Occupational therapists (NOC 3143)

Occupational therapists help people whose capabilities have been impaired by illness, injury, developmental disorders, emotional or psychological disorders or the aging process.

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Occupational therapist

WorkBC's Career Trek

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Occupational therapists:

• 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.

Special duties

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. They may also provide special interventions such as return-to-work programs.

Occupational therapists work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, day programs, home-care programs, schools and industry. They also work in settings where clients live or work or in community settings (where clients participate in leisure activities).

Employees generally work 40 hours per week during standard office hours, however, evening, weekend and shift work may also be required.

Work in this field can be both physically and emotionally demanding since it involves helping people through rehabilitation. Therapists may have to do considerable lifting, carrying, walking, standing and crouching. In some practices, therapists may also have to use a computer for extended periods of time during report preparation.

Job growth will be due to an aging population, increased life expectancy, technological advancements, greater social health awareness and a shift toward ambulatory care (for patients who do not need to stay in a health-care facility overnight). The majority of job openings will result from new job creation. Further, since women make up a high share of these workers, there are many openings from maternity leave.

Occupational therapists are in high demand throughout the province. At present, the number of new graduates is insufficient to meet demand. This shortage has provided expanded opportunities for new graduates to practise in areas that typically would have required a higher level of experience. More opportunities for on-the-job training and mentorship will also likely become available as a result of shortages.

Industry reports that the trend for workers moving to community practice (private practice) is expected to continue, as privatization and insurance coverage for occupational therapy services becomes more common.
Some practices have adopted technologies for consultations provincewide. The move to electronic health records requires computer skills and basic office software knowledge. Occupational therapists may also work more often on teams delivering services through tele-health technologies.