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Ryan occupational therapy student

How Ryan discovered his passion for occupational therapy

UQ people
Published 6 Dec, 2024  ·  4-minute read

From a young age, Ryan Tang knew he wanted a career that would make a real impact on people's lives.

"I wanted a rewarding job where I could help people overcome big challenges," he says.

Ryan initially set his sights on studying physiotherapy, but when he didn’t quite meet the entry requirements, he decided to explore other options. This unexpected detour led him to UQ’s Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) – and it turned out to be the perfect fit.

“At first, I was disappointed about not getting into physiotherapy,” Ryan says.

“But diving into occupational therapy opened my eyes to a whole new world, and I ended up loving it.”

Now, Ryan is focused on making a real difference in people’s lives and is ready to embrace both the rewards and challenges of a career in occupational therapy (OT).

Ryan assisting an occupational therapy client

Discovering occupational therapy: a perfect fit for Ryan

For Ryan, studying occupational therapy at UQ is more than just earning a degree – it's about living his passion.

Through his studies, he’s learned that occupational therapy is about much more than physical recovery; it’s about helping people regain their independence and reconnect with what truly matters to them.

“Occupational therapy goes beyond physical rehab,” Ryan says.

“It’s about connecting with people on a deeper level, helping them get back to what makes life meaningful – whether that’s returning to work, enjoying hobbies, or simply gaining back their independence.”

Occupational therapy also takes a holistic approach, focusing on the whole person: mentally, emotionally, and socially. Ryan’s dedication to this comprehensive care is what fuels his passion for the field.

Ryan Tang, Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

It's about helping people feel whole again. Every day in this program brings me closer to making a real impact.

Ryan Tang
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)

Developing key skills through hands-on learning

As Ryan progresses through his studies, he’s discovering just how valuable hands-on learning can be.

One of the most rewarding experiences has been working with patients at the Spinal Injuries Unit at Princess Alexandra Hospital. Unlike classroom simulations with actors, this placement exposed Ryan to patients with genuine emotions, beliefs and values, deepening his understanding of what it means to provide truly empathetic care.

“This placement has shown me how important our role is in a patient’s recovery,” Ryan says.

“Whether it’s making a splint, helping with rehab or planning for discharge, we make a real difference.”

Through this hands-on experience, Ryan has been able to apply what he’s learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios.

“Helping someone regain upper limb function or supporting them emotionally through rehab is incredibly rewarding,” he says.

Ryan collaborating with a physiotherapist to help a client

He’s also realised how important his knowledge of anatomy has been in his clinical work.

“Understanding anatomy has been a huge help, especially in upper limb rehab,” he says.

Looking back on his first-year anatomy courses, Ryan recalls how much he enjoyed learning alongside physiotherapy students.

“It not only built great teamwork skills, but it also helped me understand their role better. This early exposure to interprofessional learning has been key to developing my skills in patient care.”

Breaking barriers: why more men should consider OT

As one of the few male students in his program, Ryan has gained a unique perspective on the field of occupational therapy, and he believes it’s one that more men should explore.

“Having more men in OT is so important,” Ryan says.

“Male patients often connect better with male OTs, building trust and rapport that can really make a difference in their recovery.”

Ryan’s journey has also helped him see the value of his own contribution to the profession.

“As a male OT, my perspective adds something special. Diverse viewpoints strengthen how we approach patient care.”

Though being in the minority has had its challenges, Ryan sees it as a chance to grow.

“It can feel isolating at times, but I quickly realised that by connecting with female students and building a wide network, I could avoid feeling disconnected,” he says.

Ryan working with a client and a physiotherapist

Here's Ryan’s advice to other men considering OT:

“There will be times when you question if OT is right for you, but focus on the difference you’re making. You’re not just helping people physically—you’re helping them live better lives in ways that truly matter.”

Ryan encourages more men to join the field, as their unique experiences and perspectives will only enhance and shape the future of occupational therapy.

Ryan isn't the only UQ student defying stereotypes in health-related fields. Discover how Arnel is studying to become a male midwife.

Looking ahead: Ryan’s career goals and vision for the future

Ryan is excited about continuing his journey in occupational therapy with a clear vision for his career.

“I hope to start my career in a hospital setting, where I can make a meaningful impact and gain the experience I need to open my own NDIS provider,” he says.

His goal is to offer multi-disciplinary care for adult patients, helping them reconnect with others and regain their independence.

Ultimately, Ryan wants to help people get back to doing what they enjoy in life while contributing to a field that he finds deeply fulfilling. He also hopes to inspire more men to consider OT, breaking down barriers and proving that diverse perspectives only enhance the profession.

Explore UQ's Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)

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