Saskatchewan JobFutures

Nature of Work

Occupational therapists plan and carry out individually designed programs of activity to enhance the ability of patients with physical or mental health problems to care for themselves and to engage in work and recreational pursuits. Occupational therapists are employed in health care institutions and schools and by social agencies.

Nature of Work

Occupational therapists plan and carry out individually designed programs of activity to enhance the ability of patients with physical or mental health problems to care for themselves and to engage in work and recreational pursuits. Occupational therapists are employed in health care institutions and schools and by social agencies.

Duties

Occupational therapists may specialize in working with a specific age group, such as children or the elderly, or with clients who have a specific disability, such as arthritis or schizophrenia. There are, however, several duties that are common to most occupational therapists. These duties include observing patients and consulting physicians' prognoses to assess their patients' emotional and physical capacities. They also develop such treatment programs as manual and creative arts, industrial and vocational skills, and recreational activities.

Occupational therapists may also be responsible for implementing treatment programs, evaluating patient progress, maintaining clinical and statistical records, and conducting research in their field of specialization. Some occupational therapists advise on health risks in the workplace or participate in other programs, such as pre-retirement programs, to prevent physical or mental problems. They may also act as occupational therapy consultants or educators.

Example Titles

• research occupational therapist
• clinical occupational therapy specialist
• community occupational therapist
• occupational therapist (o.t.)

Training Paths

Both the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Alberta in Edmonton and the School of Medical Rehabilitation at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg offer degree programs in Occupational Therapy. Through interprovincial training agreements, a limited number of qualified Saskatchewan residents are guaranteed spaces in these programs each year. A pre-professional year (two years for Alberta) may be completed at U of R or U of S. SIAST offers related training for occupational therapist assistants.

Trends and Outlooks

The employment prospects for this occupation are: good

Between 2001 and 2006, the number of physiotherapists increased by 14%. Whether or not employment continues to increase at this rate, prospective therapists can expect some employment opportunities in the next few years due to retirement or other turnover in the provincial labour market. In addition, these are occupations that will be in increasing demand as Saskatchewan's aging population requires more acute health care. It must be remembered, however, that this is not a large occupation in Saskatchewan--roughly 250 occupational therapists were employed in the province in 2006. Consequently, the employment forecast (however positive) will not result in many new and replacement positions during this period.

Occupational therapists are well paid in Saskatchewan. In 2005, the average full-time income in this field of work was $57,620 per year, well above the provincial full-time average for all occupations ($42,298 per year) from the same year. Many, of course, earn more or less than the average income. In 2005, full-time occupational therapists earned as much as $92,884 and as little as $22,293.

Occupational therapists in Regina and Saskatoon generally earn more than their counterparts elsewhere in the province. Part-time employment is common in this occupation. Roughly 45% of all occupational therapists in the province worked full time in 2000. While not unheard of, self-employment is rare in occupational therapy. As well, work is neither seasonal nor sensitive to overall economic conditions.

In keeping with national trends, the vast majority of occupational therapists in Saskatchewan are women. In 2006, less than 15% of all physiotherapists in the province were male. Nearly 65% of all occupational therapists worked in or around Regina or Saskatoon in 2006. While an aging Saskatchewan population will increase the demand for occupational therapists in the years ahead, spending restraints and government cutbacks may reduce the employment opportunities in this field. As the new millennium progresses, the best opportunities for physiotherapists are likely to be found in the private sector.

Professional Associations

All persons practising under the title occupational therapist must be registered with the Saskatchewan Society for Occupational Therapists (SSOT). Applicants for membership with SSOT must hold a recognized undergraduate degree in Occupational Therapy or an equivalent discipline and have passed the examinations recognized by an SSOT council. A one-year restricted license is available to working therapists who are in the process of meeting these requirements. To remain eligible for Practising Membership, a therapist must work at least 1200 hours in a five-year period. Therapists who work less than the required 1200 hours must complete a re-entry program before they are once again eligible for licensure. Registration fees are payable directly to the SSOT. For more information, contact:

Saskatchewan Society of Occupational Therapists

P.O. Box 9089

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

S7K 7E7

Telephone: (306) 956-7768

Fax: (306) 329-4979

Related Occupations

• Directors of occupational therapy (in 0311 Managers in Health Care)