Occupational Therapy Organizations in Canada
Provincial Regulatory Organizations
Occupational therapy is a regulated health profession in Canada. That means that occupational therapists must meet a number of requirements in order to work in the field or use the title “occupational therapist.”
Provincial regulatory organizations set the requirements for practising in each province. Different provinces have different requirements. These professional requirements protect the public and ensure they receive safe, high-quality care from qualified therapists.
If you want to practise occupational therapy in Canada, the first step is to register with the regulatory organization in the province where you are living.
The provincial regulatory organization will give you information about the requirements that you must meet, including educational standards and language requirements. Your background and training will be taken into consideration.
CAOT
The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) is the national professional association for occupational therapists in Canada. CAOT supports occupational therapists by providing services, products, events and networking opportunities. CAOT actively develops and promotes the occupational therapy profession in Canada and internationally.
Many Canadian occupational therapists choose to join CAOT for the numerous benefits offered. In some provinces, occupational therapists are required to have CAOT membership.
Provincial and territorial associations
There are 12 provincial occupational therapy associations across Canada that work with CAOT to represent the profession. These provincial and territorial associations promote occupational therapy in their provinces, provide information about the profession, offer a range of member services and represent their members to the public, government, and other institutions.