Career guide
Occupational therapist
Occupational therapists help people do everyday things again after illness, injury or disability: self-care, work, school and getting around.
- StatusRegulated profession
- TrainingMaster's degree
- Pay scale$45.15–$56.17 an hour
- Openings now6
A day in the job
You assess how a patient manages dressing, cooking or moving, recommend equipment and home changes, teach new ways of doing things and plan safe discharge with the team.
Where you could work: Hospitals, rehab, community, schools
How to get there
- Earn a bachelor's degree with the required courses
- Complete the Master of Occupational Therapy at the University of British Columbia
British Columbia schools: University of British Columbia (opens in a new tab)
Licence and registration
- Pass the national exam the college requires
- Register with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC
Official starting point: College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (opens in a new tab)
Trained outside Canada?
Occupational therapists educated outside Canada start with the national substantial equivalency assessment (ACOTRO), then apply to the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC.
Important: Requirements can change and may differ for internationally educated professionals. CareZelo links to official bodies but does not determine eligibility.