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.

The OT’s guide to Navigating the NDIS

This two-day 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.

OT Role in Diagnostic Assessments: Navigating Australia’s New FASD Guidelines

This session explores how occupational therapists can play a vital role in FASD diagnostic assessment across the lifespan by understanding the new FASD Guidelines (2025), the nine impacted developmental domains, and practical pathways to becoming a FASD-informed practitioner who supports individuals and families to access appropriate funding and care.

Functional Cognition and the Living Experience Perspective

This session will support you to recognise early functional cognitive changes and translate them into clear, practical, client-centred strategies. You’ll hear from a dementia advocate and an OT on how a functional cognitive approach strengthens communication, supports genuine partnership, and empowers people to live well with cognitive change.

Bridging OT and Education Frameworks: Aligning Practice to Support Neurodiverse Learners

This interactive session will explore collaborative, neuro-affirming strategies and practical evidence based supports to create inclusive classrooms, particularly for children with prenatal alcohol exposure and other neurodevelopmental differences.

Using MOHO to Inform Practice

This interactive session will explore the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) in a clear, accessible way. Through considering examples from diverse settings, you’ll discover how MOHO can deepen your understanding of clients, support assessment and guide therapy.

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.

The Year You Thrive – A Burnout Prevention Blueprint for OTs

This session will provide occupational therapists with practical strategies to prevent burnout, manage stress, and sustain wellbeing in their high-demand, complex roles. Participants will create a personalised Burnout Action Plan to support them to reconnect with professional purpose, build resilience, and thrive in their careers.

Introduction to Motivational Interviewing for Occupational Therapy Practice

This interactive workshop introduces participants to the core elements of motivational interviewing and how they can utilise in their practice.

Early Career Launchpad

Launch into your new career path with confidence! OTA's Early Career Support is the place to connect with your peers and your profession, develop your professional skills, discover and access the benefits of OTA membership, and find answers to common questions about working in OT.

December Interest Groups

Ready to be inspired and energised with like-minded peers? Explore our December Interest Groups. Interest Groups bring together OTs focused on different areas of practice to discuss relevant topics and new developments. The meetings offer peer and expert support, networking and learning opportunities.

November Interest Groups

Mark your calendars! It’s time to be inspired and energised with like-minded peers in our November Interest Groups sessions.

October Interest Groups

Ready to be inspired and energised with like-minded peers? Explore our October Interest Groups. Interest Groups bring together OTs focused on different areas of practice to discuss relevant topics and new developments. The meetings offer peer and expert support, networking and learning opportunities.

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.

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.