for those who ultimately want to earn a master’s degree in occupational therapy. Prospective students as well as qualified occupational therapists must register with the Interim Medical and Dental Council of South Africa.

What Subjects Do I Need?

Contact each institution for their specific requirements, but these subjects are recommended:

  • Mathematics
  • Physical Sciences
  • Life Sciences
  • Visual Arts
  • Music

Where Can I Study?

University of Cape Town

University of KwaZulu-Natal

University of Limpopo

University of Stellenbosch

University of the Free State

University of the Western Cape

University of the Witwatersrand

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