Diploma in Occupational Therapy

This course is administratively part of the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College of Tumaini University and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare providing staff and student’s sponsorship. The school was set up under the auspices of the Tanzania Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, WHO, Good Samaritan Foundation (GSF), DSE, APSO, Skillshare International and VSO in 1998.

Occupational Therapy helps people with disabilities to regain independence. Occupational therapists are health professionals who provide skills and practical solutions for people who have a physical or mental disability which is either short term or long term.

Course Duration

This is a three years diploma course which consists of theoretical and practical training. KCMU College provides academic supervision and awards while the Ministry provides staff support.

Overall Aim

It aims at qualifying Occupational Therapists who will appreciate the social, psychological and physiological effects of disability by providing the intervention based on sound theoretical principles and models of the profession. Graduates will be competent communicators and motivators for continual professional development.

Course content

Subjects covered during the 3 years include: anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, sociology, psychology, primary health care, clinical sciences, occupational therapy process and foundation, adaptive technology, occupational therapy applied to psychiatry, physical disabilities, pediatrics community care., practical media skills, computer skills, research, administration, management and field work.

Direct Entrants

Holders of Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (CSEE) with four (4) Passes in non-religious Subjects including two (2) credit “C” Passes in Chemistry and Biology and “D” in Physics, a Pass in English Language and Basic Mathematics is an added advantage.

Equivalent Entry

Holders of Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (CSEE) with at least two (2) passes minimum grade of “D” in either Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Basic Mathematics, Geography, Nutrition, and Economics.

A certificate of Allied Health Science professions such as in Physiotherapy, Orthopedic Technologist, Wheelchair Technologist, Special needs teachers, Speech Therapist or Nutritionist, Community Health.