Occupational therapy is booming and it is easier than ever for the new graduate or the experienced occupational therapist to find a satisfying appointment. The need is such that an employer may even offer relocation assistance to those with special backgrounds or second language skills.
Employers usually do not list their available opportunities themselves. They list them with agencies that specialize in the health industry. So when you search, use the Internet as well as the traditional advertising listings. Networking is another great way to expand your search for jobs in occupational therapy. And don't forget to send out your resume; yes, this is time consuming, but it is a very personal way to apply for a position and is appreciated by many potential employers. You will also need to have a supply of resumes on hand for all your calls. They will be requested and you will need to fax or snail-mail them, or even email a copy, to a potential employer.
Jobs in occupational therapy can be found in schools, hospitals, clinics, and other settings. There are literally tens of thousands of jobs available in occupational therapy. Locating them requires research on your part, but they are available and easy to find. The pay is high and you have the opportunity to be very successful in occupational therapy.
It is possible to get an occupational therapy job working with children or adults. Or, you can work with both. You can also start your own practice if that is the direction you are going in.
International Occupational Therapy Jobs: Canada
An individual trained outside of Canada at a school recognized by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists does not need to have an equivalency assessment conducted. However, only Quebec does not require internationally educated individuals to pass the CAOT certification examination.
A United States citizen or a Mexican citizen may get an Authorization for Employment (NFTA status) as long as he or she enters from a port in Canada. Permanent citizens of both countries are not eligible for NFTA.
You will be required to show proof of a job offer from a Canadian company. For any international occupational therapy opportunity, you will be required to present documentation, which may include the following:
1. A contract between you and your employer.
2. Verification of employment from your possible employer, verifying the employment offer and acceptance.
3. Documentation from your current employer saying you are entering the country to render services prior to signing a contract between you and your employer and working in that country.
4. Your starting date and the expected length of your temporary stay.
5. The arrangement for remuneration.
The need for international occupation therapy applicants is growing every day. If you are going to another country, be sure you are aware of the qualifications you must possess in order to acquire a position there (documents, letters of examinations completed, etc.).
International Occupational Therapy Jobs: Australia
Many varied opportunities exist for the foreign-trained occupational therapist with a desire to work in Australia. Positions are available from temporary and short-term to long-term and permanent jobs in both rural and urban areas.
However, there are requirements to be met before you can work in Australia. Before an occupational therapist may be employed in an international occupational therapy position, certain actions should be taken.
Find out about the requirements for eligibility and the process for applying for a visa. You can find this information on the Internet.
If you have not left for Australia yet, but plan to within a year, it's a good idea to apply to a recruitment agency before you do. By the way, this is a good idea for any international opportunity and applies to any country you may want to work in.
Some territories and states require occupational therapy employees to be registered. Two stages are required for foreign-trained international occupational therapists to become registered:
1. Desktop audit. This can be done from the home country of the applicant and involves undergoing a qualified assessment to make sure he or she meets the standards of Australia.
2. Audited practice time in Australia, which occurs after the international occupational therapy applicant has passed the desktop audit, secured employment, and arrived in Australia.
The procedures for Canada and Australia are pretty much what need to be done for every country. So if you decided to go to Ireland, Great Britain, Spain, Germany, France, Italy, or any other country you wish to work in, do your homework. Research the process thoroughly long before the time you plan on going. Make sure you have all of the documents needed. A year before you want to go have everything ready to make the process smooth and easy for your transition to a new, successful career.
There are numerous international recruiting sites where you can get more information on international occupational therapy jobs.
