Unit rationale, description and aim

Occupational therapy promotes health and wellbeing by supporting participation in meaningful occupations that people want, need, or are expected to do (WFOT, 2025). Occupational therapists work with people of all ages and communities in a wide range of settings to enable their participation. This unit will provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate and apply knowledge and skills learnt in prior units in a 5-week (200 hours) professional practice placement. Students will engage in learning activities to ensure they are prepared for this placement experience. This learning will focus on occupational therapy competencies and standards for safe and ethical practice.  

This unit contains learning outcomes from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Curriculum Framework (HCF) (2014) specifically addressing the HCF cultural capability of Reflect.

The overall aim of this unit is to provide students with the opportunity to integrate theory into practice and to apply professional and clinical skills in a practice setting.

2027 10

Campus offering

No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.

Prerequisites

OTHY205 Mental Health Recovery in Occupational Therapy 1 AND OTHY207 Vocational Preparation and Rehabilitation AND (OTHY208 Clinical Counselling and Group Work OR

OTHY212 Therapeutic communication and groupwork in Occupational Therapy )

Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

Evaluate and reflect on one's own performance to i...

Learning Outcome 01

Evaluate and reflect on one's own performance to identify and apply strategies for self-monitoring and self-care to ensure ongoing fitness to practice within occupational therapy contexts.
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC3, GC4, GC7, GC11

Demonstrate professional practice in an ethical, s...

Learning Outcome 02

Demonstrate professional practice in an ethical, safe, lawful and accountable manner, supporting client health and wellbeing through occupation, considering the person and their environment.
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC2, GC8, GC11

Apply client-centred occupational therapy knowledg...

Learning Outcome 03

Apply client-centred occupational therapy knowledge, skills and professional behaviours in practice informed by relevant and contemporary theory, practice knowledge and evidence.
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC2, GC8, GC12

Demonstrate open, responsive and appropriate commu...

Learning Outcome 04

Demonstrate open, responsive and appropriate communication which maximises the occupational performance and engagement of clients and relevant others.
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC4, GC11, GC12

HCF 13.2 Demonstrate internal strategies to examin...

Learning Outcome 05

HCF 13.2 Demonstrate internal strategies to examine and monitor personal responses to cultural and social differences
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC3, GC5

Content

Topics are drawn from the Occupational Therapy Competency Standards in preparation for the placement block.

AOTCS 1: Professionalism

Professional Behaviours:

  • In accordance with the WFOT standards
  • Professional attitudes
  • Professional communication skills
  • Professional responsibilities
  • Expectations for placement
  • Supervision models and supervisor feedback


Ethical practice:

  • In interprofessional teams
  • In accordance with WFOT standards (2016)


Cultural capability:

  • Incorporating and responding to historical, political, cultural, societal, environmental and economic factors influencing health, wellbeing and occupations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples


 AOTCS 2: Knowledge and Learning

  • Performance evaluation:
  • Utilising reflective practice
  • Determining appropriate actions to enhance future performance
  • Adjusting intervention plans
  • Determining and utilising appropriate therapy outcome measures

 

AOTCS 3: Occupational therapy process and practice

Occupational therapy practice implementation

  • Establishing the therapeutic relationship
  • Interview and assessment approaches relevant to practice setting
  • Incorporating evidence-based practice
  • Understanding and incorporating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ experiences of health, wellbeing and occupations encompassing cultural connections

  

AOTCS 4: Communication

Effective communication skills

  • Clients, carers, family
  • Groups and / or communities
  • Professional colleagues
  • Managers and key stakeholders
  • Culturally responsive, safe and relevant communication tools and strategies

Assessment strategy and rationale

A range of assessment procedures will be used to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop ACU graduate attributes. Professional Practice placements are assessed using the SPEF-R2 (Student Practice Evaluation Framework – Revised (2nd Edition)), an assessment tool used to evaluate occupational therapy students undertaking professional practice placements across Australia. Students use a reflective approach to develop learning plans that identify their personal learning goals aligned with the SPEF-R2 domains used before, during and after their placement.

