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Occupational Therapists (3143)

Among the occupations currently in highest demand in All of Québec

The English text is currently unavailable. Please refer to the French text below.

Qualification and skills most often required

La maîtrise en ergothérapie est exigée. L’adhésion à l’Ordre des ergothérapeutes du Québec est obligatoire pour porter le titre et exercer les activités réservées. Il est important de vérifier auprès de cet ordre professionnel quelles sont les conditions d’admission ainsi que les modalités particulières qui s’appliquent aux personnes diplômées à l’extérieur du Québec. L’empathie, la dextérité, la capacité de travailler en équipe, des aptitudes à communiquer, à vulgariser, à analyser et à résoudre des problèmes ainsi que des compétences en relation d’aide sont recherchées. Le bilinguisme est parfois requis.

Reason for labor demand

La croissance et le vieillissement de la population ainsi que les services de maintien à domicile soutiennent la demande dans cette profession. La relève est insuffisante pour combler les besoins de main-d’œuvre des établissements du réseau de la santé et des services sociaux ainsi que des cliniques spécialisées.

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Job titles

  • case manager occupational therapist
  • clinical occupational therapist
  • clinical occupational therapy specialist
  • View all job titles

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 are employed in health care facilities, in schools, and by private and social services agencies, or they may be self-employed.

Fields of interest

  • Providing others with care and assistance
  • Working for yourself

Main duties

  • Occupational therapists perform some or all of the following duties:
  • - 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.
  • * 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, or provide special interventions such as return-to-work programs.

Employment requirements

  • * A university degree in occupational therapy including supervised fieldwork is required orGraduation 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 all provinces.
  • * 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.

More information in All of Québec

Employment in 2011 3,500
Skill level Professional
Average annual full-time income in 2005 50,000$
Job prospects-by occupation (2012-2016) Good
Unemployment rate in 2011 Low