An emphasis on life long learning is the foundation for graduates to incorporate new knowledge to continue to improve the effectiveness and efficacy of their practice. With approximately 7500 practicing therapists in Canada, and increasing demand worldwide, occupational therapy offers a promising future to both men and women interested in a professional career, with clinical, consulting, education, research and business opportunities in health, education, employment, social services and other sectors. Graduate Faculty and student at Practicum site in New Brunswick Occupational therapy practice is broad in scope and offers a wide range of career opportunities for men and women. Occupational therapists work in either public or private sectors, with any age group, and with individual, group, organizational, or community clients. Work may be conducted in institutions, businesses, or communities.
Career development is open and highly flexible.
Graduate level study expands career options in practice specialties, management, consulting, community development, policy development, programme development and evaluation, and academia. Therapists work in teams to help individuals and groups. Occupational therapy leaders with Masters and Doctoral degrees in occupational therapy have the edge. Careers in policy development, program and community development and academia are now requiring graduate level applicants. Occupational therapy practice may enable occupation directly through individualized therapy, or at the systems level through management, staff education, environmental modifications, policy development, advocacy, evaluation, research and more.