What is a Therapy?
Therapy or medical treatment is the attempted remediation of a health problem, usually following a medical diagnosis.
Both words, treatment, and therapy, are often abbreviated tx, Tx, or Tₓ. As a rule, each therapy has indications and contraindications. There are many different types of therapy.
Where Can I Study Therapy In South Africa
University of Cape Town (UCT):
The University of Cape Town OT (Occupational Therapy) Division undergraduate programme exposes students to various domains of practice specifically Child Learning Development and Play, Work Practice, Physical, Mental Health, and Community Development Practice.
The undergraduate program exposes students to various domains of practice specifically Child Learning Development and Play, Work Practice, Physical, Mental Health, and Community Development Practice.
The division offers the following qualifications: Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Occupational Therapy, Master of Science (MSc) in Occupational Therapy, and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Occupational Therapy.
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN):
On completion of the undergraduate Occupational Therapy course at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, students would have an understanding of the importance of human occupation in a person’s physical and mental development, functioning, and personality to be able to understand the link between occupation and wellness/illness.
Students will gain an understanding of the value of goal-directed activity and the unique contribution Occupational Therapy makes to the total care of clients from diverse cultures and contexts in South Africa.
Stellenbosch University:
In the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy program offered at Stellenbosch University, students learn how to plan and execute suitable treatment programs for individual clients, groups, and communities that enable and empower them to participate in daily activities, and so improve their health and their well-being.
The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy program stretches over four years. The first year of the program is presented at the Stellenbosch Campus and the rest at the Tygerberg Campus.
This program is followed by a year of community service for the Department of Health. After completing community service you will be eligible for registration as an occupational therapist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
University of the Western Cape (UWC):
The Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of the Western Cape is a leading academic entity that offers undergraduate and postgraduate occupational therapy education programs.
UWC offers a strong, community-based approach to education, practice, and research, and staff and students are actively involved in community engagement programs.
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits):
The Health Sciences Faculty at the University of the Witwatersrand offers a full-time four-year course ending in an undergraduate qualification of Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy.
Students can take their qualifications further by venturing into a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy through either a research-only course or through coursework and a report based on various specialties (neuroscience, perceptual disorders or psychiatric disorders) and/or a Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy.
How long does it take to become an occupational therapist in South Africa?
This is a four-year, full-time program.
Are occupational therapists in demand in South Africa?
In South Africa there is currently a great demand for occupational therapists to do medicolegal work and the work is lucrative. This has led to a boom in this field of practice over the last decade.
What subjects are needed to become a therapist in South Africa?
So there aren’t any specific subjects you need. However, Life Sciences will come in handy as you learn about how the human brain works. It also won’t hurt to have good Maths or Maths Literacy marks, since higher learning institutions often list this as a requirement.
How much does occupational therapy cost in South Africa?
| Code | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 66311 | 30 minute therapy session | R 385.00 |
| 66313 | 45 minute therapy session | R 510.00 |
| 66315 | 60 minute therapy session | R 690.00 |
| 66401 | Recommendation and School visit (once a term) | R 280.00 |
Do you need maths to study occupational therapy in South Africa?
To be considered for admission you need a matriculation exemption with a pass in Mathematics AND either Physical Science or Biology with at least an E symbol (40%) on a Higher Grade or a D symbol (50%) on a Standard Grade (or the equivalent with the OBE classification).