Become an Occupational Therapist!

Occupational therapy is an exciting and rewarding profession that provides a diverse range of practice options typically within health, social services, or education sectors. Learn more about occupational therapy at OTOntario.ca.

A regulated health profession in all Canadian provinces, educational and eligibility requirements to practice are directed by provincial regulators of the profession. That said, across the country eligibility requirements are similar. Visit the Association of Canadian Occupational Therapy Regulatory Organizations for more information. 

Educational programs in occupational therapy are offered at the Masters level at 14 Canadian universities. These programs are accredited by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists to assure national standards that direct key elements of curriculum and a requirement for a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised fieldwork experience (on-the-job training). All programs prepare graduates to be eligible to write the national certification exam which is administered by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.

Successful completion of the exam is an eligibility requirement in all provinces except Quebec and the Territories. Students are encouraged to visit each program’s website to ascertain admission requirements, course descriptions, curriculum, and faculty. If students are interested in applying to an Ontario program, visit the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre – Rehabilitation Sciences Programs.

Thinking about applying? 

Applicants to Canadian universities are encouraged to inform themselves as much as possible about the profession to best assess personal fit. We offer the following suggestions:

• Interested students should seek occupational therapists to speak with, discuss the profession and their practice experience to become informed about the range of practice options and the core elements of the professions.
• If volunteer work within an OT service is a possibility, this can be a useful way to learn more about the profession.
• In some cases, occupational therapists are able to offer “shadowing” experiences that enable a student to visit and observe their practice. OSOT can assist students to find occupational therapists with which to network and explore the profession. Contact the OSOT office to request a search for a willing OSOT member in your community. View our Tips on Shadowing an Occupational Therapist.
  
  Browse professional websites such as:
  
  
• OTOntario.ca - public facing website of Ontario OTs
• Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists
• Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
• Ontario Universities’ Application Centre – Rehabilitation Sciences Program
• Take advantage of any opportunities to visit the schools, participate in an open house or speak to faculty.
  
  

Application deadlines in Ontario is early January and are submitted through the Ontario Universities Application Centre. Visit the OUAC website for more details, timelines and frequently asked questions.

Wishing you success in your career planning! We hope to be able to welcome you to the profession of occupational therapy!