{"id":29753,"date":"2025-12-08T13:19:59","date_gmt":"2025-12-08T05:19:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/?post_type=advice&#038;p=29753"},"modified":"2025-12-15T15:59:16","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T07:59:16","slug":"what-does-an-occupational-therapist-ot-do","status":"publish","type":"advice","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/advice\/what-does-an-occupational-therapist-ot-do\/","title":{"rendered":"What does an occupational therapist (OT) do?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Occupational therapists help individuals regain or develop skills needed to undertake everyday activities, as well as activities that are important to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOccupational therapy is about helping a person to improve their quality of life. It means helping them to engage in meaningful activities after an illness or an injury, or if they have a developmental delay or disability.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s Hayley Shaw, a second-year <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/offering\/course-ug-bachelor-of-science-occupational-therapy-honours--bh-occt1\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">occupational therapy student<\/a> at Curtin. If you, like Hayley, enjoy helping others, like hands-on work and are interested in health-related sciences, occupational therapy may just be the career for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Hayley-Shaw2-1-1000x1080.jpg\" alt=\"Hayley Shaw\" class=\"wp-image-29758\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/2;object-fit:contain\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Curtin Occupational Therapy student Hayley Shaw.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quick OT career stats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>OTs are in demand: <\/strong>According to 2024 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ahpra.gov.au\/\">Ahpra<\/a> survey, there&#8217;s growing demand for occupational therapists. Demand is driven by an ageing population, an increase in chronic health conditions and the National Disability Insurance Scheme. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Job prospects:<\/strong> 90.9% of Curtin grads in the rehabilitation field are employed full-time four months after graduating. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gooduniversitiesguide.com.au\/course-provider\/curtin-university\/2c837a73ab222f27bd5c9224292d9fba\">Good Universities Guide 2026<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Salary expectations<\/strong>: A$90,000 to $105,000. (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.seek.com.au\/career-advice\/role\/occupational-therapist\/salary\">Seek<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read on to discover the rewarding world of occupational therapy \u2013 what it is, where occupational therapists work and what you\u2019ll study in an occupational therapy degree. You can also skip to a particular section below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#ot-defined\">Occupational therapy defined<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#thrive\">What kind of person thrives in OT?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#ot-skills\">What skills do OTs need?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#work\">Where do OTs work?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#ot-courses\">Occupational therapy courses<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#ot-physio\">What&#8217;s the difference between OT and physio?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#diversity\">OT offers diverse possibilities<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ot-defined\">Occupational Therapy (OT) defined<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As Hayley explained, occupational therapists \u2013 or OTs \u2013 help individuals to regain or develop skills they need to undertake important activities after experiencing illness, injury, disability or developmental delays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These activities, known as \u2018occupations\u2019, can range from self-care, such as getting dressed or cooking a meal, to undertaking work or study, to participating in social or community-based activities, like group sports or food shopping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>OTs help individuals to gain independence and improve their quality of life by taking a whole-person approach to treatment: they consider the physical aspects of their patient\u2019s condition along with the psychosocial, cognitive and environmental factors that impact their everyday functioning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"thrive\">What kind of person thrives in OT?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>People who enjoy task variety and love working with and helping others are attracted to a career like occupational therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another Curtin OT student, Becca Codd, sums it up:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI wanted to work with people and utilise my interpersonal skills. What drew me to OT is its versatility and ability to work in numerous practice areas \u2013 from neuroscience and hand therapy to working with kids and in aged care.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"520\" height=\"260\" src=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Becca-Codd-web.jpg\" alt=\"Becca Codd \" class=\"wp-image-29763\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/2;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Becca-Codd-web.jpg 520w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Becca-Codd-web-480x240.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Becca Codd enjoys using her people skills as an OT student.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Hayley agrees that strong interpersonal skills are key to being a good OT. She earned a position as an assistant OT at a Perth public hospital after excelling in its the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.wa.gov.au\/careers\/aboriginal-careers\/aboriginal-cadetship-program\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Aboriginal Cadetship Program<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In her role, Hayley supports elderly patients with self-care occupations such as bathing and dressing. Because these activities are so personal, Hayley says it\u2019s crucial she builds rapport and trust with her patients through practising skills such as communication, empathy and compassion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSometimes it\u2019s just about providing encouragement to motivate a patient to do daily tasks. Or it might be assessing their cognition through having a casual conversation with them,\u201d Hayley explains.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/StockOT-1000x500.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-29916\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/StockOT-1000x500.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/StockOT-740x370.jpg 740w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/StockOT-480x240.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/StockOT-1260x630.jpg 1260w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/StockOT-1520x760.jpg 1520w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/StockOT-1920x960.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Occupational therapists need to have strong interpersonal skills to develop rapport with clients.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ot-skills\">What skills do OTs need?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to interpersonal skills, other skills OTs need include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Clinical: assessment and evaluation, treatment planning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Technical: knowledge of therapeutic techniques and adaptive equipment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Communication: written and verbal, active listening, empathy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Problem-solving: critical thinking and creativity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cultural competency: being aware of, and responding to, cultural diversity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Organisation and time-management: prioritising tasks, meeting deadlines.