FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What do OTs do?

Occupational therapists help people to perform the activities that are important to them.  These activities include work, hobbies, self-care, family life and recreation.  They may help the client with coping strategies, ways to adapt the environment or the activity, or act as advocates to assist people to get the help they need.

Self-care refers to eating, dressing, personal hygiene, mobility and functional communication.  Work, or productivity, includes play, school work, employment, homemaking, creative and expressive activities and volunteer work.  Leisure encompasses socializing, physical activity and recreational pastimes.

 Occupational therapists play a vital role in helping people with disabilities, injuries or disease to work, play and do everyday activities to the best of their abilities.  Occupational therapists help their clients to work within their limitations to regain their abilities and to increase freedom and independence.

Occupational therapists work with people of all ages and from all walks of life, and take all aspects of a person’s life and environment into consideration.  Occupational therapists consult with clients and their families throughout the course of therapy.

They take stock of a person’s abilities from physical, mental, emotional, social and environmental points of view. They identify challenges and work with clients to set goals to meet those challenges. They identify and prevent circumstances that would make further limit a person’s abilities. They recommend assistive devices and technologies to overcome or compensate for a person’s limitations.

 
How is occupational therapy different from physiotherapy?

Both professionals have a four-year university degree in rehabilitation medicine.  Physiotherapists concentrate on helping the body to adapt or recover from illness or injury.  Occupational therapists also take into consideration the environment, social and emotional aspects of disability.  Both professions may be involved in helping the same client.

 
Where do occupational therapists work?

Occupational therapists work in a wide variety of settings including:

Community organizations like home care programs, schools, health boards, community health centres, clinics, mental health centres, community action groups;
Hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitation centres and nursing homes;
WorkSafe BC and government;
Businesses such as insurance companies, construction and architectural firms, and large industries.
Private practices and rehabilitation companies.
 

How much does occupational therapy cost?
 
Some occupational therapy services are offered by acute care outpatient clinics, the public school system, early childhood development centres and community health services operated by health authorities.  Usually the cost of these services is covered by the institutions and services.  Ask your primary care provider, physician or public health worker what resources may be available to you.

Occupational therapy is also available in the private sector.  See Private Practices in the Online Directory OT Search.  BCSOT members base their fees on the BCSOT Private Practice Fee Guidelines.

If you have any questions about occupational therapy, please contact BCSOT office at info@bcsot.org.

 
Is occupational therapy covered by MSP?

Occupational Therapy is not covered by MSP. Some people receive occupational therapy services while in hospital, or may qualify for care through the local public health unit. People injured in car accidents are covered by ICBC.  People injured at work are covered by WorkSafe BC.  Some private medical insurance providers cover some occupational therapy services.  All occupational therapists in private practice have a good understanding of the assistance that may be available to help their clients pay for their services.  Please contact an occupational therapist in your area for assistance.

How can I find an OT in my area?

Refer to the OT Search database to find members by region, city, or professional interest area.  If there isn’t an occupational therapist nearby with the requested professional interest area, we encourage you to contact an OT who does not list a particular professional interest.

 
Where may I find out more about what occupational therapy can do for me?

Check out the consumer information available at www.otworks.ca.

 
What are the benefits of being a member of BCSOT over being a member of CAOT?

Both professional organizations offer useful member resources.  However, if you must choose one over the other, you may want to consider that health care services in Canada are provided by the provinces.  So BCSOT has more detailed information about job opportunities and the working environment in BC.  We have an excellent newsletter that covers major issues, coming events and province-wide job ads.  We offer a member directory, competitive insurance products, use of the BCSOT display unit, and support to prepare for the national exam.

Does BCSOT take credit cards?

BCSOT accepts VISA and MasterCard payments for member fees, products and events.  We also take cheques or money orders in Canadian dollars. 

What do I need to do to be able to work as an occupational therapist in BC?

If you are already qualified, and resident in Canada:

First you must register with the provincial regulatory body for Occupational Therapists, The College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia. Please contact www.cotbc.org  for information on registration requirements. 

If you are already qualified, and not residing in Canada:

First you should contact The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists  www.caot.ca about registering to write the national exam. 

Then contact the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia  www.cotbc.org 

If you are considering a career in occupational therapy:

You should complete a masters degree in occupational therapy, but there are still a few undergrad programs in Canada.  The only program in BC is offered at the UBC Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy www.ot.med.ubc.ca. Most of the major universities in Canada also have a program.  Please contact the school for more information or look on the CAOT website for a current list of Canadian degree programs and their qualifications www.caot.ca .  Applicants are expected to have an undergraduate degree and some volunteer experience working with people with disabilities.

 
Where can I be trained to work as a rehabilitation assistant?

There are some colleges which offer rehabilitation assistant courses:

Vancouver Community College
West Coast College
Capilano College
CDI  6 campuses around Lower Mainland

How can I find work in BC?

- Job ads in the OT Line Newsletter and Electronic Bulletins (you must be a member of BCSOT to receive the OTLine and E-Bulletins)

- Contacting OTs in the online or printed version of the member directory

- Contacting major facilities in the city in which you are interested in working

- Major newspapers