How to become an occupational therapist
Official title: Occupational therapists
Also called: Occupational therapist (ot), Clinical occupational therapist, Research occupational therapist, Community occupational therapist, Home care occupational therapist, Case manager occupational therapist, Clinical occupational therapy specialist, Community practice occupational therapist, Occupational therapist vocational evaluator, Vocational evaluator occupational therapist, Occupational therapy rehabilitation consultant, Research and development occupational therapist
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.
Main tasks
- 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
- Occupational therapists may specialize in working with specific populations such as children or adults, or persons with distinct problems such as dementia, traumatic brain injury and chronic pain, or provide special interventions such as return-to-work programs
How to become one
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.
Ways in
- University: Allied Health degrees, Offered by 9 universities in Canada
- Licence or registration: Licensure with a regulatory body is required in all provinces and territories.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $89,700 a year The middle half earn $78,000 to $99,450.
- About 22,700 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 29,700 are projected by 2033. (+30.8%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: moderate risk of shortage.
Related jobs
- Psychologists
- Chiropractors
- Physiotherapists
- Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment
- Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating
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Questions people ask
How do I become an occupational therapist?
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.
How much does an occupational therapist earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $89,700 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $78,000 to $99,450.
Is an occupational therapist a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 31% by 2033, from about 22,700 to about 29,700 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become an occupational therapist?
Usually. 98% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03