In order to pass this unit, students must demonstrate achievement of all learning outcomes and pass all hurdles tasks.

  • Hurdle 1. Attendance at the manual handling workshop
  • Hurdle 2. Completion of an NDIS interprofessional learning module
  • Hurdle 3. & Hurdle 4. Submission of pre-placement learning plans of a satisfactory standard.
  • Hurdle 5. Achievement of a pass rating on the SPEF-R2 as determined by the Placement Educator and ACU Professional Practice Coordinator
  • Hurdle 6. Submission of post-placement documents including: SPEF-R2, satisfactory post-placement learning plan, and timesheets, as evidence of having passed the placement and completed sufficient placement hours.

Students are offered one attempt to achieve a pass on the SPEF-R2 (Hurdle task 5), and two attempts for hurdle tasks 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6. First Peoples’ cultural advisors co-designed the assessment approaches. 

Overview of assessments

Hurdle Task 1 Attendance at manual handling work...

Hurdle Task 1

Attendance at manual handling workshop and completion of manual handling workbook to learn safe manual handling skills

Weighting

Pass/Fail

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Graduate Capabilities GC2, GC3, GC4, GC7, GC8, GC11, GC12

Hurdle Task 2 Attendance at, and completion of a...

Hurdle Task 2

Attendance at, and completion of an NDIS interprofessional learning module.

Weighting

Pass/Fail

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Graduate Capabilities GC2, GC3, GC4, GC7, GC8, GC11, GC12

Hurdle Task 3 Submission of a pre-placement lear...

Hurdle Task 3

Submission of a pre-placement learning plan which will address a minimum of one professional practice competency goal (Professionalism, Knowledge and Learning, Occupational Therapy Process and Practice and Communication).

Weighting

Pass/Fail

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Graduate Capabilities GC2, GC3, GC4, GC7, GC8, GC11, GC12

Hurdle Task 4 Submission of a pre-placement lear...

Hurdle Task 4

Submission of a pre-placement learning plan which will address one cultural capability development goal.

Weighting

Pass/Fail

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO5
Graduate Capabilities GC3, GC4, GC5, GC7, GC11

Hurdle 5 Pass grade on the Student Practice Eval...

Hurdle 5

Pass grade on the Student Practice Evaluation Form – Revised (SPEF-R2) as determined by Placement Educator and ACU Professional Practice Coordinator in order to meet AHPRA registration requirements at the end of the program of study.

Weighting

Pass/Fail


Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
Graduate Capabilities GC2, GC3, GC4, GC5, GC7, GC8, GC11, GC12

Hurdle 6 Submission of post placement documents ...

Hurdle 6

Submission of post placement documents including (a) SPEF-R2, (b) post-placement learning plans and (c) supervisor signed timesheet as evidence of having passed the placement and having met the requirements for placement hours.

Weighting

Pass/Fail

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3, LO5
Graduate Capabilities GC2, GC3, GC4, GC5, GC7, GC8, GC9, GC11, GC12

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

Students will complete mandatory preparatory sessions prior to their 5-week (200 hours) Professional Practice Placement. The preparatory sessions will introduce students to the expectations, frameworks, and learning tools required for placement. These sessions will include case studies, group discussions and self-directed learning activities to develop skills in reflective practice and professional practice reasoning. Students will prepare a learning plan prior to commencing placement. They will seek and respond to peer and tutor feedback, and will reflect on progress towards meeting the learning plan at the end of the placement block.

On completion of preparatory sessions and the learning plan, students will complete 5 weeks (200 hours) of professional practice. These professional practice placements will provide students the opportunity to develop competencies expected of a 3rd year undergraduate occupational therapy student. Learning and Teaching approaches included in this unit were developed in collaboration with First Peoples’ Cultural Advisors.  

Australian Occupational Therapy Competency Standards (AOTCS) 2018

In connection to the learning outcomes, Australian occupational therapy competency standards (AOTCS) 2018 developed within this unit are:

  • Relating to

    Professionalism

    An occupational therapist practises in an ethical, safe, lawful and accountable manner, supporting client health and wellbeing through occupation and consideration of the person and their environment.

