If anyone wants to choose Occupational Therapy as a career, then pursuing a Master’s in Occupational Therapy in Canada would be the best choice. When you choose Occupational Therapy as a career option, you are shifting towards a challenging and rewarding healthcare program directed towards various paths and in various workplaces.

Reasons for Choosing Occupational Therapy

The course of Masters Occupational therapy can lead to various ways of dealing with health care therapy associated with the human dealing with the person’s daily-required movements. Occupational Therapy is the health care service given to a person for enhancement and help in the person’s ability to do the daily chores. Every activity daily that includes almost everything like:

• Taking self-care includes common activities like eating, moving, dressing, etc.
• Productive work- Going to the office, school, community activities, etc.
• The daily leisurely activities- gardening, any social activities, etc.

Some of the criteria for applying to the top Universities in Canada:

• Bachelor’s degree in the required field
• The GPA or the Minimum Grade Point average of 3.0 (Average B) scored in the last 60 credit hours of study
• The degree from any recognized university.
• The English proficiency test IELTS score of 7/9

The Master in Occupational Therapy in Canada 

Allows individuals to become Occupational Therapists who can assess by strategizing and applying knowledge to recommending the course of preventing action that will help people to have a productive life.

Why study Master in Occupational Therapy in Canada?

There are several reasons considered for considering Canada as the best country to study a Master in Occupational Therapy:

Widespread Opportunities

If you choose Occupational Therapy as a career, you can have a challenging and rewarding healthcare profession. The career can develop in various directions and in various workplaces. In addition, occupational Therapy displays various opportunities in terms of areas of practice.

Top Ranked Universities available 

There are various top-ranked universities located in Canada. There are some of the top-rated universities providing to top class educational facilities

Good Earning opportunities

One can earn a handsome income after completing the Occupational therapy course. The average salary of Occupational Therapists is around $80,505 

More Vacancy Opportunities

The vacancy prospects are higher. After completing the Master’s in Occupational Therapy, one can also appear for the National Occupational Therapy Certification Exam (NOTCE). This certification facilitates the opportunity to work as an Occupational Therapist.

Masters in Occupational Therapy in Canada: Course Highlight-

Types of Master in Occupational Therapy in Canada

There are 26 programs in Occupational Therapy available in Canada. Occupational Therapy programs can shape the future of students in varied different ways. Some of the Occupational therapy programs can be mentioned as follows:

MS in Occupational Therapy

The Master in Occupational Therapy program is a two-year full-time master’s degree program. The course has been accredited by COAT (Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists)

MSc in Occupational Therapy

The program includes a dynamic curriculum, courses, and fieldwork that bridge theory and practice to meet and exceed professional practice standards. In addition, the program focuses on communication skills, collaboration, and inters professional education and practice.

Master of Occupational Therapy

The program includes all the specifications like theories, concepts, and principles of occupation, occupational engagement, occupational justice, and occupational Therapy.

Master of Science Applied (M.Sc.A.OT.) Occupational Therapy (Non-Thesis)

This is a 62-credit degree program to be completed in 1.5 graduate years over five semesters and includes a clinical practicum of 1,000 hours leading to professional licensure to practice.

Master of Science (MSc) in Occupational Science

The Program provides important theories, and critical perspectives, promoting the use of multiple ways of knowing and a contextual understanding of what people can and cannot do. Occupational Science also offers research insights that inform new approaches and understandings that can challenge barriers and injustices.

Master of Science (MSc) in Occupational Therapy Entry Level

This is a full-time program and will provide you with all the required insights to practice occupational Therapy. As an occupational therapist, you will spend your career helping people of all ages and backgrounds to enhance their performance in everyday activities like work, school, leisure, and self-care.

National Occupational Therapy Certification Examination (NOTCE)

The National Occupational Therapy Certification Examination (NOTCE) aims to examine the written application of academic knowledge and professional behavior of individuals entering the occupational therapy profession in Canada.

Best Universities Master in Occupational Therapy in Canada

Some of the best Universities in Canada providing Master in Occupational Therapy Courses are:

The University of British Columbia

The University is the global center for teaching, learning, and research. The University succeeded in being ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. In addition, the University has been opening the door to various perspectives for students.

The University of Alberta

This is one of the leading universities in the world. The University is recognized for its strong positive learning environment, innovative curriculum, internationally recognized researchers, and award-winning professors. The teaching of Occupational Therapy began at the University of Alberta in 1960.

