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$38.43–$50.99 an hour
- Openings now7
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 master's in occupational therapy (Dalhousie University offers one)
Licence and registration
- Pass the entry-to-practice exam the college requires
- Register with the College of Occupational Therapists of Nova Scotia
Official starting point: College of Occupational Therapists of Nova Scotia (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 Nova Scotia college.
Important: Requirements can change and may differ for internationally educated professionals. CareZelo links to official bodies but does not determine eligibility.