    An occupational therapist:

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Complies with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia’s standards, guidelines and Code of conduct

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Adheres to legislation relevant to practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Maintains professional boundaries in all client and professional relationships

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Recognises and manages conflicts of interest in all client and professional relationships

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Practises in a culturally responsive and culturally safe manner, with particular respect to culturally diverse client groups

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Incorporates and responds to historical, political, cultural, societal, environmental and economic factors influencing health, wellbeing and occupations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Collaborates and consults ethically and responsibly for effective client-centred and interprofessional practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Adheres to all work health and safety, and quality requirements for practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Identifies and manages the influence of her/his values and culture on practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Practises within limits of her/his own level of competence and expertise

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Maintains professional competence and adapts to change in practice contexts

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Identifies and uses relevant professional and operational support and supervision

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Manages resources, time and workload accountably and effectively

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Recognises and manages her/his own physical and mental health for safe, professional practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Addresses issues of occupational justice in practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Recognises and manages any inherent power imbalance in relationships with clients.

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Knowledge and learning

    An occupational therapist’s knowledge, skills and behaviours in practice are informed by relevant and contemporary theory, practice knowledge and evidence, and are maintained and developed by ongoing professional development and learning.

    An occupational therapist:

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Applies current and evidence-informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice 

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Applies theory and frameworks of occupation to professional practice and decision-making

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Identifies and applies best available evidence in professional practice and decision-making

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Understands and responds to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health philosophies, leadership, research and practices

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Maintains current knowledge for cultural responsiveness to all groups in the practice setting

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Maintains and improves currency of knowledge, skills and new evidence for practice by adhering to the requirements for continuing professional development

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Implements a specific learning and development plan when moving to a new area of practice or returning to practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Reflects on practice to inform current and future reasoning and decision-making and the integration of theory and evidence into practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Maintains knowledge of relevant resources and technologies, and

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Maintains digital literacy for practice.

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Occupational therapy process and practice

    An occupational therapist’s practice acknowledges the relationship between health, wellbeing and human occupation, and their practice is client-centred for individuals, groups, communities and populations.

    An occupational therapist:

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Addresses occupational performance and participation of clients, identifying the enablers and barriers to engagement

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Performs appropriate information gathering and assessment when identifying a client’s status and functioning, strengths, occupational performance and goals

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Collaborates with the client and relevant others to determine the priorities and occupational therapy goals

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Develops a plan with the client and relevant others to meet identified occupational therapy goals

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Selects and implements culturally responsive and safe practice strategies to suit the occupational therapy goals and environment of the client 

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Seeks to understand and incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ experiences of health, wellbeing and occupations encompassing cultural connections

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Reflects on practice to inform and communicate professional reasoning and decision-making

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Identifies and uses practice guidelines and protocols suitable to the practice setting or work environment

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Implements an effective and accountable process for delegation, referral and handover 

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Reviews, evaluates and modifies plans, goals and interventions with the client and relevant others to enhance or achieve client outcomes 

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Evaluates client and service outcomes to inform future practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Uses effective collaborative, multidisciplinary and interprofessional approaches for decision-making and planning

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Uses appropriate assistive technology, devices and/or environmental modifications to achieve client occupational performance outcomes, and

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Communication

    Occupational therapists practise with open, responsive and appropriate communication to maximise the occupational performance and engagement of clients and relevant others.

    An occupational therapist:

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Communicates openly, respectfully and effectively

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Adapts written, verbal and non-verbal communication appropriate to the client and practice context

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Works ethically with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations to understand and incorporate relevant cultural protocols and communication strategies, with the aim of working to support self-governance in communities

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Uses culturally responsive, safe and relevant communication tools and strategies 

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Complies with legal and procedural requirements for the responsible and accurate documentation, sharing and storage of professional information and records of practice 

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Maintains contemporaneous, accurate and complete records of practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Obtains informed consent for practice and information-sharing from the client or legal guardian

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Maintains collaborative professional relationships with clients, health professionals and relevant others

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Uses effective communication skills to initiate and end relationships with clients and relevant others

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Seeks and responds to feedback, modifying communication and/or practice accordingly, and

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

  • Relating to

    Identifies and articulates the rationale for practice to clients and relevant others.

