Occupational Therapy is a relatively new field in Malaysia, making it a novel and exciting career to consider. This noble profession requires dedicated individuals who are willing to give a helping hand to people from all walks of life.

The occupational therapy program at Perdana University is designed with academic rigor and vigor to produce professionals in the field. Supervision and guidance are provided throughout the entire program. Students are trained by a team of academicians and practitioners with relevant industry experience. The learning process involves an apprenticeship where knowledge and skills are passed from senior practitioners to a new generation of occupational therapists.

There is a global demand for professionally trained occupational therapists. As such, the training provided at Perdana University will ensure that you have the necessary skills to meet this demand. The skills acquired are field-specific and will also include soft skills needed to function well in a professional and social environment. In addition, pastoral care is a crucial feature of the program, ensuring that your development is holistic in nature.

“Occupational therapy is a client-centered health profession concerned with promoting health and well-being through occupation. The primary goal of occupational therapy is to enable people to participate in the activities of everyday life. Occupational therapists achieve this outcome by working with people and communities to enhance their ability to engage in the occupations they want to, need to, or are expected to do, or by modifying the occupation or the environment to better support their occupational engagement. (WFOT, 2012)”

As an occupational therapist, you would help people to live their lives to the fullest possible. This is done by ensuring that the client’s home, workplace, and community are accessible and safe. The occupational therapist focuses on the provision of aids and adaptation to ease daily activities. They also provide a comprehensive report on the client’s functioning and recommend possible solutions.

If you are zealous in advocating the health and well-being of the community around you, then this would be the program that fits your purpose.

To those who choose this field at Perdana University, be prepared to grow. You have much ahead of you as you delve further into a learning experience that will develop your potential to be the best occupational therapist that you can be.

For entry with STPM

Passed STPM with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 in the following subjects:

• Biology
• Physics / Mathematics
• Chemistry

For entry with A Levels

2 (TWO) Grade Cs in the following subjects:

• Biology / Physics; and
• Chemistry

For entry with Matriculation or Foundation / Pre-University

Passed Matriculation / Foundation / Pre-University with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 in the following subjects:

• Biology / Physics; and
• Chemistry

For entry with Unified Examination Certificate (UEC)

Possess 5Bs, 2 (TWO) of which include Biology / Physics and Chemistry

For entry with International Baccalaureate (IB)

Possess 28 points, with a minimum of 1 (ONE) science subject in either Biology, Physics or Chemistry at higher level

For entry with Diploma / equivalent

Obtained a Diploma in Occupational Therapy (Level 4 / Malaysian Qualifications Framework, MQF) with a minimum CGPA of 2.75 or an equivalent qualification that has been approved by the Senate of Perdana University;

OR

A related diploma from recognised institutions with a CGPA of below than 2.75 and a minimum of 3 years (36 months) working experience in the same field

For entry with others

Other relevant qualification approved by the Senate of Perdana University

English Requirements (Local and International):

MUET (Band 3), IELTS (5.5) / TOEFL (550) Paper based or equivalent.

Year 1

In the first year, students will be exposed to introductory subjects related to occupational therapy. They will be able to identify, describe and relate the concepts of occupational therapy in everyday living. Other topics include basic anatomy, orthopaedic and surgical conditions, therapeutic activity, and general pharmacology.

Year 2

In the second year, students will be exposed to the specifics of occupational therapy assessments and interventions. These are learnable via neurological and paediatric conditions, orthotics and prosthetics, pressure garments, kinesiology, and biomechanics in occupational therapy.

Year 3

In the third year, students will learn several subjects specific to the role of occupational therapists. These include ergonomics, elderly care, sensory integration, and special education for children with disabilities. The research methodology will also be learned, where the students are expected to relate occupational therapy practices and research findings. Management of occupational therapy services will also be part of the subjects during this year.

Year 4

In the final year, students will learn subjects that would be geared towards entry into community services. The topics include community-based rehabilitation, health promotion, work rehabilitation, driving rehabilitation, and sexual and disability.

This programme would prepare you to work at:

• Hospitals
• Community-based Rehabilitation Centres
• Nursing Homes
• Schools (Special Education)
• Industrial and Commercial Organizations
• Educational Institutions
• Private Practice
• Consultancy
• Human Resource Organization

Specialized Therapy Centres

Recognition & Accreditation:

This programme is approved and recognised by the World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT) that is based in U.K.

Facilities:

 Several laboratories for teaching and learning activities to ensure the program’s efficiency in both theoretical and practical aspects will be made available. This includes:

• Multipurpose Lab
• Activities of Daily Living Lab
• Orthosis and Prosthesis Lab
• Medical and Neurological Lab
• Work Rehabilitation Lab
• Paediatric Lab

Clinical Placements:

Clinical placements will be undertaken at various places, including government and non-government institutions and community-related centers. The duration of clinical placements is as follows: