Degree Programme in Occupational Therapy

Degree: Bachelor of Health Care and Social Services, Occupational Therapist
Extent: 210 ECTS cr, 3.5 years
First-preference applicants / intake 2011: 337/40
Intake 2012: 40

Occupational therapy can be for example redesigning the balance of client´s lifestyle, practicing activities of daily living or planning accessible environments. Occupational therapist can support clients´ functional and occupational abilities and coping in daily life occupations in their own environments.

Content of Studies

In the Degree Programme in Occupational Therapy, you will learn to enhance the independent coping of different-aged clients in diverse environments. You will also be familiarized with versatile occupations, such as creative methods, kitchen occupations, and the analysis and use of play as a therapy tool. You will learn to utilize group activities in therapy, the creation of therapeutic interaction, and counselling skills. You can also develop entrepreneurial or R&D competences as part of your studies.

The building of an individual career path is based on your personal study plan, in which prior competence is taken into consideration. Close interaction with working life is concretized through the practical training and participation in R&D activities. You can also complete part of your studies abroad or enhance your internationalization competence in Finland.

Theory, practice and professional growth are closely integrated in the programme. The programme supports professional growth and the utilization of your own personality in client work.

Implementation of Studies

The modes of learning used in the programme include lectures, learning assignments, exams, teamwork and online learning.

Students’ participation in R&D activities, as well as the practical training, involves essential cooperation with working life.

The programme includes four practical training periods, during which you will be familiarized with occupational therapy related to different functional disorders in hospitals, health centres, companies, rehabilitation centres, special schools, and/or the Learning Centre for Health and Welfare Services.

You can also participate in international exchange by completing part of your studies or the practical training in one of our partner institutions. The most popular destinations of student exchange in Europe have been Sweden and England.

The bachelor’s theses of the degree programme are often assigned by JAMK’s working life partners or constitute part of a project. The purpose of the thesis is to enhance your ability to develop the field.

Eligibility Criteria

Studying in the programme calls for the ability for independent work. In addition, problem-solving skills, interaction and cooperation skills, as well as the ability to develop one’s work, are required. Language skills are also necessary, as part of the learning material is in English.

Employment Prospects

There is a high demand for experts in occupational therapy within all the sectors of rehabilitation, both in Finland and abroad. The need for occupational therapy is increasing, in particular, in outpatient care.

The growing sectors of occupational therapy include

• the wellness of children and adolescents and prevention of social exclusion
• the care and rehabilitation of intoxicant abusers
• the maintenance of working capacity in occupational health care
• rehabilitative work
• the promotion of independent living among the aged population

Occupational therapists can work e.g. in

• hospitals
• schools
• their own enterprises
• nursery schools
• rehabilitation centres
• districts for the special care of handicapped persons
• health and social welfare offices

The expertise of occupational therapists can also be utilized in tasks involving the development of social services and environmental planning.

Admission Criteria and Applying

You can apply for admission if you have completed general upper secondary education, the matriculation examination or if you have a vocational qualification. If you will graduate during the spring in which you are submitting your application, please refer to your latest school certificate in your application.

The application period is in the spring. Further information on applying and on the admission criteria is available in the Applicant's Guides and in the Admissions Office.

Eligibility for Further Studies

After graduating as an occupational therapist, you can continue your studies at a university of applied sciences. With three years of work experience you can apply for admission to a master’s programme of the field. You can complete professional specialization studies or continuing education while working. If you are planning a teaching career, you can apply for admission to the Teacher Education College after a Master’s degree.

Those with a Master’s degree completed at a university of applied sciences are eligible for university postgraduate education. The university in question will decide separately in each case on the admission criteria.

Further Information on the Programme

Mirja Immonen, Head of Department, +358 40 547 8949
Jaana Ritsilä, Senior Lecturer, +358 400 989 456
firstname.lastnamei@jamk.fi
JAMK, School of Health and Social Studies

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Curriculum