Students

1 What is OTASA

Welcome to all occupational therapy students. We have created this space to find information fast that is important to you as a student. If you cannot find relevant information contact the National Occupational Therapy Office at otasa@otasa.org.za

The Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa (OTASA) is the only professional and educational organisation for all occupational therapists and auxiliary staff members within South Africa. Students are welcome to join in the family of the Association.

2 Benefits for being a member of OTASA

A Professional growth - Students can attend workshops and the National Congress for reduced fees B A national voice - The Association is a body that lobbies for all it's members at, for instance Governmental level - Advances and promotes the profession of Occupational Therapy C Professional identity - Provides a sense of belonging - Being part of a unified body D Professional contact - Provides the opportunity to interact with other occupational therapists - Getting information at national level - Develops links and support E Professional contribution - You are making a difference just by showing your commitment to the profession - Being part of developing the profession - Working for effective service delivery

3 Occupational Therapy Training in South Africa

Occupational Therapists undergo a four-year degree training at University. There are eight training centres across South Africa. The Health Professions Council of South Africa accredits the training of all the centres. We are also affiliated to the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.

To View Traning Centres Click Here

CLOSING DATES FOR APPLICATION

Training Centre	Closing Date
MEDUNSA	30 September
University of Durban Westville	31 October
University of Cape Town	None
University of Western Cape	31 August
University of Orange Free State	15 August
University of Pretoria	30 June
University of Stellenbosch	30 June
University of Witwatersrand	30 June

4 Application form

The application for membership form is available from the Occupational Therapy Office at otasa@otasa.org.za or you may click here to download the form, complete it and fax it to +27 (012) 365-1327

5 Publications

Every member of the Association receives a free copy of the South African Journal of South Africa (SAJOT), FOCUS (the national newsletter), and newsletters from the regional branch closest to where you live. These newsletters provide you with advertisements of workshops, events, meetings and general news from colleagues all over the country.

6 Post-graduate courses

Only training centres are providing postgraduate diplomas and degrees. This information is being updated and will be available soon.

Training Centre	Postgraduate courses
MEDUNSA	Doctor of Philosophy by dissertation	Degree of Master of Occupational Therapy by dissertation M OT
University of Durban Westville	Doctor of Philosophy by dissertation	Degree of Master of Occupational Therapy by dissertation M OT
University of Cape Town	Doctor of Philosophy by dissertation	Degree of Master of Science in Occupational Therapy by dissertation MSc (OT)	Degree of Master of Science in Occupational Therapy by course work M Sc (OT) in:- Rehabilitation Professional practice Dissertation
University of Orange Free State	Doctor of Philosophy by dissertation	Degree of Master of Occupational Therapy by dissertation M Arb/M OT	Degree of Master of Occupational Therapy by course work M OT/M Arb in:- Biomechanics Neurology Paediatrics Psychiatry Work rehabilitation
University of Pretoria	Doctor of Philosophy by dissertation	Degree of Master of Occupational Therapy by dissertation M Arb	Degree of Master of Occupational Therapy by course work M Arb in:- Biomechanics Neurology Paediatrics Psychiatry Occupational Science Essay	Postgraduate diploma in:- Vocational rehabilitation Interpersonal communication and Group work in OT Hand diploma
University of Stellenbosch	Doctor of Philosophy by dissertation	Degree of Master of Occupational Therapy by dissertation M Arb	Degree of Master of Occupational Therapy by course work M Arb in:- Advanced OT Management Researchmethods Research report
University of Western Cape		Degree of Master of Occupational Therapy by dissertation M OT
University of Witwatersrand	Doctor of Philosophy by dissertation	Degree of Master of Science in Occupational Therapy by dissertation M Sc(OT)	Degree of Master of Science in Occupational Therapy by course work MSc OT in:- Neurosciences applied to OT OT Treatment of Perceptual Disorders Research Report Psychiatry Community rehabilitation	Advanced Diploma in Occupational Therapy in:- Neurosciences applied to OT OT Treatment of Perceptual Disorders Psychiatry

7 Working overseas

For the adventurers amongst you, we are providing you with the URL of WFOT where you can access information on working overseas: www.wfot.org.au

8. Research Awards

The Marie du Toit Foundation offers awards for research undertaken by final year students at universities in South Africa. Click here to view the 2003 awards.

9. Links with other Occupational Therapy Association's student pages

America Occupational Therapy Association: www.aota.org
Canadian Occupational Therapy Association: www.caot.ca
Australian Occupational Therapy Association: www.austot.com.au

Contact Information

Tel: + 27 (0)12 362 5457
Fax: + 27 (0)86 651 5438

Internet: www.otasa.org.za

Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa

PO Box 11695, Hatfield, 0028, South Africa

OTASA Section 51 Manual

occupational therapy : health services : paramedical services : treatment : non-profit organisation