Career guide

Occupational therapist

Occupational therapists help people do everyday things again after illness, injury or disability: self-care, work, school and getting around.

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

  1. Earn a bachelor's degree with the required courses
  2. Complete the Master of Occupational Therapy at the University of Manitoba

Manitoba schools: University of Manitoba, College of Rehabilitation Sciences (opens in a new tab)

Licence and registration

  1. Pass the national exam the college requires (you can work on a provisional licence until then)
  2. Register with the College of Occupational Therapists of Manitoba

Trained outside Canada?

Occupational therapists educated outside Canada start with the national substantial equivalency assessment (ACOTRO), then apply to the Manitoba college.

Important: Requirements can change and may differ for internationally educated professionals. CareZelo links to official bodies but does not determine eligibility.

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