Occupational Therapist Career Profile
What is a Occupational Therapist (OT)?
An Occupational Therapist is a health-care professional that helps patients solve problems that interfere with a patient's ability to do things that are important to them. These activities may include but are not limited to self-care (getting dressed, eating, moving around the house), being productive (going to school or work, or participating in the community), and leisure activities (sports, working out, social activities gardening). Overall, OTs help patients improve their everyday lives and focus on treatment and therapy for physical and mental health of patients. OTs provide services in patients' homes and communities through clinics. They may also work in hospitals and care facilities, private industry and larger business organizations and government.
What is it like working as a Occupational Therapist at the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA)?
Occupational Therapists work in hospital and clinical settings throughout the province with the SHA as part of a multidisciplinary health-care team in order to provide the best patient care which may include Occupational Therapist Assistants. Occupational Therapists work in shifts in order to provide health-care coverage based on the needs of the facility or clinic and this may include days and weekends. Opportunities to grow as a Occupational Therapist include taking advanced courses to work in specialized areas and pursuing management and leadership positions. Recruitment incentives up $10,000 ($5,000 for Saskatoon and Regina) and relocation up to $3,000 is also available!
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What can I earn as a Occupational Therapist?
The current pay per hour is:
- Occupational Therapist - $38.24 - $46.77
- Senior Occupational Therapist - $41.30 - $50.51
In addition to the above pay bands, the SHA provides a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Extended Health and Dental benefits
- Defined-Benefit Pension Plan
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Employee and Family Assistance Program
- Annual Vacation
Occupational Therapists working with the SHA are unionized employees and are members of the following union:
How do I become a Occupational Therapist?
A degree/masters degree is required to work as a Occupational Therapist in Saskatchewan. There is currently no training program in the province but the Government of Saskatchewan does have reserved seats available for Saskatchewan students at the University of Alberta:
- Master of Science (MSc) in Occupational Therapy - University of Alberta
After completing your program, you will need to pass an exam from the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) in order to obtain a license to practice from the Saskatchewan College of Occupational Therapists (SCOT).