Its primary aim is to help people in practical ways to overcome health-related problems and to develop their abilites, so that they may function independently and effectively at home, at work and during their leisure time. Occupational Therapists work with people of all ages whose lives are complicated by sickness, trauma, developmental delay or the inability to cope with and adapt to circumstances and the envionment. If you would like to become an Occupational Therapist, you should have a positive attitude to life, be resourceful, versatile, and enjoy working with people. You should be willing to develop communication skills and have some leadership potential. Occupational Therapists, contrary to common belief, do not necessarily need to have good handwork skills but are usually practical people.
Graduates find that the qualification caters for a wide range of interests and aptitudes.
Posts are offered in general and psychiatric hospitals, special schools, children's homes and places of care of the aged. There is a growing trend towards own job creation. If you are interested in Occupational Therapy as a possible career path, you may wish to visit an occupational therapy department, in order to gain some understanding about the work of an occupational therapist. The degree from the University of Cape Town is well recognised nationally and internationally and there are many exciting opportunities for graduates. Students who successfully complete this prgramme graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy.