Occupational Science and Therapy department

Part of health sciences at AUT, the Occupational Science and Therapy department aims to increase health professionals’ understanding of humans as occupational beings and the complexities and meanings of occupations.

Our teaching and research provides advanced occupational practice techniques and knowledge. We aim to further the skills of occupational therapists and play a critical role in inter-professional healthcare practice.

Research in health sciences

We believe in high-quality research that has impact, and have world-class researchers and research strengths across health sciences.

More about our research

Centres and institutes

Get hands-on experience in our health clinics

Students work with close supervision at our North Campus clinic, AUT Integrated Health. Open to the public, it offers health and rehab services, including occupational therapy.

AUT Integrated Health

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Spotlight on Occupation highlights new developments in occupation research, evidence and opportunities at AUT.

Read Spotlight on Occupation

Natalie Kane
Fahima Muse
Cathryn Voyce
Natalie Kane
Great graduatesNatalie KaneBachelor of Health Science (Honours)
Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy)For Natalie Kane, being able to complete workplace experience in a variety of different settings was a highlight of her occupational therapy degree.For Natalie Kane, being able to complete workplace experience in a variety of different settings was a highlight of her occupational therapy degree. The occupational therapy degree will help you grow more than you knew you could, says Natalie who was the student representative for the occupational therapy students and, after graduating with her bachelor’s degree in March 2021, is now enrolled in a Bachelor of Health Science (Honours).
Fahima Muse
Great graduatesFahima MuseCommunity Occupational Therapist, Greenlane Clinical CentreBachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy)She loves making a difference in the community, says Fahima Muse who is currently a community occupational therapist for the Greenlane Clinical Centre.She loves making a difference in the community, says health sciences alumna Fahima Muse who is now a community occupational therapist for the Greenlane Clinical Centre. While there have been many highlights in her career so far, one achievement stands out most for Fahima: getting her accreditation for Seating to Go wheelchair and complex housing modifications.
Cathryn Voyce
Great graduatesCathryn VoyceBachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy)She has a passion for working with people, says Cathryn Voyce who came to AUT from Australia to complete a Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy).She has a passion for working with people, says Cathryn Voyce who came to AUT to complete a Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy). She had long been drawn to the holistic nature of occupational therapy. Being involved in a summer student research project was one of the highlights of her time at AUT, Cathryn says.

Contact us

Deborah Webster
+64 9 921 9890

deb.webster@aut.ac.nz

View department staff

Key academic contact

Nicholson-Ellen

Dr Ellen Nicholson
Head of Department
+64 9 921 9999 ext7742

enichols@aut.ac.nz

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62% increase in AUT researchers
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