A Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Occupational Therapy) can lead to a rewarding career as a therapy assistant. You’ll develop the skills to support clients with a therapy plan prepared by an occupational therapist. You’ll be prepared to work with people with a disability, elderly people or people who are recovering from an injury or illness. This course will show you how to assist clients to reach their therapy goals.
The Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Occupational Therapy) explores a range of topics to help you develop your skills in this industry. You’ll learn to interpret and apply medical terminology and recognise healthy body systems. The course covers effective communication with clients, colleagues and other health service providers. You’ll be prepared to support allied health professionals, particularly occupational therapists, with the delivery of therapy. This course includes a work placement so you’ll gain valuable real world experience.
Working as an occupational therapy assistant is a great choice for people who enjoy helping other people. You’ll need strong personal skills and should be good at communicating with clients with diverse needs. It’s important that you can listen to their concerns and understand their individual circumstances. You should be good at following instructions and working to correct procedures.
A Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Occupational Therapy) is an ideal course of study for the following careers:
Occupational Therapy Assistant
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Occupational Therapy Assistant helps to deliver a therapy plan prepared by an occupational therapist. You'll usually work one-on-one with clients to address their individual therapy goals. Occupational Therapy Assistants may work with elderly people, people with a disability or people recovering from accident or injury. You might be employed in a health facility or clinic or you may work with clients in their own home.
Allied Health Assistant
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Allied Health Assistant works with clients to provide support with various types of therapy including occupational therapy, physiotherapy or speech pathology. You’ll follow a plan developed by an allied health professional to help clients reach their goals. Allied Health Assistants may work with clients in their own homes, at a therapy clinic or in a health facility such as a hospital or residential care home.
Therapy Aide
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Therapy Aide assists clients as they undertake allied health care such as occupational therapy or physiotherapy. You’ll work closely with allied health professionals and follow the instructions set out in their therapy plan. Therapy Aides work with various groups of people including people with a disability, elderly people and people recovering from an illness or injury.
Higher education pathways
A Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Occupational Therapy) is a great qualification to get you started in this field of work. You could also consider specialising your studies with a course such as a Certificate III in Allied Health Services Assistance, a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Community Rehabilitation), a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Speech Pathology) or a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistant (Physiotherapy).
If you decide to take your allied health career further you could enrol in a university degree such as a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy. A university degree can expand your career opportunities and may allow you to be employed in a position with more responsibility. You may be able to use a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Occupational Therapy) as a pathway to these courses.
Getting started
If you’re interested in enrolling in Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Occupational Therapy), it’s important you compare course providers to find the right fit for you. There is often some variation in how providers deliver their courses so finding out all the information can help you compare details and make the right choice. Ask about the duration of the course, costs, any prerequisites and the content the course will cover.