The University of Manitoba

The University of Manitoba is one of the best Universities in Canada, offering the best courses required for shaping a bright future. In addition, there are many programs available

The University of Toronto

The University of Toronto focuses on building International leadership in occupational science and therapy research and education. The students who attend the program at the University focus on enabling occupation and enhancing health and well-being

The University of Western Ontario 

Is one of the best universities producing enough knowledge about any subject. The University has introduced the school of Occupational Therapy with the motto to work for people’s good health, well-being, social inclusion, and social justice.

Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University is also one of the best universities. The main aim is to combine innovative research, meaningful teaching, and a deep sense of social responsibility.

Other universities providing MS courses on Occupational Therapy are- the University of Western Ontario, Laval University, Queen’s University, McGill University, University of Ottawa, and McMaster University.

Course Curriculum of Master in Occupational Therapy in Canada

• The course curriculum of Master in Occupational Therapy in Canada focuses on the following aspects- 
• The curriculum consists of academic, laboratory, and distance-based learning experiences 
• The curriculum has been integrated with both part-time and full-time professional fieldwork. 
• The Integrated fieldwork opportunities offer local, national, or international experience.
• The curriculum also focuses on Self-care - getting dressed, eating, moving around the house,
• The course helped students to learn to be productive  that is going to work or going to school, participating in the community
• It teaches about Leisure activities performance like sports, gardening, and social activities.

Eligibility Criteria for Master in Occupational Therapy in Canada

The Eligibility criteria for seeking admission to the Master in Occupational Therapy courses in Canada are:

• Bachelor’s degree in the required field
• The GPA or the Minimum Grade Point average of 3.0 (Average B) scored in the last 60 credit hours of study
• The degree from any recognized university.
• The English proficiency test IELTS score of 7/9

Admission Requirements for Master in Occupational Therapy in Canada 

To be admitted to any of the Universities in Canada, certain criteria need to be followed:

• The students must have an undergraduate degree with at least a B average in a field such as rehabilitation science, physiology, or occupational medicine. Completion of courses in physiology and anatomy is usually required.
• Experiences in OT or a related field, such as that gained through community or hospital work.
• The persons working in the health sciences, such as nursing, paramedic, or personal support worker, are also eligible for admission. A medical degree is also acceptable.

Admission Process for Master in Occupational Therapy in Canada

The Admission process for a Master in Occupational Therapy in Canada needs to be followed accordingly through different steps-

• Completion of a recognized Bachelor’s degree in any field
• Academic standing of a minimum of B+ (76%) average based on all senior-level courses
• Academic standing of a minimum of B+ (76%) average based on all senior-level courses (300 and 400).
• Final grades for these courses must be on your transcript before the application deadline.
• The most recent 45 senior-level credits / 15 senior-level courses (completed as part of or outside of your undergraduate degree) will be factored into your competitive GPA calculation for admission into the program.
• For an appropriate academic assessment to be performed, only a minimum of 6 senior-level courses must have been completed at the time of the application deadline.
• Applicants with less than 45 senior-level credits / 15 senior-level courses will be evaluated using all eligible courses.
• Note that in recent years, the competitive GPA for this program has been 85%.
• The competitive average varies each application year and may increase or decrease depending on the number of applications received and the average of those applications.
• Need to complete the prerequisite courses-This successfully includes an accepted Human Anatomy Course, Social Science Course, and Behavioral Science course.
• Reference requirements-Need to submit references for enrolling in the course.
• You need to have some volunteer and work experience
• All applicants must complete the online Casper test as part of the Altus Suite, an admissions assessment of non-cognitive skills.
• Submission of written response as part of the application process
• English Language Competency test
• Sometimes criminal record review consideration
• Visa requirement is also an important part of seeking admission.

Cost of Studying for Master in Occupational Therapy in Canada 

The average tuition ranges around $30,000. In addition, students need to arrange funds for IELTS, TOEFL, and other necessary competency tests. Apart from this, students need to consider the cost of living in Canada to get a correct estimate of the cost of studying in Canada.

Scholarship for Master in Occupational Therapy in Canada 

There are various Therapy Awards, Bursaries, Prizes, and Scholarships available for pursuing a Master’s in Occupational Therapy in Canada. Some of the popular scholarships are as follows-

There are various other scholarship programs, such as Dr. Gustave Gingras Award (Post-Professional Award), Future Leader Award in Occupational Therapy, Harold James Russell Scholarship in Rehabilitation Sciences, and others.

Job Scope for the Master in Occupational Therapy in Canada

After pursuing the Master’s in Occupational Therapy in Canada, there are ample job opportunities in varied fields and organizations. Master in Occupational Therapy in Canada jobs include diverse settings like home and community, institutions, industry and Business, and government sectors.