Occupational Therapy - Frequently Asked Questions

Occupational Therapy – FAQs provides clear answers to common queries about occupational therapy, understand its role in promoting health, wellbeing, and participation in daily life.

Poster - Understanding occupational therapy in education

Download the "Understanding occupational therapy in education" flyer.

Poster - An ABC of Occupational Therapy in Education

Download the "An ABC of Occupational Therapy in Education" poster.

Advocating for improved access to occupational therapy services through Medicare

OTA is calling for better access to Medicare funded OT services for those with chronic conditions.

Exploring general practitioners' perspectives on Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Care

The aim of this research is to investigate general practitioners' perspectives on occupational therapy's role in mental health care, and the perspectives of occupational therapists providing services under the Better Access Mental Health Scheme (BAMHS).

Is it ethical to use AI in occupational therapy?

Everyone is talking about how AI is shaping OT. But what does that actually mean? Dr Karen Jacobs is the Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation at Boston University, Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Her focus? Leading the way in the responsible, ethical implementation of artificial intelligence to enhance occupational therapy practice. Here Karen talks with Carol McKinstry, Professor of Occupational Therapy at La Trobe Rural Health School in Victoria.

May NDIA updates: Stated therapy supports, annual pricing review and more

During May 2025 OTA continues to advocate for members in regards to stated therapy supports, pricing review and provides updates on new Decision-Making Hub and operational guidelines.

Media Release: Occupational therapy peak body urges Vic Government to address growing pay gap between OTs and nurses

Occupational Therapy Australia is urging the Victorian Government to follow through on the Fair Work Commission (FWC)’s provisional recommendation and address the growing pay gap between occupational therapists (OTs) and nurses working in the state’s public mental health services.

Mental Health Occupational Therapy Resource Kit

The OTA Mental Health OT Resource Kit can be used by OTA members to advocate, raise awareness and support understanding of mental health OT. We encourage members to use this resource in their organisations to shape the narrative of mental health occupational therapy.

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.

Australian Occupational Therapy Competency Standards

The new Australian occupational therapy competency standards (the competency standards) have been in effect since 1 January 2019. The Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (the Board) expects all occupational therapists to understand and apply them in their practice.

British Journal of Occupational Therapy (BJOT)

The British Journal of Occupational Therapy (BJOT) provides researchers and practitioners with the means to access, share and guide the implementation of knowledge and evidence. As the official academic journal of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, the BJOT aims to be the publication of choice for authors to publish research that advances knowledge in research, practice, education, and management in occupational therapy.

Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy

The Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy fosters advancement and growth in occupational therapy scholarship. The journal provides a forum for leading-edge occupational therapy scholarship that advances theory, practice, research, and policy. 

American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT)

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT) is an official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), which represents the professional interests and concerns of nearly 213,000 occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and students. The primary mission of AJOT is to publish research examining the effectiveness and efficiency of occupational therapy practice so that occupational therapy professionals can make informed, evidence-based decisions about best practice.

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal (AOTJ)

The Australian Occupational Therapy Journal (AOTJ) is a leading international publication presenting influential and innovative scholarship and research relevant to occupational therapy. The journal is the official research publication of the peak membership body, Occupational Therapy Australia.

Maximizing occupational therapy in residential Aged Care: Barriers & enablers

This project aims to understand barriers and enablers to maximising occupational therapy's contribution in residential aged care facilities (RACFs).

VicRoads: Occupational Therapy Driving Test Toolkit

A collection of resources to assist OT driver assessors.

VicRoads: Road Safety Victoria -Occupational Therapy Driving Test Webinar Series (2020)

This 3 part series in completing on road driving assessments in Victoria were developed as part of a VicRoads and Road Safety Victoria Department of Transport project.