National Occupation Code (NOC): 31203

Occupational therapists develop individual and group programs with people affected by illness, injury, developmental disorders, emotional or psychological problems and aging to maintain, restore or increase their ability to care for themselves and to engage in work, school or leisure. They also develop and implement health promotion programs with individuals, community groups and employers. They are employed in health care facilities, in schools, and by private and social services agencies, or they may be self-employed.

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Job Duties for Occupational therapists

• Analyse clients' capabilities and expectations related to life activities through observation, interviews and formal assessments
• Develop intervention programs to address clients' needs related to self-care, work and leisure activities
• Maintain clients' records
• Establish personalized care plans working as a member of an interdisciplinary team
• Consult and advise on health promotion programs to prevent disabilities and to maximize independent function in all activities of life
• May supervise support personnel and students and provide training.

Employment Requirements for Occupational therapists

• A university degree in occupational therapy including supervised fieldwork is required.
• Completion of a national or provincial certification examination is required.
• Licensure with a regulatory body is required in all provinces and territories.
• Membership in the national association, Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists, is required in some provinces.
• Occupational therapists may obtain expertise in a particular area through additional training or experience.

Alternate Job Titles

• Case Manager Occupational Therapist
• Clinical Occupational Therapist
• Clinical Occupational Therapy Specialist
• Community Occupational Therapist
• Community Practice Occupational Therapist
• Home Care Occupational Therapist
• Occupational Therapist (OT)
• Occupational Therapist Vocational Evaluator
• Occupational Therapy Rehabilitation Consultant
• Research And Development Occupational Therapist
• Research Occupational Therapist
• Vocational Evaluator Occupational Therapist