What do occupational therapists do?
The fundamental purpose of occupational therapy is to develop and maintain a person's capacity, throughout life, to perform day-to-day tasks and roles essential to productive living, including self-care, daily living, leisure and work.

Occupational therapists work with a range of people including those who have physical disabilities, mental or social problems either from birth or as the result of accident, illness or ageing.

Their work involves:

• enhancing physical and psychological functions
• preventing illnesses
• facilitating independent living
• improving quality of life of people with disabilities or special needs
• promoting reintegration into home, work and society

To achieve these outcomes, occupational therapists will work with a person to design a treatment programme based on the individual's unique lifestyle and preferences. Therapy usually involves carefully designed activities and processes or sometimes, even includes modifications to the environmental surroundings of the person.

Occupational therapists will consider the importance of how a person's physical, mental and social needs will impact on their recovery process and help them to achieve the goals that are most important to them.

What are the fields of practice for occupational therapists?
There are opportunities to work in areas such as (but not limiting to):

• Burns and Plastics Rehabilitation
• Cardiac Rehabilitation
• Driving Assessment and Rehabilitation
• Occupational Health and Ergonomics
• Oncology Rehabilitation
• Orthopedics Rehabilitation

What educational qualifications do I need to practice as an occupational therapist in Singapore?
In Singapore, a minimum diploma qualification is required to practice as an occupational therapist. Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) offers a 3-year Diploma in Occupational Therapy course.

Degree-conversion programmes in overseas universities are available for NYP graduates wishing to upgrade their Diploma.

Where can I get more information about the occupational therapy profession?
The Singapore Association of Occupational Therapists (SAOT) is the local professional association for occupational therapists.

If you wish to find out more about occupational therapy in Singapore, please visit SAOT.

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Footnote:
The allied health practitioner may not be able to conduct the full range of services/activities listed above, as his/her scope of practice depends on the level of training, experience and competence attained. The onus is on the employer and the practitioner to ensure that all services/activities are conducted within the scope of competence of the respective practitioner.