Practising in Ontario

Occupational therapy is a vibrant and valued component of Ontario's healthcare system. Approximately 6,000 occupational therapists work in the province in various settings including; hospitals, rehabilitation centres, mental health centres, community based services, nursing homes, schools, industry, and in private practice where they may provide direct services, education, consultation, research activity, sales or administrative services.

In Canada, national health care policy provides the framework for health service delivery, however, it is the responsibility of the provinces to manage the services and systems of health and social service delivery. It is important to be aware of policy and trends at the provincial level as policy decisions and implementation affects the day to day practice of occupational therapy. The provincial professional association provides a mechanism through which OTs practising in the province can be informed about, engaged in, and adapting to provincial health policy trends and issues.

Where the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO) exists to serve and protect the public, the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists (OSOT) is a provincial organization and exists to serve and represent the professional - over 3,900 practising occupational therapists and students. Refer to About OSOT for further information.

Other useful pages:

Regulation of Occupational Therapy Practice

Job Opportunities in Ontario

Funding for OT Services

How to Find an Occupational Therapist in Ontario