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Collaboration\/teamwork skills: clear communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"work\">Where do OTs work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>OTs work in a range of sectors across the spectrum of healthcare such as child health, aged care, mental health and disability.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Click on the headings below to learn more about where OTs work:<\/p>\n\n\n<section\n                class=\"block accordions\" role=\"complementary\"\n        aria-label=\"Accordion\"\n        data-segment=\"all\">\n\n        \n\n    <div class=\"accordions__container\">\n                    <div class=\"accordion\">\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion__heading accordion__toggle\" aria-controls=\"child-health\" aria-expanded=\"false\">Child health <span class=\"ico ico-chevron-fat ico--deep-blue\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\"><path d=\"M10.91 30.41l-2.82-2.82L19.67 16 8.09 4.41l2.82-2.82L25.33 16 10.91 30.41z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content content\" id=\"child-health\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>In child (paediatric) health, OTs are instrumental in helping children reach their developmental milestones, by enhancing fine and gross motor skills and hand\u2013eye coordination. They also engage with parents and carers to facilitate the normal development and learning of children who are at risk of not meeting their milestones.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The primary way OTs help children is through play, so this can be a popular work setting for many OTs! For example, an OT might devise an obstacle course for a child to navigate, thus getting them to strengthen certain muscles and movements.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-29768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DSC_5859-740x370.jpg\" alt=\"A woman teacher sits at a tabe with a young boy with a game in front of them and a ball bit behind them.\" width=\"740\" height=\"370\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DSC_5859-740x370.jpg 740w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DSC_5859-1000x500.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DSC_5859-480x240.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DSC_5859-1260x630.jpg 1260w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DSC_5859-1520x760.jpg 1520w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DSC_5859-1920x960.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px\" \/><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>                    <div class=\"accordion\">\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion__heading accordion__toggle\" aria-controls=\"hospital-and-rehabilitation\" aria-expanded=\"false\">Hospital and rehabilitation<span class=\"ico ico-chevron-fat ico--deep-blue\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\"><path d=\"M10.91 30.41l-2.82-2.82L19.67 16 8.09 4.41l2.82-2.82L25.33 16 10.91 30.41z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content content\" id=\"hospital-and-rehabilitation\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <p>In acute-care and rehab settings, OTs assess clients\u2019 cognitive, functional and psychosocial needs and help them return to a safe and functional daily life. This can not only involve hands-on therapy and personalised activity plans, but also recommending adaptive equipment and modifying home and work environments.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>                    <div class=\"accordion\">\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion__heading accordion__toggle\" aria-controls=\"disability\" aria-expanded=\"false\">Disability <span class=\"ico ico-chevron-fat ico--deep-blue\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\"><path d=\"M10.91 30.41l-2.82-2.82L19.67 16 8.09 4.41l2.82-2.82L25.33 16 10.91 30.41z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content content\" id=\"disability\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <p>OTs have significant roles in disability services, designing tailored programs that build capacity and promote independence and wellbeing. Such therapy is proving invaluable to 23-year-old Jenny Shore, who has autism.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJenny\u2019s weekly OT home sessions help her build her independence. A large part involves\u00a0anxiety management, organisation skills, self-care and grooming activities \u2013 like showering and washing her hair,\u201d her mum Anita explains.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHer occupational therapist also helps her learn domestic tasks\u00a0such as preparing basic meals and works to improve her confidence in social events and education programs, and in\u00a0using public transport.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>OTs also help to educate parents and carers about practices in the home that safeguard both the mental and physical wellbeing of clients and help with any injury management.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_29755\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-29755\" style=\"width: 740px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-29755\" src=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Jenny-OT-740x370.jpeg\" alt=\"Jenny Shore\" width=\"740\" height=\"370\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Jenny-OT-740x370.jpeg 740w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Jenny-OT-480x240.jpeg 480w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Jenny-OT-1260x630.jpeg 1260w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Jenny-OT-1520x760.jpeg 1520w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Jenny-OT-1920x960.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-29755\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Jenny Shore works with an occupational therapist to help her build important life skills.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>                    <div class=\"accordion\">\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion__heading accordion__toggle\" aria-controls=\"corporate\" aria-expanded=\"false\">Corporate<span class=\"ico ico-chevron-fat ico--deep-blue\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\"><path d=\"M10.91 30.41l-2.82-2.82L19.67 16 8.09 4.41l2.82-2.82L25.33 16 10.91 30.41z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n        <div class=\"accordion__content content\" id=\"corporate\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <p>In large organisations, OTs can advise employees on ergonomic practices to prevent work-related injuries and manage chronic conditions. In fact, coordinating injury management and incremental return-to-work programs are a key responsibility of OTs in corporate organisations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>            <\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ot-courses\">Occupational therapy courses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Curtin\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/offering\/course-ug-bachelor-of-science-occupational-therapy-honours--bh-occt1\/\">Occupational Therapy course<\/a> focuses on the development of professional skills, ranging from cognitive assessments to environmental modifications. It includes theory \u2013 neurological sciences and pain management, for example \u2013 laboratory sessions, workshops and clinical practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll complete your lab work in specialist laboratories, and hone your assessment, consultation and therapy skills in simulated professional settings, including home and industry spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll apply you learning through clinical practice, which can be undertaken in diverse settings, from aged care residences such as Juniper, through to health and fitness facilities, such as the Cockburn student clinics. These clinical opportunities give you authentic OT experience across the life span.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Curtin-OT-shoot-409-1000x500.jpg\" alt=\"Curtin OT student supervises a young woman driving a simulated car. \" class=\"wp-image-29912\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Curtin-OT-shoot-409-1000x500.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Curtin-OT-shoot-409-740x370.jpg 740w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Curtin-OT-shoot-409-480x240.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Curtin-OT-shoot-409-1260x630.jpg 1260w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Curtin-OT-shoot-409-1520x760.jpg 1520w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Curtin OT students practise their professional skills in simulated settings.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Hayley says her clinical placements have enhanced her learning and built her confidence as an OT student.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cFor one placement, I went back home to Kalgoorlie and worked with kids at a local OT practice. The experience was challenging as I had never been in that setting before, but I learned so much and it really gave context to my coursework.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Becca, the Curtin course has exceeded her expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe have amazing facilities \u2013 the lab rooms, OT-specific rooms and study spaces,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAnd the support provided by the OT tutors is invaluable. Their proactive approach, such as checking in on students to ensure they&#8217;re coping well, is reassuring and fosters a supportive learning environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI was given an array of resources to support my study, and Curtin also offers peer mentoring and opportunities to connect with students in higher years. Interacting with students in higher years provides support for challenging units.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ot-physio\">OT vs physio: what\u2019s the difference?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It can be easy to assume that occupational therapy and physiotherapy are almost the same. Both occupational therapists and physiotherapists are dedicated to improving client outcomes \u2013 but their roles in society and healthcare differ a lot.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How OT and physio differ is mostly in their methodologies and focus areas. OTs tend to provide a holistic approach, focusing on all the ways they can help people to participate in the activities that matter most to them \u2013 whether at home, work or in the community. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Physiotherapists work primarily on restoring an identified issue with physical function and movement and reducing pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"792\" height=\"420\" src=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/physio-exercise-science-792x420-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"An OT student points to a replica of a spine while speaking to a patient.\" class=\"wp-image-29765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/physio-exercise-science-792x420-1-1.jpg 792w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/physio-exercise-science-792x420-1-1-768x407.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Physiotherapists use physical techniques to improve movement or treat injury. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>And while OTs often work in environments like schools, aged care or clients\u2019 homes, physios are more commonly found in hospitals, private clinics and sports settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both OTs and PTs play vital, complementary roles in helping individuals regain independence and improve quality of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn more about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/offering\/course-ug-bachelor-of-science-physiotherapy-honours--bh-phyth\/\">physiotherapy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"diversity\">OT offers diverse possibilities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re drawn to a holistic, versatile approach to patient care, you\u2019re likely to find occupational therapy an especially rewarding career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hayley relishes the variety of learning and work that OT offers and is looking forward to mastering the discipline further as she progresses through her course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;\u201cThere\u2019s so much diversity in OT,\u201d she says. \u201cEverything is an open door.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ready to make a career out of helping others? Visit the course pages of our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/offering\/course-ug-bachelor-of-science-occupational-therapy-honours--bh-occt1\/\">Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy)(Honours)<\/a> and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/offering\/course-pg-master-of-occupational-therapy--mg-occt\/\">Master of Occupational Therapy<\/a> (graduate entry), or&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/students.connect.curtin.edu.au\/app\/future_ask\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">contact our Future Student advisors for pathways advice.<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a id=\"_msocom_1\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Occupational therapists help individuals regain or develop skills needed to undertake everyday activities, as well [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4451,"featured_media":29756,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"_oasis_task_priority":"","_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"7605,7782,7529,6727,5277,6467","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","wds_primary_category":79,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,79],"tags":[1376,1377,1378],"class_list":["post-29753","advice","type-advice","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-campus-and-global-community","category-health","tag-occupational-therapy","tag-ot","tag-what-is-ot"],"acf":{"post_options":{"":null,"additional_content":{"title":"","content":"","image":false},"related_courses":[{"title":"Occupational Therapy","qualification":"Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) (Honours)","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/offering\/course-ug-bachelor-of-science-occupational-therapy-honours--bh-occt1\/","description":"","faculty":"Health Sciences"},{"title":"Master of Occupational Therapy","qualification":"Master of Occupational Therapy","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/offering\/course-pg-master-of-occupational-therapy--mg-occt\/","description":"","faculty":""}],"credits":{"author":"","photographer":"","media":false},"display_author":true,"banner":{"image":false}}},"featured_image":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Page-10_Occupational-therapy-and-social-work-laboratories-1000x1067.jpg","author_meta":{"first_name":"Curtin","last_name":"University","display_name":"Â鶹ֱ²¥"},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/advice\/29753","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/advice"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/advice"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4451"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/advice\/29753\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29756"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29753"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29753"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29753"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}