Mercy College

What you'll study

This programme combines foundational health sciences with practical occupational therapy assistant skills. You will study anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, lifespan development, and the psychosocial aspects of health to understand how physical and mental conditions affect everyday function. Core occupational therapy assistant topics include assessment and documentation, therapeutic use of self, activity analysis, adaptive techniques and assistive technology, paediatric and geriatric interventions, mental health practice, and professional and ethical issues.

Teaching is delivered through lectures, laboratory practicals and simulated client sessions, with repeated opportunities to practise therapeutic activities, splinting and basic adaptive equipment training. Research methods and evidence-informed practice are covered to support clinical decision-making. The curriculum includes sequential supervised fieldwork placements in community, hospital, school and residential settings so you gain real-world experience working under licensed occupational therapists. Many programmes include a final clinical practicum or capstone project integrating clinical skills, client-centred goal setting and outcome measurement.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a secondary school qualification or equivalent. Typical prerequisites include completion of courses in biology (or anatomy & physiology), and English; additional recommended background areas are psychology and health sciences. Admissions look for an appropriate level of academic achievement overall, relevant volunteer or work experience in a health or care setting, and demonstrable communication and interpersonal skills.

Selection commonly involves submission of an application, academic transcripts, and references; some applicants are invited to interview or provide a personal statement detailing their motivation and experience. Because students will work with vulnerable people during placements, successful applicants must be able to meet professional suitability checks such as background screening and any required immunisations or health clearances.

Career prospects

Graduates qualify to work as occupational therapy assistants in a wide range of settings. Common employers include acute hospitals, community rehabilitation centres, outpatient clinics, schools and early intervention services, mental health services, long-term care and residential homes, home health agencies, and vocational rehabilitation services. Career tasks include supporting assessments, delivering activity-based interventions, training clients and carers in adaptive techniques, recommending and fitting assistive equipment, and contributing to discharge planning and outcome measurement.

With experience, graduates may progress into senior assistant roles, supervisory positions, or allied health support coordination. Many also pursue further study to become registered occupational therapists or to specialise in areas such as paediatrics, gerontology, neurological rehabilitation or mental health.

Why study at Mercy College

Mercy College offers a programme designed to blend practical clinical training with solid theoretical foundations, benefiting from small-group teaching and skills laboratories that replicate clinical environments. Students gain structured fieldwork placements arranged through college partnerships with local healthcare providers, allowing exposure to a variety of practice settings and client groups.

The college emphasises a student-centred approach, supporting professional development through mentorship, simulated practice opportunities and career services that assist with placement and job preparation. Graduates leave prepared to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, with the practical skills and professional behaviours employers expect in occupational therapy assistant roles.