How to Become an Occupational Therapist in Australia

I created New PossibilOTs to support OT graduates or OTs returning to work. But what if you’re in a different field and interested in becoming on occupational therapist or are about to finish high school and would like a compressive guide on what you need to do to become an OT in Australia? Well this guide if for you!

Everything You Need to Know Before You Begin

Embarking on the journey to become an Occupational Therapist is both rewarding and deeply meaningful. It’s a career that blends science, empathy, and creativity — helping people live more independently, participate more fully, and thrive in everyday life.

Whether you’re a student exploring career options, someone considering a career change, or a parent wanting to understand the OT pathway, this guide walks you through everything you need to know — from study and registration to specialisations like paediatrics and ongoing professional growth.

Step 1: Complete Your Occupational Therapy Qualification

To become an OT in Australia, you must complete an accredited university program. You can do this in two ways:

1. Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

  • A four-year undergraduate degree offered at universities across Australia.

  • Designed for students entering straight from school or without prior qualifications.

2. Master of Occupational Therapy (Graduate Entry)

  • A two-year postgraduate degree for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field (for example, health science, psychology, or education).

  • This would be the suitable step for someone already qualified and working in a semi-related field, looking to transition into OT.

Both degrees cover topics such as:

  • Human anatomy and physiology

  • Psychology and behaviour

  • Occupational science

  • Communication and clinical reasoning

  • Assistive technology and environmental modification

  • Therapeutic techniques and professional ethics

In addition to coursework, every OT student must complete a minimum of 1000 hours of supervised clinical placement. These placements may take place in hospitals, schools, community settings, private clinics, or rehabilitation centres. These are a valuable way students can gain the hands-on experience needed to translate theory into confident practice. If you’re looking at that number and wondering ‘how on earth do I do that’? Don’t worry, your university usually weaves these hours into your four-year degree or assists you with placements in the term breaks.

Step 2: Registering with AHPRA

Once you’ve completed your degree, you’ll need to register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (OTBA) before you can practice.

This process ensures all OTs meet the national standards for safety, ethics, and professional competence. To register, you’ll need to:

  • Provide evidence of your accredited qualification

  • Demonstrate English language proficiency

  • Complete a criminal history check

Once registered, you’ll be licensed to practice anywhere in Australia. So it’s time to hit those job seeker platforms and find a new exciting workplace!

Tip: Registration must be renewed annually, and OTs are required to meet professional standards, including ongoing education and ethical practice. Set a calendar reminder and tell your workplace to make sure it doesn’t lapse!

Step 3: Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Learning doesn’t stop once you graduate — in fact, it’s only the beginning.

All registered OTs in Australia must complete at least 30 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities each year to maintain registration with AHPRA.

CPD is designed to help therapists stay current, reflective, and confident in their practice. Examples of CPD activities include:

At New PossibilOTs, we see CPD not as a checkbox — but as a way to continually grow your confidence, skills, and professional identity. You want to make sure you land in a workplace that prioritises your continued learning and provides ample opportunity to completed your CPD. Also, don’t leave it all until the last few months, try and spread it over the year!

Step 4: Exploring Areas of Practice

Occupational therapy is a broad profession, and OTs work across many areas, including:

  • Paediatrics (supporting children’s development and participation)

  • Aged care

  • Mental health

  • Rehabilitation and injury recovery

  • Community and disability services

  • Workplace and ergonomic health

Most OTs will explore different practice areas early in their career before specialising in one or two key fields.

Specialising in Paediatrics: What You Should Know

While I have experience in a few areas of OT, my love has always been with working with children (which is why I started my clinic OTHC). So if you’re like me – you love working with children and families – paediatric occupational therapy can be an incredibly fulfilling area of practice. However, it’s also complex, diverse, and highly relational — requiring a blend of clinical skill and emotional intelligence.

Paediatric OTs support children with:

  • Sensory processing and regulation challenges

  • Fine and gross motor skill development

  • Attention, planning, and executive functioning

  • Daily living skills (dressing, feeding, toileting, etc.)

  • Emotional regulation and participation in play and learning

To prepare for a career in paediatrics, it’s recommended that OTs:

  • Complete paediatric placements during university

  • Engage in ongoing learning (such as New PossibilOTs’ Essential Paediatric OT Course)

  • Seek regular clinical supervision from experienced paediatric OTs

  • Develop communication skills for working collaboratively with parents, teachers, and multidisciplinary teams

Note: There is currently high demand for paediatric OTs in Australia — particularly in private practice and early intervention settings. It’s a fairly stable career choice, long-term speaking, as there is a lot of job vacancies and low interest. But don’t just take the first offer, shop around until you find a place that truly clicks with you and your values.

Step 5: Building a Meaningful Career

Occupational therapy is not just a job — it’s a lifelong profession of learning, reflection, and growth.
As you gain experience, you’ll develop your own areas of interest, whether that’s clinical leadership, supervision, academia, or research.

No matter which path you take, one thing remains constant: OTs make a real difference every day.

From the first lecture to your first client, becoming an OT is a journey of curiosity, compassion, and connection. It requires both heart and skill — and a commitment to lifelong learning.

At New PossibilOTs, we’re here to support you every step of the way — whether you’re a new graduate, a returning practitioner, or someone exploring paediatrics for the first time.

Explore our Essential Paediatric OT Course, browse our free resources, or learn more about clinical supervision with Lisa — and start building the confident OT career you’ve been dreaming of.