Overview
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.
This group performs 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.
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.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$48,136
$93,852
$107,408
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
Strong job outlook
British Columbia
646expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
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.
Additional information
Occupational therapists may progress to management or administrative positions through further training and experience.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as Occupational therapists in B.C.
- Registration with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC - Occupational Therapists
Registration with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC - Occupational Therapists
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To practice as an occupational therapist in B.C., you must register with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC. Eligibility is achieved through completion of an approved post-secondary program, and/or 600 hours of occupational therapy practice within the past 3 years.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.