Dual studies Occupational Therapy (B.Sc.) – FHM

Requirements and Target Group

The dual bachelor's degree programme in Occupational Therapy is aimed at school leavers who are interested in medical-therapeutic professions and wish to combine practical training with academic study. It specifically targets individuals who want to complete a state-recognised training to become an occupational therapist while simultaneously pursuing an academic degree. The programme is suitable for you if you want to work later in healthcare facilities, rehabilitation clinics, occupational therapy practices, or corporate health management – also with prospects for leadership roles and self-employment.

Admission Requirements: What Do You Need to Bring?

The following formal entry criteria apply for admission to the dual Occupational Therapy degree course at the Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM):

• Proof of higher education entrance qualification (e.g. general university entrance qualification, advanced technical college entrance qualification, or an equivalent recognised prior qualification; for professionally qualified applicants, proof according to regional legal regulations)
• Conclusion of a training contract with an FHM cooperation school for occupational therapy (vocational school for occupational therapy)
• Documents to be submitted: CV, certificates (if applicable also provisional), training contract, and if applicable proof of work experience for professionally qualified applicants

On a personal level, you should have fundamental social skills, as the daily professional life is strongly characterised by working with people. Empathy, communication skills, and a sense of responsibility are key qualities. Interest in medical and psychological issues, analytical thinking, as well as a willingness to conduct independent scientific work are also required. For the dual degree, organisational talent, resilience, and motivation to continuously link theory and practice are furthermore important.

Study Content in Detail: What Do You Learn in the Dual Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy?

The dual degree programme in Occupational Therapy (B.Sc.) at the Fachhochschule des Mittelstands provides you with in-depth specialised knowledge in medical, psychological and pedagogical disciplines as well as practice-oriented skills for professional therapeutic work. During your studies, you will engage with the following subject areas, among others:

• Biomedical Basics (I–II): Structure and function of the human body, important diseases and their impact on coping with everyday life.
• Pathology (I–III): Understanding of illnesses and functional disorders relevant to occupational therapy.
• Occupational Therapy Tools and Technical Media: Use of aids, devices and materials in the therapeutic context.
• Pedagogical and Didactic Basics: Methods for guiding and motivating clients of different ages.
• Psychosocial Approaches: Promotion of social participation, dealing with mental illnesses and counselling skills.
• Occupational Therapy Treatment Approaches (I–III): Development, planning and assessment of targeted therapy processes.
• Clinical Psychology and Special Needs Education: Psychological foundations, support and promotion of people with disabilities.
• Business Administration and Start-up Management: Preparation for possible self-employment as well as knowledge of health systems and therapy professions.
• Legal Basics: Legal issues in the professional field, ethics and professional responsibility.
• Medical English: Deepening of English skills for the (international) therapy sector.
• Scientific Work and Projects: Preparation of scientific papers, conducting and documenting practical projects.
• Self-Management and Self-Marketing: Development of your personal skills, time management and presentation.

Through the combination of theory and practice as well as through your own transfer project during your studies, you will be specifically prepared for independent and innovative work as an occupational therapist.