Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapists help clients of all ages regain their ability to perform daily tasks by themselves. This may include helping them overcome physical, sensory, and/or cognitive difficulties.

Occupational Therapist Job Description

Assess the client's development and determine the functional skills necessary for everyday life.

Develop recovery programmes to help clients rebuild lost skills and restore confidence.

Recommend environmental modifications (e.g. installing grip bars and railings). It helps clients participate in home, school, and community tasks independently.

Educate caregivers on correct handling and positioning techniques.

Design training strategies for Parents, Caregivers, Teachers, Training Officers, and other Therapists.

Note

Occupational Therapists not only assists patients in developing or regaining critical life skills after injury or illness, but they also play a vital role in emotional and psychological support.

A day in the life

Occupational Therapist

What is it like to be an Occupational Therapist in in a Children's Hospital and Elderly care? Watch as Hui Jun and Cheryl shares their experiences.

Occupational Therapist

Many patients struggle with an illness or disability. Watch to see how Occupational Theraptists enable their patients to live better lives.

What you should know about Occupational Therapist jobs in Singapore

Nature of work

Your work will revolve around providing direct patient care, helping individuals improve their ability to perform activities.

Key advice

Occupational therapy can be emotionally demanding, so it's important to practise self-care to sustain your well-being.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements
You can gain experience through volunteering opportunities such as SG Cares.

In Singapore, only Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) offers a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Occupational Therapy. You can also study at other overseas institutions recognised by the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC).
Possible Pathway

Possible Pathway

Skills you need to pursue an Occupational Therapist career in Singapore

Hard Skills

Reflective Practice

Ability to reflect on and adapt your practice to meet diverse patient needs and improve treatment outcomes.

Knowledge of Scientific Theory

A strong understanding of the science of human anatomy, physiology, and psychosocial aspects.

Therapy Intervention

Expertise in planning and executing therapy interventions tailored to individual patients.

Soft Skills

Communication

Excellent communication skills for discussing treatment with patients and collaborating with healthcare teams.

Collaboration

Ability to work cooperatively with other healthcare professionals, caregivers, and families to provide care.

ProblemSolving

Strong problem-solving abilities to develop creative solutions for overcoming patients' functional challenges.

“As an Occupational Therapist, our treatment plan allows patients to practise everyday tasks safely.”

Charmaine Koh, Senior Occupational Therapist

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Where can Occupational Therapists work?

They can work in the public healthcare sector (eg. hospitals) or Special Education schools.
What is the difference between Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists?

Occupational Therapists help patients develop or recover daily and/or working tasks (e.g. brushing teeth), including patients of any age with physical, sensory, and/or cognitive impairments. On the other hand, Physiotherapists help regain patients' mobility (e.g. walking, running), mainly caused by physical trauma.
How do Occupational Therapists assess and evaluate patients?

Occupational Therapists interview the patient and/or their family or caregivers to gather information on the patient. They then observe their patient's behaviour and gather data on their patients' abilities, often collaborating with other Healthcare professionals.
What populations or age groups do Occupational Therapists typically work with?

They work with people of all ages! Depending on the area they specialise in, they may focus on a specific age group or a wide range of patients.
What is a common treatment approach used by Occupational Therapists?

Occupational Therapists modify the physical environment to enhance accessibility, safety and independence.