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

Representative texts and references

Representative texts and references

ClinEd webpage (2025) https://www.clinedaus.org.au/. ClinEdAus.  

Ferns, S. J., Zegwaard, K. E., Pretti, T. J., & Rowe, A. D. (2024). Defining and designing work-integrated learning curriculum. Higher Education Research and Development, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2024.2399072

Grace, S., & O'Neill, R. (2014). Better prepared, better placement: An online resource for health students. Asia-Pacific Journal of Cooperative Education, 15(4), 291-304.

Gustafsson, L., Brown, T., McKinstry, C., & Caine, A. M. (2017). Practice education: A snapshot from Australian university programmes. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 64(2), 159-169. https://doi.org/ https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12337

Hay, K., Borren, J., Maidment, J., Tudor, R., & Chilvers, D. (2023). The practice of block placements. In K. E. Zegwaard & T. J. Pretti (Eds.), The Routledge International Handbook of Work-Integrated Learning (3rd ed., pp. 163-175). Routledge. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003156420

Isbel, S., Brown, T., Yu, M.-L., Bevitt, T., Greber, C., & Caine, A.-M. (2020). Practice education in occupational therapy: Current trends and practices. In D. Nestel, G. Reedy, L. McKenna, & S. Gough (Eds.), Clinical Education for the Health Professions: Theory and Practice (pp. 1-25). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-6106-7

Kokorelias KM, Wu V, Colquhoun H, Sangrar R, Wijekoon S, Nelson MLA, et al. (2025). Cultural Humility Practices in Occupational Therapy Services: A Scoping Review. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy. 79(2).

Levett-Jones, T. (2023). Clinical reasoning: Learning to think like a nurse (3rd ed.). Pearson Australia

Manton D, Williams M. Strengthening Indigenous Australian Perspectives in Allied Health Education: A Critical Reflection. (2021). International Journal of Indigenous Health. 16(1):223–42.

Nagarajan, S., and McAllister, L. (2015). Integration of practice experiences into the allied health curriculum: Curriculum and pedagogic considerations before, during and after work-integrated learning experiences. Asia-Pacific Journal of Cooperative Education, 16 (4), 279-290.

Occupational Therapy Board. (2018). Australian occupational therapy competency standards. https://www.occupationaltherapyboard.gov.au/codes-guidelines/competencies.aspx

Occupational Therapy Australia. (2025). Code of ethics 1d813e17-e6e9-4f7d-a3b4-f479c8e3866a.pdf

Rodger, S., Webb, G., Devitt, L., Gilbert, J., & Wrightson, P. (2011). What makes a quality occupational therapy practice placement? Students' and practice educators' perspectives. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 58(3), 195–202. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1630.2010.00903.x

Schell, B. & Schell, J. (2024). Clinical and Professional Reasoning in Occupational Therapy (3rd ed.). Wolters Kluwer.

Stagnitti, K., Schoo, A. & Welch, D. (Eds.). (2013). Clinical and Fieldwork Placement in the Health Professions (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press

School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (2020). Student Practice Evaluation Form – Revised (2nd ed.). (SPEF-R2). In Student Practice Evaluation Form – Revised (2nd ed.). (SPEF-R2) Package. The University of Queensland. https://spefronline.com/

World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT) (2016). Minimum standards for the education of occupational therapistshttps://www.wfot.org/assets/resources/COPYRIGHTED-World-Federation-of-Occupational-Therapists-Minimum-Standards-for-the-Education-of-Occupational-Therapists-2016a.pdf

Zegwaard, K. E., & Pretti, T. J. (2023). The Routledge International Handbook of work-Integrated Learning (K. E. Zegwaard & T. J. Pretti, Eds., 3rd ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003156420

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