Occupational Therapist (OT)
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST (OT)
Career Description
Occupational therapists (OTs) work with people of any age to promote health, prevent disability, and develop or maintain abilities. Occupational therapy provides the skills for the job of living to help people solve the problems that interfere with their ability to do the occupations (activities) that are important to them. These problems may be a result of injury, disease, social disadvantage, or the environment. Occupational therapists can address physical and mental health concerns.
Occupational therapists are specialists in the analysis, adaptation and therapeutic use of occupations, to achieve goals jointly determined by the therapist and the client, in the context of their own home and community. Occupational therapists work in a wide variety of settings. Some of these settings include hospitals, clinics, community programs, schools and long-term care facilities.
Academic and Licensing Requirements
- Completion of a 4-year Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Minimum of a B grade average
- Completion of two prerequisites: human physiology (6 credit hours), and human/vertebrate anatomy (3 hours)
- Passing grade on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
- Completion of a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy
Upon completion of the educational requirements, one must write the National Occupational Therapy Certification Examination (NOTCE). To work in Nova Scotia as an Occupational Therapist, one must register with the College of Occupational Therapists of Nova Scotia.
Where to study in Nova Scotia
OCCUPATIONAL AND PHYSIOTHERAPIST ASSISTANTS
Career Description
As a collaborative member of the health care team, occupational therapy assistants (OTA) and physiotherapy assistants (PTA) work under the supervision of either a registered occupational therapist or a registered physiotherapist assisting them with treatment plans for individuals who have conditions that are physically or developmentally disabling.
Assistants prepare materials and equipment used during treatment and may perform clerical or administrative duties as assigned. There are also rehabilitation assistants that are qualified to work under the supervision of and in collaboration with both an occupational therapist and a physiotherapist.
Academic and Licensing Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
High school diploma (or equivalent) should include (differs for educational institutions): grade 12 Academic English and Biology; and one additional grade 12 Academic Science
Upon successful completion of the education requirements, one must successfully challenge the National Dental Examining Board of Canada’s examinations to receive certification as a dentist.
To work as a Dentist in Nova Scotia, one must be registered and licensed through the Provincial Dental Board of Nova Scotia.