31203

Occupational therapists

TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Health

3 › 31 › 312 › 3120

Definition

Occupational therapists develop individual and group programs with people affected by illness, injury, developmental disorders, emotional or psychological problems and aging to maintain, restore or increase their ability to care for themselves and to engage in work, school or leisure. They also develop and implement health promotion programs with individuals, community groups and employers. They are employed in health care facilities, in schools, and by private and social services agencies, or they may be self-employed.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Analyse clients' capabilities and expectations related to life activities through observation, interviews and formal assessments
Develop intervention programs to address clients' needs related to self-care, work and leisure activities
Maintain clients' records
Establish personalized care plans working as a member of an interdisciplinary team
Consult and advise on health promotion programs to prevent disabilities and to maximize independent function in all activities of life
May supervise support personnel and students and provide training.
Occupational therapists may specialize in working with specific populations such as children or adults, or persons with distinct problems such as dementia, traumatic brain injury and chronic pain, or provide special interventions such as return-to-work programs.

Example job titles

•case manager occupational therapist
•clinical occupational therapist
•community occupational therapist
•occupational therapist (OT)
•occupational therapy rehabilitation consultant
•research and development occupational therapist

Overview

Occupational therapists under NOC 2021 code 31203 are highly skilled professionals classified within TEER Category 1 of Canada's National Occupational Classification system. These professionals are responsible for assessing, planning, and implementing rehabilitative programs to help individuals overcome physical, cognitive, emotional, or developmental barriers, enabling them to perform daily activities. They are employed in various settings across Canada, including hospitals, rehabilitation centres, community health clinics, schools, and private practices.

To successfully immigrate and practice as an occupational therapist in Canada, applicants must meet specific educational and regulatory standards. Candidates typically require a university degree in occupational therapy and the completion of supervised fieldwork. Because occupational therapy is a regulated profession in Canada, candidates must register with the appropriate provincial or territorial regulatory body. For foreign-trained professionals, this process usually begins with an academic credential assessment through the Association of Canadian Occupational Therapy Regulatory Organizations (ACOTRO) and passing the National Occupational Therapy Certification Examination (NOTCE).

Under Canadian immigration programs, NOC 31203 is eligible for various pathways, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) managed through the Express Entry system. Additionally, because of nationwide healthcare labor shortages, occupational therapists are frequently targeted in category-based Express Entry draws and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Disclaimer: This information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or formal immigration advice. For official and up-to-date guidance, please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a regulated Canadian immigration professional.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.