OT student testimonials
Hear from our students
Where can an occupational therapy degree take me?
Fourth year occupational therapy students talks about the course, teachers, facilities and why they love studying with us.
Greta Claire Raymant, awarded a Faculty Student Award for demonstrating excellence in her final year of clinical education placement within the Master of Occupational Therapy Practice Program, talks about the the course and how it feels to receive a student award.
Dorcas
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
Third year Occupational Therapy student, Dorcas Yeung chose her university degree based on interests in allied health and design. Some might think that’s an unusual fit, but as Dorcas explains, it’s really not.
“Occupational Therapy really does combine health and design,” she says. “There are definitely sections of the job that require creativity, such as when you need to modify an environment for a patient, or even using design with 3D printers.”
Dorcas is currently completing her second clinical placement in her hometown of Hong Kong.
“This year I’m working in a private paediatric clinic,” she says. “My supervisor uses sensory integration and has a sensory room for children where those with processing issues can come and use play to enhance their functions and learning skills.”
Dorcas explains that through the use of sensory equipment such as swings, rock climbing, and ball pools, the sensory room can provide a ‘just right challenge’ for the sensory integrative function of the child, enabling them to organise and utilise their body’s seven senses appropriately.
Reflecting on her interest in design, Dorcas says she’s keen to see how Occupational Therapy and technology work together.
“The clinic I’m working at is very technology driven,” she says. “I’m hoping to be able to witness the whole 3D design process in action!”
Since arriving in Australia three years ago, Dorcas says her experience at Peninsula campus has been a positive one.
“My course can be very intense at times as there is so much to learn, but the environment on campus is very calming. It’s really peaceful and I love the greenery.”
Dorcas says she found the transition from high school to university quite easy as Peninsula has a strong community feel. Coupled with a smaller campus, she says the environment wasn’t at all intimidating and really helped with making friends.
So why Monash? Dorcas says the hands-on experience obtained through clinical placements was a key reason, as well as the smaller class sizes that enable a lot one-on-one time with the teachers.
In the lead up to Open Day on Saturday 3 August, Dorcas is volunteering her time this year to become Peninsula’s new social media ambassador.
“Open day is great,” she says “It’s a really friendly and welcoming event. You can learn a lot about the campus, join in activities and talk to loads of people.”
Dorcas has participated in a couple of Open Day events now and says she has five top tips for prospective students and their families:
Participate in as many activities on campus as you can so you can get a feel for the courses on offer
Don’t just look at one course, go to the event with other options in mind
Visit as many demonstrations as you can as it will give you a great picture about the practical aspects of the course
Visit the library to check out the student life on campus and all the different activities and clubs offered as this is how you will make friends and settle down
Don’t forget to look at options for living on campus as well
Make sure you look out for Dorcas on Open Day, she’ll be capturing all the excitement on campus for Facebook and Instagram to make sure you don’t miss any great activities, seminars or tours.
Meredith
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
Growing up in West Gippsland, Meredith was initially drawn to study occupational therapy at Monash after doing work experience at a local hospital and seeking a hands-on career in healthcare.
While the second and third year of her studies were impacted by COVID-19 and moved online, Meredith, appreciated the opportunity to study on campus in her fourth year.
“I really valued and enjoyed being on campus, especially in fourth year, and being able to interact with my peers and form those friendships and connections. I also really enjoyed my placements, and being able to do all of them with another student.”
As part of her degree, Meredith undertook three rural placements in West Gippsland - at a geriatric evaluation and management (GEM) ward at a hospital, at an aged care facility, and at a private paediatric clinic.
“Being in a regional area I was able to have a range of placements in 3 very different areas. I was also able to experience more in terms of my hospital placement. Even though I was in the GEM ward, I was able to experience an acute medical ward and a rehabilitation ward. This usually isn't something you'd be able to experience within a metro area so I was really lucky to be able to experience that.”
I would strongly encourage a regional placement, as I have had really different experiences from my friends who had more metro placements. And of the people I know who did both metro and regional they felt there was a significant difference. Although it can be daunting to go somewhere you haven't been before, I have only had good experiences. It's also really great to explore the area while you're there.”
Meredith felt that the scenario-based learning offered by Monash set it apart in giving her an understanding of approaches used in occupational therapy practice.
“SBLs (scenario-based learning) not only allows you to learn the diagnosis and intervention but the systems and services (for example- my aged care and NDIS) in place and common frameworks and approaches used in practice.”
Meredith’s placement experiences prepared her well for professional practice - she was even asked to apply or offered work at each of her three regional placements and ultimately accepted one in private paediatric practice.
In this role she splits her time between work in the clinic and being out on the road, working mostly with 2-7 year olds. During school terms, her work primarily consists of therapy sessions, and social groups on school holidays. Meredith works with children to achieve their goals in school readiness and fine motor skills, social skills, regulation, gross motor skills and self-care skills.
“I really enjoy working with kids and building a rapport with them. You get to do some really fun activities such as cooking, and painting, going out to lunch with some of the older children. You also get to see them grow and achieve their goals which is amazing. I also work with a really amazing supportive team and they are another really important, wonderful part of my role.”
Josh
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
Second year student Josh says Monash Occupational Therapy was the best decision he’s ever made. Both the course and the University provided the passion and people-focus he was looking for. He’s enjoyed working with a range of people through clinical placements, and thrived on being part of the allied health community, bonding with fellow students and OT staff.
