6 tips for new Occupational Therapy students

Starting Occupational Therapy at Bond?

Congratulations! We're excited to welcome you to campus.

We've put together a few tips to ensure you're ready to hit the ground running once semester starts. 

1. Come and say hello! 

We love meeting new students prior to Orientation Week. We encourage you to come in and introduce yourself to our professors. It is also a great opportunity to check out the teaching spaces and facilities.

2. Get to know your new best friend

Familiarise yourself with the main textbook - it's a great introduction to the history of OT and you'll be using it during your study. 

BoytSchell, B. A., Gillen, G. E., & Scaffa, M. (2013). Willard and Spackman's Occupational Therapy: Twelfth edition. WoltersKluwer Health Adis (ESP).

3. Get reading 

If you're looking to get ahead before the semester begins, get started on some reading. “The Shouted Goodbye” by Jeremy Ward (2015) is available in the Bond University library or can be downloaded. This book is used in subject: OCTY71 – 103 Enabling environments: A systems approach.

4. Complete your training 

Before you start, there are two online training courses to complete. 

The first is the MH First Aid Course, which takes around six to eight hours to complete.

The second is MHPOD. We suggest starting with any of the following topics: MH Service System, Recovery, Trauma and Mental Health, or Relapse Prevention. 

You'll get a certificate for each course you complete. 

5. Complete your compliance

To be eligible to attend clinical placements, you need to complete some paperwork for compliance. It's due to Osler at the end of week four in your first semester, but you can get started on a few documents early: 

  • First Aid and CPR
  • Queensland Blue Card 
  • NSW Working With Children Check 
  • National and/or International Police Check 

Please email [email protected] or refer to your HSM Program Guide for further information. 

Tip: If you're an international student, we recommend getting your criminal record check in your home country before travelling to Australia, and complete the remainder of the requirements while it's still valid. 

6. Make yourself at home 

There are a number of options for accommodation on and off campus. Before you start, get to know your new home and the Gold Coast.

A day in the life of an Occupational Therapist

More from Bond

  • A construction degree for the digital age

    Bachelor of Design in Architecture alumnus Ryan McKillop explains why Bond's Master of Building Information Modelling and Integrated Project Delivery was the clear next step to accelerate his career.

    Read article

  • To the uni student who feels like something is missing…

    Starting university is an exciting time, but for Charlotte Gibbs, her first experience at a big uni interstate just didn't feel 'right'. After visiting Bond and the Gold Coast, though, things immediately clicked into place.

    Read article

  • Using iPhones to film a national documentary | BTS of 'Child Boss' with Rob Layton

    Assistant Professor of Journalism Rob Layton details his experience as a Director of Photography on a new documentary shot in Byron Bay – using only iPhones and iPhone accessories, and the power of mobile journalism.

    Read article

  • What student life at Bond is really like | Aaliyah from Canada

    Future Student Liaison and Juris Doctor student Aaliyah digs deep into the real student experience here at Bond, from the best Gold Coast activities to why you should get involved with clubs.

    Read article

  • Why I decided to study in Australia | Maju from Brazil

    Maria Julia Rodrigues Azevedo details why she moved from Brazil to Australia (via the USA!) to study the Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Bond University.

    Read article
Previous Next