Pursue a career in occupational therapy

MORE Malaysians now understand the significance of rehabilitative medicine and the number of people entering the profession continue to see a steady rise.

However, there is a common misconception that occupational therapy is an interchangeable term for physiotherapy. In fact, there is a difference between physiotherapy and occupational therapy as both professions address different aspects of the rehabilitation needs of an injured or ill patient.

An occupational therapist share the same educational foundation as that of a Physiotherapist in the areas of anatomy and physiology, however the occupational therapist’s scope of practice is more focused on evaluating and improving a patient’s functional abilities rather than just the treatment of their physical injury.

They are specifically trained to identify the ways in which an environment can be modified and can provide the patient with training on how to use assistive equipment to achieve greater independence. This also includes the patient’s ability to accomplish daily skills like dressing, grooming and self-feeding that can be hindered by physical injury, memory or cognitive loss following an accident or illness.

They can also make recommendations to maximise accessibility and ergonomic function at home and at work.

Apart from public healthcare, occupational therapists can work for non-government organisations that focuses on paediatric and geriatric care, mental institutions or city councils.

The starting salary of occupational therapists in public service is usually at RM2,429 (Grade U41) while doctors start at RM2,947 (Grade UD41). Occupational therapists get to complete work by 6pm and do not have to be on-call, unlike medical doctors, thus making the career an attractive one because of the work-life balance.

Perdana University is the only private institution that offers the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Occupational Therapy. There are 6 schools within the University and the Perdana UniversitySchool of Occupational Therapy (PUScOT)manages the Occupational Therapy programme.

The 4-year programme also includes modules not offered elsewhere – Occupational Therapy in Elderly Care and Occupational Therapy in Sexuality and Disability. Students get to do clinical placements from Year 1 of their studies, so that upon graduation they would have fulfilled 1,360 clinical hours.

For more information on the programme, contact Perdana University at 1300 88 8078 (Toll-free), 038941 8646 or e-mail to enquiry@ perdanauniversity.edu.my or visit the website at www.perdanauniversity.edu. my.