You’re here for two reasons: to land a position as an occupational therapist in Canada and to confirm if occupational therapy jobs in Canada are in demand.
To clear you up
Occupational therapy jobs in Canada are in high demand across the 11 provinces.
People are challenged with different health threats ranging from physical to psychological distress.
Health concerns increase in sync with the Canadian population. It’s known that Canada couldn’t match the demand level for occupational therapists.
As a matter of concern, the Canadian government includes the job code on the National Occupations List for immigration and work permits.
Now, practitioners stand a higher chance of immigrating to Canada through the express entry system and the provincial nominee visa Program
As you know, occupational therapists are health caregivers who solve the physical, mental, and emotional barriers to the day-to-day life of a person.
Up next, your question on how to land an occupational therapist job in Canada will be answered. And you’ll be introduced to the best-hiring provinces in Canada.
You’ll also know the travel visas that validate OTs’ Immigration to Canada. Finally, you’ll know how to qualify for the OT position.
Occupational therapy jobs in Canada
First off, occupational therapy jobs in Canada are provincially regulated. You must have a license exclusively for a province or territory to work.
You can work as an occupational therapist or an assistant therapist at
- Home Health Care
- Hospital Setting
- Restorative Rehabilitation Centers
- Skilled Nursing Facility
- Outpatient Setting
- Mental Healthcare
- Schools
- Early Intervention, etc
Places to Find Occupational therapy jobs in Canada
You can find Occupational therapy jobs in Canada via the following social media handles.
- Indeed
- Jobbank etc
What type of Visas validates Occupational therapy jobs in Canada
You can immigrate to Canada via many Visa entry systems. They are the Express Entry system, the provincial nominee program, and the Atlantic Immigration pilot.
#1. Express Entry
An occupational therapist is recognized as a skilled worker in the NOC code.
You’ll be eligible for the Express Entry System if your skill level scales up on the 0, A, or B measure.
#2. Provincial Nominee Program
You’re eligible for the provincial nominee program as a skilled or semi-skilled worker.
You’ll only Immigrate to Canada as an occupational therapist when a Province or territory in Canada requires your services.
Send your expression of interest to the Province of your choice, you may be called upon based on how well you suit their standard.
#3. Atlantic Immigration Pilot
This program works like the Provincial nominee program, only it’s limited to four Provinces along the Atlantic region of Canada.
The Atlantic Immigration Pilot checks and supplies skills for Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.
Do you have a region in mind? Send your expression of interest if you’re accepted. You can apply for permanent residence in the process.
What are the requirements for Occupational therapists in Canada?
You have to show that you’re academically and provincially qualified for the position of occupational therapy jobs in Canada. Below are the requirements for eligibility.
- At least a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational therapy or related sciences.
- Any program that is approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) is also accepted
- You may be asked for a certificate for a national examination.
- License from the Provincial regulatory body.
- Some Provinces may ask you for the national association, the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.
- You may be required for extra training for a named expertise.
More details here
How to Apply for Occupational Therapy Jobs in Canada
At this point, you’re sure that your residence and work permit is settled. Follow the steps below to apply for occupational therapy jobs in Canada.
#1. Have your Résumé
Your résumé is a documentary of all your professional accomplishments as an occupational therapist. Write it convincingly.
A poorly crafted résumé is a big turn-off for the panel. If you had no clue, see how to Craft professional occupational therapist résumé.
#2. Choose what you’re passionate about
Be intentional about the kind of position that you’re applying for.
Do not submit the same résumé to tons of vacancies. It shows that you don’t know what you’re doing. You’ll end up in confusion.
I’d prefer that cold calling, networking, and LinkedIn are better ways to distribute your résumé.
#3. Follow up on your application
After you have been interviewed, go back and say a “thank you.” Do this by sending a “thank you Email.” This action singles you out among many occupational therapists.
#4. Get Endorsed
The best way to easily land occupational therapy jobs in Canada is through recommendations.
Ask for help; reach out to your previous place of work in your country for a positive reference. This will increase your chances of being Employed.
#5. Add value
Always go for extracurricular activities. Add up to what you already know by enrolling in internships or paid mentorship. This way, you’ll be duly accredited.
#6. Utilize social media handles
The importance of social media handles for jobs cannot be overemphasized. Utilize LinkedIn and other social media platforms and increase your chances of high-profile occupational therapy jobs in Canada.
Good things don’t come so easily. After you’ve done everything, believe in yourself.
FAQs
#1. Are occupational therapy jobs in Canada regulated?
Yes, occupational therapy jobs in Canada are provincially regulated. The reason is that it has to do with a person’s well-being
#2. What are the best Provinces for occupational therapy jobs in Canada?
Occupational therapy jobs in Canada are in high demand in all of its provinces.
Choose a province that you are compatible with and apply for the position of an occupational therapist.
Wrapping up
Occupational therapy jobs in Canada rise in sync with its population.
The good thing is that the occasional therapist in Canada barely measures its demand; here’s where you come through.
Before immigrating to Canada, you’re required to secure a vacancy before immigrating to Canada as an occupational therapist.