
In order to become an Occupational Therapist in Canada, there are several requirements needed:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Bachelors of Science or university degree with coursework including biology and physiology.
- Master’s Degree: A professional Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited institution; this is the minimum entry requirement for this profession. ...
- Field Experience: A minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised fieldwork experience.
- Certification Exam: Completing the National Occupational Therapy Certification Exam (NOTCE) from the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT).
- Council Membership: Become a member of the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO). Each province has a council that is responsible for the regulation of Occupational Therapy.
How long does it take to become an occupational therapist in Ontario?
To become an occupational therapist in Ontario, you’ll need a degree in occupational therapy, which usually takes three years full-time or up to six years part-time. In postgraduate studies, it’s possible to gain a Masters’s degree in one to two years.
What are the educational requirements for an occupational therapist assistant?
Occupational therapist assistants are not a regulated profession and, as such, the educational requirements are more generalized and there is no entrance exam like the NOTCE. Occupational therapist assistant programs, many of which are accredited, exist at colleges across Canada.
Why work in Canada as an occupational therapist?
There are currently hundreds of jobs in Canada for occupational therapists, not to mention excellent work benefits. When you choose to live and work in Canada as an OT, you can also enjoy the amazing benefits, such as free public healthcare as well as primary and secondary schooling for you and your loved ones.
Why choose an occupational therapy degree?
Occupational therapy offers a lot of choice in terms of areas of practice and, for those who are lifelong learners, there are always new areas and specialties evolving and being recognized. What is occupational therapy? Self-care - getting dressed, eating, moving around the house,

How long is occupational therapy school in Canada?
This program has a graduation rate of 98% based on 198 students admitted between 2011 - 2014. Based on 208 graduations between 2017 - 2020 the minimum time to completion is 1.99 years and the maximum time is 3.16 years with an average of 2.02 years of study.
Is occupational therapist in demand in Canada?
For Occupational therapists & Other professional occupations in therapy and assessment, over the period 2019-2028, new job openings (arising from expansion demand and replacement demand) are expected to total 11,800 , while 9,600 new job seekers (arising from school leavers, immigration and mobility) are expected to be ...
How much does an OT get paid in Canada?
Find out what the average Occupational Therapist salary is The average occupational therapist salary in Canada is $76,993 per year or $39.48 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $69,886 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $87,750 per year.
Is it hard to get into occupational therapy school Canada?
Getting into OT school is very competitive and it takes more than just haphazardly applying to a few schools at the last minute. Make sure you're prepared by learning from my mistakes and follow these actionable tips to increase your chances of getting accepted.
How long is occupational therapy school?
Entry requirements To become an occupational therapist, you'll need a degree in occupational therapy, which usually takes three years full time or up to six years part time. In postgraduate studies, it's possible to gain a Masters degree in one to two years.
Where do occupational therapists make the most money Canada?
Highest paying cities for Occupational Therapists in CanadaAbbotsford, BC. 12 salaries reported. $57.56. per hour.15 salaries reported. $51.20. per hour.Surrey, BC. 65 salaries reported. $48.41. per hour.Toronto, ON. 151 salaries reported. $44.44. per hour.Edmonton, AB. 27 salaries reported. $42.54. per hour.
Is occupational therapy a good job in Canada?
Employment prospects for occupational therapists are very good in Canada. The government forecasts that because the Canadian population is aging, the demand in this profession will increase for the near future.
What are the requirements to be an occupational therapist?
Master's degreeOccupational Therapist / Entry level education
What is the highest paid occupational therapist?
According to the BLS, as of May 2020, the highest paying industries and their average salary for occupational therapists include:Nursing care facilities: $92,260 per year.Home healthcare services: $91,830 per year.Hospitals: $86,910 per year.Offices: $86,830 per year.Elementary and secondary schools: $76,560 per year.
What is the easiest OT program to get into?
Let's begin our list of 10 easiest occupational therapy schools to get into.Western New Mexico, New Mexico. ... Vincennes University, Indiana. ... Community College of Baltimore County, Maryland. ... Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Mississippi. ... East Mississippi Community College, Mississippi.
Is becoming an OT worth it?
Occupational Therapy (OT) is a very rewarding profession. They help people of all ages who would typically struggle to perform normal daily activities. It's challenging and impactful work that patients and their families greatly appreciate.
Is being an OT stressful?
Being an occupational therapist can be stressful. So while you do get to provide meaningful treatments and help people achieve their goals, you will likely have to deal with the struggle of meeting your productivity on a daily basis.
Is occupational therapy a good career Canada?
Employment prospects for occupational therapists are very good in Canada. The government forecasts that because the Canadian population is aging, the demand in this profession will increase for the near future.
What do occupational therapists do in Canada?
Occupational therapists, often called OTs, assess an individual's situation by drawing upon evidence-based approaches and applying their specialized knowledge and skills to recommend a course of preventive or corrective action that will help people lead more productive and satisfying lives.
How do I become an occupational therapist in Alberta?
Registration requires successful completion of: (1) an approved occupational therapy degree program, (2) 1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice, and (3) an approved certification examination.
How do you become an OT?
A master's degree or a more advanced degree in occupational therapy is required in order to work as an occupational therapist. Biology, psychology, sociology, anthropology, liberal arts and anatomy are all appropriate majors for those who ultimately want to earn a master's degree in occupational therapy.