Occupational Therapists
(NOC 3143)
in All HealthOccupational 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 work in health care facilities, in schools, and at private and social services agencies, or they may be self-employed. Occupational therapists may specialize in working with specific populations like children or adults, or persons with distinct problems like dementia, traumatic brain injury and chronic pain, or provide special interventions like return-to-work programs.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Health
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a small percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are not expected to be a major contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Occupational Therapists most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 60% of Occupational Therapists who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $69,252. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$29.67
Minimum$38.00
Median$40.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$21,334
Minimum$64,403
Median$73,705
MaximumCompared to: All Health
Hourly Pay
$16.38
Minimum$30.45
Median$41.35
MaximumAnnual Pay
$10,740
Minimum$43,853
Median$88,944
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
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 work in health care facilities, in schools, and at private and social services agencies, or they may be self-employed. Occupational therapists may specialize in working with specific populations like children or adults, or persons with distinct problems like dementia, traumatic brain injury and chronic pain, or provide special interventions like return-to-work programs.
Job duties
Occupational therapists:
- Analyze 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.
- Create 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.
Sample job titles
- clinical occupational therapist
- clinical occupational therapy specialist
- community occupational therapist
- home care occupational therapist
- occupational therapist (OT)
- occupational therapist vocational evaluator
- occupational therapy rehabilitation consultant
- research and development occupational therapist
Skills
You must have a genuine and sensitive interest in people and their ability to achieve. You must be able to communicate effectively with people and demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility, good judgement, patience, and self-discipline. Occupational therapists must be creative and unique in their approach to each client.
Job requirements
- A university degree in occupational therapy including supervised fieldwork is required or graduation from an occupational therapy program approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) is accepted in some provinces.
- Completion of the national certification examination may be required.
- Licensure with a regulatory body is required in Nova Scotia.
- 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.
Other considerations
Occupational therapists may progress to management or administrative positions through further training and experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Health
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
North Shore
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Health care and social assistance
Public administration
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
Compared to: All Health
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
Bachelor's degree
$66,428 median annual incomeMaster's degree
$63,583 median annual incomeUniversity advanced certificate or diploma
N/ACollege certificate or diploma
N/ACompared to: All Health
College certificate or diploma
$40,033 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$61,668 median annual incomeMedicine, dentistry, veterinary, optometry
$81,191 median annual incomeHigh school
$24,829 median annual incomeMaster's degree
$69,296 median annual incomeEducation & training
Occupational therapy/therapist
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to assist patients limited by physical, cognitive, psychosocial, mental, developmental, and learning disabilities, as well as adverse environmental conditions, to maximize their independence and maintain optimum health through a planned mix of acquired skills, performance motivation, environmental adaptations, assistive technologies, and physical agents. These programs include courses in the basic medical sciences, psychology, sociology, patient assessment and evaluation, standardized and non-standardized tests and measurements, assistive and rehabilitative technologies, ergonomics, environmental health, special education, vocational counselling, health education and promotion, and professional standards and ethics.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title and Practice: This job is regulated, and the job title is protected in Nova Scotia (you may not use this job title without holding a provincial licence). A licence shows that the holder has met provincial requirements and is required to work in this job.