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Practice Support
Occupational Therapy Australia
Practice Support
OTA provide advice and representation on all matters relating to the occupational therapy profession.
We're responsible for the development and delivery of OTA professional practice advisory services, resources and programs that relate to the current and emerging needs of the profession.
Through this work we promote the role of occupational therapy and facilitate the advancement of the profession to ensure people with health and/or social care needs have access to relevant best practice occupational therapy services.
We draw on the collective knowledge and experience of our members and key stakeholders to ensure our work is based on the best available evidence, a thorough understanding of health sector context, and the policy directions of commonwealth and state/territory governments.
Scroll down for more information on current projects, ways you can get involved, opportunities to connect with other OT’s, resources, learning and development, advisory services and more.
Spotlight On
Capability Frameworks
We are building new capability frameworks in collaboration with the profession following the success of the Mental Health Capability Framework and findings from the OTA Workforce Development Project.
Workforce Development Project Findings
We are excited to share the findings of our Workforce Development Project and our OTA Workforce Development Plan.
Mental Health
We are building new foundational training modules that are aligned to the Mental Health Capability Framework and support the pathway for OT’s seeking Mental Health Endorsement.
Resources
Student Hub
Find free member resources to support your transition to practice, including the free OTA Student Webinar Series.
Early Career Launchpad
Find free member resources to support you in your early years as an OT, including webinars, online modules, and downloadable tip sheets.
Professional Practice Documents and Publications
OTA works with experts in the field to produce formal documents based on the best available evidence to provide guidance on professional practice issues. This includes the OTA Supervision Framework, Scope of Practice Framework, Position Papers, Informed views and more.
AHPRA Registration
Find information to gain registration after an extended break from practice or as an overseas qualified OT.
Education
To register as an occupational therapist, you need to have completed your studies at a World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) approved program. You also need to make sure your program is approved by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (OTBA).
Mentoring
At Occupational Therapy Australia we recommend practitioners have a range of professional development strategies in place to support their journey as Occupational Therapists. One of these strategies is mentoring.
Professional Supervision
Professional supervision offers a tailored approach to learning and support for occupational therapists and is recommended across all career stages.
Areas of Practice
- Mental Health
- Pain management
- Working with Older People
- Palliative care
- Driving
- NDIS
- See all areas of practice here.
Learning and Development
Hot Topics
Unpack issues impacting OTs, ask questions and expand your network.  Hot Topics are intended to ignite conversation and provide information that is practical and relevant to OT clinical practice and/or business operating environments.
Practice Spotlights
Practice Spotlights support OTs to translate knowledge into practice through a focus on practical skill development and application. Topics covered in Practice Spotlights include both professional and clinical skills development.
CPD
The OTA CPD program is an evidence-based, peer-reviewed program that covers a wide range of practice areas, clinical expertise and career development stages. CPD is delivered through webinars, workshops and online learning resources.
Opportunities to Contribute
Research Surveys
Can your perspective help to inform the future of OT research? OTA’s Research Survey page presents a number surveys seeking responses from researchers and other institutions across Australia.
CPD Presenter EOI
We are now accepting Expressions of Interest (EOI) to present CPD as part of our 2024/2025 program and have outlined below the process of what information is needed to make an EOI.
Write for Connections
Connections magazine is currently seeking members interested in sharing their learnings, knowledge and experiences. In addition to our regular columns and features, we want Connections to provide a platform for members to tell their occupational therapy story.
Professional Practice Projects
Workforce Development Project
We have developed an OTA Occupational Therapy Workforce Plan in collaboration with the profession. The plan focuses on seven key priority areas and three cross cutting themes to support occupational therapists and the broader profession.
Mental Health Strategy
OTA Mental Health Strategy is a practical strategy to better support OTs and consumers, and one that will enable to advocate for better awareness and outcomes from government and stakeholders.
Aged Care Approach
OTA Aged Care Approach delivers targeted actions to build advocacy opportunities, increase stakeholder and consumer engagement, foster quality clinical practice and raise our professional profile.
OT Jobs Board
Explore new employment opportunities or post an advert looking for a qualified occupational therapists on the Occupational Therapy Jobs Board. You can also find resources to support you in your career planning.
OTA Partners
Aon Insurance
Aon is the preferred insurance broker to OTA, and they have worked with us and insurers to create insurance cover tailored for the risks commonly found in OT practice. OTA members are entitled to insurance discounts through Aon.
Maurice Blackburn
Maurice Blackburn is the preferred legal partner to OTA. They offer OTA full-time, part-time and new graduate members free telephone advice and a free first consultation regarding compensation law, public liability, employment law, superannuation claims, wills and estates planning and insurance claims.
WorkPlacePLUS
WorkplacePLUS is OTA’s workplace relations partner. OTA members can access an initial complimentary phone consultation of up to 30 minutes on a broad range of workplace matters.
Become a Member
Join the peak body representing the profession of occupational therapy in Australia.
