Archive - Occupational Therapists (NOC 3143)

Published: 2 October 2014
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If you are interested in working as an Occupational Therapists in Canada, you will be pleased to know that the job outlook for your occupation in Canada is extremely positive.

You can use this overview of the Canadian employment prospects in your field to start planning your immigration and settlement in Canada.

occupational-therapist

Important statistics for this occupation:

  • Canada is in need of health workers across the country, as demand for health services is growing faster than the labour market can meet.
  • Immigrants comprise about 7% of workers in this field, a number that is expected to rise due to recent government initiatives.
  • In recent years, the number of Occupational Therapists in local community health centers has increased by more than five times, and the number in residential and long-term care facilities has tripled.
  • Demand for Physiotherapists has increased due to Canada’s ageing population, increased presence of ambulatory care, and improvement in the survival rate of accident victims and newborns.
  • Women hold 95% of jobs in this field.
  • In Ontario, workers in this field make $69,000 per year on average.

Duties for Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapists develop individual and group programs with people affected by illness, injury, developmental disorders, emotional or psychological problems and ageing 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.

Description of Main Duties

Occupational therapists perform some or all of the following duties:

  • 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.

Example job titles for Occupational Therapists:

  • Clinical occupational therapist
  • Community occupational therapist
  • Occupational therapist (OT)
  • Occupational therapist, case manager
  • Occupational therapist, research and development
  • Occupational therapist rehabilitation consultant

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