CPD EMPOWER: Feeding Assessment and Intervention with Children

This practical two-day workshop will guide occupational therapists through the assessment and intervention of feeding and eating difficulties in children. You’ll learn structured approaches to assessment and intervention, while exploring the impact of positioning, oral-motor skills, routines, and family dynamics. With a strong focus on responsive, family-centered practice and applying a neuroaffirming lens, this workshop will strengthen your confidence and clinical decision-making.

CPD EMPOWER: Understanding Child Development & Assessment Fundamentals for 0-5 years

This interactive two-day workshop is designed for occupational therapists working with children aged 0–5 years. Day one builds a strong foundation in early child development, while day two focuses on practical assessment skills and tools. With a blend of evidence-based knowledge, clinical insights, and hands-on strategies, you’ll leave with greater confidence to support children and families in your practice.

Oedema: How to identify, assess & manage

This workshop will provide an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of oedema as well as the underlying mechanisms of oedema development.

Environmental Home Modifications – The Basics

This two-day practical workshop equips occupational therapists with foundational skills in environmental modifications, focusing on measurement, design, clinical reasoning, and client-centred approaches. Participants will gain hands-on experience, learn to apply legislation and best practices, and build confidence in designing and documenting home modifications.

CPD EMPOWER: Understanding Pain - A Regulation and Sensory-Informed Approach to Pain in OT

Pain is a feature across countless clinical presentations, yet managing it effectively can be complex. This practical, face-to-face workshop is designed for occupational therapists at all career stages and across diverse practice areas, offering a fresh lens on understanding pain and the self in a complex sensory world. Through the integration of sensory processing, regulation strategies, and Polyvagal Theory you’ll build confidence in applying theory to real-world clinical scenarios. Whether you're refining foundational knowledge or deepening advanced practice, this workshop will expand your therapeutic toolkit.

CPD EMPOWER: Foundation Coach Approach Training Program

This practical and engaging workshop supports occupational therapists to embed a coaching approach that empowers families and strengthens child outcomes. Grounded in best practice for early childhood intervention, the program equips OTs with the skills to connect, communicate and collaborate more effectively with parents, while also supporting team leaders to grow their leadership coaching capabilities. Participants will gain tools to embed coaching into everyday routines and foster confident, capable families and teams. Whether you're a therapist working with families, or in a leadership role, this workshop will enhance your capacity for collaborative problem solving.

CPD EMPOWER: The OT's Guide to Navigating the NDIS

This two-day professional development workshop will equip occupational therapists with the foundation knowledge and clinical confidence required to deliver effective, scheme aligned services within the NDIS. It is ideal for new and experienced OTs alike – this workshop blends policy understanding and real world application.

CPD EMPOWER: Pathological Demand Avoidance: Rethinking Demands - A Neuroaffirming Approach for OTs

Explore the complex profile of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) through a neuroaffirming occupational therapy lens. Gain insight into the lived experience of PDA in this practical and reflective workshop, and learn how to adapt your practice to reduce anxiety and develop effective partnerships with PDA children and their caregivers.

CPD EMPOWER: Applying the new Aged Care Quality Standards in Occupational Therapy Practice

This workshop will provide Australian Occupational Therapists working in aged care with practical knowledge and strategies to align their practice with the new Aged Care Quality Standards.

Practice Spotlight - Partnering with Carers: Using a Functional Cognitive Approach in Dementia

This session explores how occupational therapists can use a functional cognitive approach to support people living with dementia by equipping carers and families with practical strategies, communication skills, and education to foster meaningful engagement, reduce burnout, and improve quality of life across diverse care settings.

FAQ: Early Career

Frequently asked questions about starting your career as an occupational therapist.

The enduring value of professional development for Occupational Therapists

In today’s dynamic healthcare landscape, professional development is not just a recommendation for occupational therapists – it is essential to ethical, safe and effective practice.

Tasmania welcomes its first occupational therapy course as national shortage intensifies

In a major milestone for Tasmania’s healthcare and education sectors, the University of Tasmania (UTAS) will welcome its first-ever cohort of occupational therapy (OT) students in July 2025, finally offering local students the opportunity to train, live and work in their home state.

Mid Career Researcher Award

This award is one category of OTA's Research Awards, which acknowledge a member’s contribution towards the advancement of the research base of occupational therapy in four categories: early career researcher, mid career researcher, clinical researcher, and research team.

Early Career Researcher Award

This award is one category of OTA's Research Awards, which acknowledge a member’s contribution towards the advancement of the research base of occupational therapy in four categories: early career researcher, mid career researcher, clinical researcher, and research team.

Essential Supports for Early Career OTs

Essential Supports for Early Career OTs (Essential Support Guide) outlines the minimum recommended supports that Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) advises for early career occupational therapists. The Essential Support Guide also identifies enabling factors that enhance the effectiveness of these minimum recommended supports and contribute to the success, job satisfaction, and retention of early career therapists in their roles.

Early Career Support