HEC finalises curriculum for Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Programme

ISLAMABAD, May 06 (APP): The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan has finalised the curriculum of the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy programme, integrating the emerging domains and professional competencies required for occupational therapists in the modern healthcare.

 The HEC, in collaboration with the Allied Health Professional Council (AHPC), convened the National Curriculum Review Committee (NCRC) meeting, bringing together experts from leading universities offering Occupational Therapy programmes, industry representatives, and members of AHPC.

 The activity, hosted by Ziauddin University, Karachi, was chaired by Prof. Dr Ashfaq Ahmed, Dean Allied Health Sciences, University of Lahore, as Convenor, while Ms. Neelum Zehra, Principal, College of Occupational Therapy, Ziauddin University, served as Co-Convenor.

HEC was represented by Mr. Hakim Ali Talpur, Director Academics, and Mr. Hidayatullah Kasi, Deputy Director (Curriculum) alongside AHPC representatives including Prof. Dr Hafiz Abdul Manan, Federal Member AHPC, Mr. Muhammad Ismail Jaskani, Sindh Member AHPC, and Dr. Ibrar Rafique, Secretary AHPC.

During the proceedings, the committee undertook a comprehensive review of existing curricula offered by different institutions and deliberated on academic standards including eligibility criteria, nomenclature, disciplinary and lab requirements in alignment with HEC Undergraduate Education Policy, the Allied Health framework, industry needs, and international best practices.

Following extensive deliberations, the committee finalised the curriculum for the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (AHS) programme.

The scheme incorporates strengthened supervised clinical practice and integrates the emerging domains and professional competencies for occupational therapists.

This structure would better accommodate the required breadth of theoretical knowledge, depth of clinical training, and evolving professional competencies in line with international practices and guidelines, including those advocated by global professional bodies such as the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT).

The Allied Health Professional Council (AHPC) endorsed the proposed structure, particularly the standardised clinical training framework.

The finalised curriculum is expected to enhance the quality and uniformity of occupational therapy education in Pakistan and prepare competent professionals to contribute effectively within their defined scope of practice.