Completing a three-week rural placement in Tasmania was a “life-changing” experience for Josh.
“I was working in a unique paediatric feeding clinic which assisted children with eating difficulties. I also worked in the acute ward, conducting initial assessments on a variety of clients. My supervisor also gave me the chance to participate in client home assessments.
It was extremely satisfying knowing what you’ve learned during semester could be applied in a real-life setting.”
Josh is yet to decide on the area he will specialise in, but is thrilled to be following his goals and his calling. “I know that there is a range of opportunities, which is an exciting prospect for my future.”
Zoe
International Student
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
Initially, what drew me Occupational therapy was the adaptive equipment and gadgets designed for people with disabilities to perform daily activities. The more I found out about the profession, the more I fell in love with it.
The best part about my university experience of studying Occupational Therapy at Monash University has definitely been the sense of community and the support I’ve received throughout the course. The staff are friendly and supportive of my learning and fellow students in the course are also welcoming and approachable which allowed me to be fully immersed in the learning and culture throughout my studies.
I’ve had the opportunity to go on clinical placements at a variety of settings. Hands-on work has enabled me to learn that there is no fixed intervention to a condition or client and that every individual is unique. This experience has definitely challenged me to think more broadly and consider individuals’ needs. What has captivated me the most is that the little things an Occupational Therapist can do, can make the biggest difference in a person’s life.
My studies have not only equipped me with knowledge and skills for the profession of Occupational Therapy, but also fostered my personal growth and shaped the person I am today.
Leah
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
I chose Monash because of its reputation and the appeal of a smaller campus reserved for their allied health courses. Many of my lecturers and tutors are practising therapists and experts in their fields, who are generous in both their time and knowledge and very approachable.
I’ve just completed my first placement at Dandenong Hospital (Mental Health unit). The placement exceeded my expectations and has given certainty to choosing OT as a career. I was selected to be part of the Monash Health Clinical School, which means all my placements throughout the course will be within the Monash Health network. The plan is to have placements across a variety of settings, so my next placement will be in a physical health setting and later, a placement in the community.
My advice to future students is to do your research and speak to as many people as possible about what to expect from the course - lecturers, students and practising OTs.”
Ange
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
I have learnt so many skills throughout this course that will assist me in areas that extend well beyond my work as an OT. One of the things that excites me so much is that OT is a field that has so much versatility – I could work in a wide range of settings and continue to utilise the skills that I have acquired.
The course constantly gives students the opportunity to excel. Our lecturers have so much knowledge to share and are always challenging us to better ourselves, to ensure we become the best practitioners we can be. Many of our lecturers work in the field as well as teaching, which ensures we receive the most up-to-date information about OT practice as we learn.
I couldn’t be happier in my choice to study OT at Monash.
Jessica
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
I am so grateful that Occupational Therapy is offered at the Peninsula campus. The staff involved in the course are all passionate and very involved, every step of the way. They provide me with the tools and advice I need to grow and excel as a student. The Occupational Therapy course has challenged my thinking and has encouraged me to start thinking outside the box, which has allowed me to begin to truly understand individuals, communities and the Occupational Therapy profession.
Michael
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
I've learnt so much already about client-centred care, communication, and furthered my understanding and perspective on issues that affect individuals.
The lecturers and tutors are approachable whenever I need assistance with my work.
The highlight of the course so far was my placement in a rural hospital, where all that I had learned so far could be observed in practice. I look forward to graduating in a few years and working together with other professionals in the health care industry.
Rebecca
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
I am a mature age student with a family and absolutely love studying Occupational Therapy.
The course has been exciting, challenging and rewarding, and I have gained a wealth of knowledge, providing me with a strong foundation to learn and develop skills essential to fulfil the important role of an OT. My placement experience has given me great insight into the role of an OT and increased my passion to chase this dream career.
I feel passionate about making a difference to peoples’ lives, so the essence of occupational therapy resonates with me.
Sacha
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
The more I learn, the more OT fascinates me.
With OT, you can work anywhere in the world, in any field. You could be working with spinal injury one day and cancer or intellectual disability the next. You can work in community health or hospitals, or in health promotion at all scales and levels.
Tasmin
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
I love that Monash takes a hands on approach to OT, and that my classes include practicals, labs, and group learning sessions. Gaining placement experience so early in first year gave me the confidence that the course I was doing was right for me, and helped give me a picture of where I want to go in my career.
The fact that OT is a helping profession contributes to creating a helpful learning community. The staff are so approachable, and always happy to help out with coursework and placement advice; things that make transitioning to tertiary study so much easier!
Yaser
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
What I have learnt so far is invaluable. I often apply the knowledge I've gained studying OT into everyday life, including volunteer work for mental health services, project management for my part time job at a retirement village, and even finding proper supportive seating for my mother, who has chronic back pain!
OT is a broad field of health, and this course covers many areas, including mental health, physical rehabilitation, paediatrics, acute roles in hospitals, chronic diseases, and even OT roles within teams of other health professionals. We also get involved with project management so that when we graduate, we have multiple options, and also have the opportunity to get involved in advocacy and health promotion.
If you're interested in health care, helping people, and getting involved in the community, OT covers almost all bases and is the profession for you!