Compare courses from top Australian unis, TAFEs and other training organisations.

How to Become An Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist icon for career pathway listing

Sorry, we don't have any courses leading to a career as a Occupational Therapist for you at the moment. Please try searching again.

What is a Occupational Therapist

An occupational therapist (OT) helps people of all ages get back to doing the things that matter to them. They help children learn to write, support adults recovering from injury, and keep older people independent at home. OTs make a real difference across every stage of life.

OTs start by finding out what is holding a client back. They watch how clients move and function at home, at school and at work. They then build a personalised plan using therapy activities, equipment and practical adjustments. The plan is always shaped around the client’s own goals.

Day to day, OTs work with a wide range of people. They team up with doctors, physios, social workers and other allied health professionals. They also guide families and carers on how to help clients at home. Everything is documented and reviewed regularly to keep progress on track.

The OT workforce is young and growing fast. The median age is just 33 years (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Around 3,000 new OT positions open up each year. You can work in hospitals, schools, the NDIS, community health, aged care and beyond. It is a career with real variety and real impact.

Explore study options in Occupational Therapy

Career Outlook for Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapy is one of the most in-demand allied health careers in Australia right now. There are 35,600 OTs employed nationally, and around 3,000 new positions are created each year (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The median age is just 33 years, so the workforce is young and vibrant. About 92% of OTs are women, and the field has strong part-time options for those who need flexibility.

The job outlook is strong. Growth is driven by the NDIS, an ageing population and rising demand for mental health support. The Occupational Therapy Board of Australia reported a 7.4% rise in registered OTs in 2024/25. That is one of the fastest growth rates of any registered health profession. The unemployment rate for OTs is low, and most graduates find work quickly after registering.

In terms of pay, full-time OTs earn around $99,500 a year at the median (ABS, May 2025). Entry-level roles start at about $65,000. Senior OTs can earn $130,000 or more. There are clear paths into paediatrics, mental health, aged care and private practice. This career has no shortage of ways to grow.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become an Occupational Therapist in Australia

Step 1: Finish Year 12 and Meet University Entry Requirements

Most OT programs need a strong ATAR. Subjects such as biology, chemistry and psychology are useful. Some universities also consider volunteer or work experience in health or community settings. Check your preferred university’s entry requirements during Year 11 to stay on track.

Step 2: Complete a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (4 years, full-time)

Enrol in an accredited Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at an Australian university. This four-year, full-time on-campus degree covers anatomy, neuroscience, psychology and therapy practice. All programs include required clinical placements. Graduates with a related bachelor’s degree may prefer the two-year Master of Occupational Therapy. Both are accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council of Australia.

Step 3: Complete Your Clinical Placements

Your degree includes hundreds of hours of supervised clinical work. Placements occur in hospitals, schools, aged care and community health services. These are a required part of the degree. You will work with real clients under the watch of a registered OT. Experience across different settings helps you decide where to focus your career.

Step 4: Register with AHPRA via the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia

Before you can practise as an OT, you must register with AHPRA. Apply through the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia after you finish your degree. You will need your qualification, a criminal history check and a declaration of fitness to practise. Visit occupationaltherapyboard.gov.au to apply.

Step 5: Join Occupational Therapy Australia and Keep Building Your Skills

Once registered, join Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) for CPD resources, peer networks and industry news. Your AHPRA registration requires you to complete ongoing CPD each year. You may also choose to specialise in paediatrics, mental health, aged care, hand therapy or driver rehab. A Graduate Certificate in your area of interest can support that pathway.

What does an Occupational Therapist do?

On a typical day, an OT might assess a child who is struggling at school. They may also help a stroke survivor relearn daily tasks. Or they might visit an older person at home to lower their fall risk. They assess each client’s strengths and limits, then build a personalised action plan. This plan can include therapy exercises, new equipment, home modifications and advice for family members. OTs also work closely with GPs, physios, social workers and other health professionals. They keep detailed records and adjust the plan as the client improves.

Tasks

OTs have one of the most varied day-to-day roles in healthcare. Every client is different, and every plan is built around that person’s goals. Here is what the work actually looks like:

  • Assessing emotional, psychological and physical capabilities using clinical observations and standardised tests
  • Checking functional potential in home, work, school and leisure environments, and recommending changes to boost performance
  • Planning and running programs using vocational, recreational, social and educational activities for individuals and groups
  • Advising family members, carers, employers and teachers on how to adapt a client’s environment
  • Providing adaptive equipment such as wheelchairs and splints to help clients with daily tasks
  • Collaborating with other health professionals as part of a client’s care team
  • Providing specialist advice for specific client groups, including driver rehabilitation and medico-legal cases
  • Recording client progress and following legislative and ethical guidelines

Skills for Success

If you want to work as an OT, you will need a mix of clinical and people skills. On the clinical side, strong assessment, observation and report-writing skills are key. You will be analysing how people function in their daily lives and building plans to improve that.

But the interpersonal side is just as big. You will talk to clients, families, carers, teachers and doctors on a daily basis. Being a clear, kind and confident communicator makes a real difference. Empathy and patience will carry you far. These qualities matter most with clients who feel frustrated or overwhelmed.

You will also need to stay curious and keep growing. The field changes constantly, with new research, new tools and new client needs. Good time management helps you juggle a caseload without burning out. Because AHPRA requires ongoing CPD, a love of learning is a genuine career asset.

Skills & Attributes

  • Assessment and clinical observation
  • Communication and active listening
  • Empathy and patience
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking
  • Report writing and documentation
  • Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology
  • Therapy plan design and implementation
  • Teamwork with other health professionals
  • Adaptability across diverse client groups
  • Time management and organisation
  • Knowledge of adaptive equipment
  • Cultural awareness and sensitivity
  • Client motivation and support
  • Understanding of ethical and legal standards
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development

Average Salaries

An occupational therapist in Australia earns around $99,500 a year on average (ABS, May 2025). Pay starts from around $65,000 for new graduates. Senior OTs can earn up to $130,000 or more.

min $65 K

max $130 K

av $100 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.