About Occupational Therapists

What is an occupational therapist?

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Occupational Therapists are health professionals who work with children and adults facing physical, cognitive, emotional, or social barriers to functioning in daily life in their self-care (e.g., dressing, moving around, eating), being productive (e.g., school, work, community participation), and engaging in leisure activities. They are involved in the identification of these barriers to functioning, referral to other professionals for further evaluation and/or diagnosis of specific disorders (e.g., psychology and physiotherapy), and treatment to improve functioning.

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To do clinical work in Nova Scotia, OTs have a Master’s degree in occupational therapy. Prior to entering a Master's program, they will have completed a Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., psychology, kinesiology, biology). Some OTs later go on to earn a Doctoral degree to advance their skills in conducting research. 

 

To practice in Nova Scotia, OTs must be licensed with the College of Occupational Therapists of Nova Scotia. They may also choose to be members of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists, the national professional association for OTs.