Image of career: Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

Overview

Occupational therapists work with clients with physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges to rebuild their ability to perform tasks independently.

Description

  • Evaluate clients and determine the skills they need.
  • Create recovery programmes to help clients rebuild lost skills and build confidence.
  • Recommend home modifications like railings to help clients live independently.
  • Teach caregivers safe ways to handle and position clients.
  • Create training programmes for caregivers, teachers, and healthcare professionals.

Entry requirements

  • You'll need a Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy from Singapore Institute of Technology or a Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC)-recognised institution.

Salary

$3,500 – 4,500

/mo

Salary ranges are estimated based on public information found on Singaporean job portals, including MyCareersFuture, MySkillsFuture. Updated as of 2026.

Trivia

Occupational therapists are called 'masters of daily living' as they help patients regain their confidence in performing day-to-day activities.

What to expect

You'll help patients improve ability to go about their daily routine through direct care. However, the work may be demanding so it’s important to practise self-care.

Soft
skills

Communication

Ability to share treatment plans with patients clearly.

Collaboration

Ability to cooperate well with other healthcare professionals, caregivers, and families.

Problem Solving

Ability to develop creative solutions that help patients overcome daily challenges.

Reflective Practice

Ability to consider and adapt your practice to meet different patient needs.

Knowledge of Scientific Theory

Possess a strong understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and psychology.

Therapy Intervention

Skilled in planning and implementing personalised therapy interventions.

Hard
skills

Charmaine Koh, Senior Occupational Therapist
"As an Occupational Therapist, our treatment plan allows patients to practise everyday tasks safely."

Charmaine Koh, Senior Occupational Therapist

Care to go Beyond

Frequently asked questions

They may work in public hospitals or social service agencies like special education schools.

Occupational therapists help people recover ability to perform daily tasks, like brushing teeth, while physiotherapists help people regain movement, like walking after injuries.

They interview patients and families, and watch and gather data on how patients function.

They work with people of all ages, but some therapists specialise in specific age groups.

Occupational therapists modify physical spaces to make them safer, more accessible and easier to use.