Quick Stats

0
-
0

Years of study
required

$
0
-
$
0
K

Salary range
(public sector)

0

Median age of
professionals in this field

0

3-year public sector job
opening projections

Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists stress the importance of a healthy work-life balance, just as we do in New Brunswick. Their role is to assist people in caring for themselves, returning to work, and improving their ability to function in everyday life. Occupational therapists are rehabilitation professionals, trained in physical and mental health to help people recover from injury or illness and regain their independence. Occupational therapists work with people of all ages, persons with distinct problems such as dementia, traumatic brain injury, and chronic pain, and provide special interventions such as return-to-work programs.

Occupational therapists are often leaders, creatives, and communicators at their core. Their job is to develop programs and treatment to address clients’ needs related to self-care, work, and leisure activities, which is why New Brunswick is looking for individuals with a strong sense of compassion, organizational and problem-solving skills, and dedication to helping people. There are plenty of opportunities for these healthcare professionals here.

Personal characteristics and skills

  • A genuine interest in helping people
  • Patience, compassion, and endurance
  • Creativity and excellent problem-solving abilities
  • Good organizational skills
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Ability to communicate well in person and in writing
  • Ability to work with little supervision
  • Leadership skills
  • Ability to supervise others

Occupational therapists in New Brunswick have a Variety of important roles, including but not limited to:

  • Analysing clients’ capabilities and expectations through observation, interviews, and assessments
  • Establishing personalized care plans working on an interdisciplinary team
  • Consulting and advising on health promotion programs to prevent disabilities and to maximize independent function in all activities of life
  • Adjusting work areas to reduce injuries
  • Planning accessible home, school, workplace design and renovations
  • Providing client and caregiver education, such as implications of disease process on daily living and practice solutions to daily problems
  • Diminishing conditions caused by the disease process
  • Modifying activity, equipment, and environments to help people achieve greater independence, productivity, and quality of life

Occupational therapists usually work standard office hours, but some positions do require evening and weekend work. In clinical settings, they may spend much of their working day standing, bending, and assisting patients.

Occupational therapists work in a variety of settings, such as:

  • Hospitals
  • Rehabilitation centres
  • Clinics
  • Community health centres
  • Extramural programs
  • Schools and universities
  • Government or regional health authorities
  • Insurance agencies
  • Home healthcare programs and services
  • Private practice

A bachelor’s degree followed by a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy is required. Before practicing in New Brunswick, occupational therapists must register with the New Brunswick Association of Occupational Therapists and pass the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists national certification exam.

Education programs offered in Atlantic Canada: