Occupational Therapy is a client-centred health profession concerned with promoting health and wellbeing through occupation. The primary goal of occupational therapy is to enable people to articipate in the activities of everyday life. Occupational therapists achieve this outcome by working with people and communities to enhance their ability to engage in the occupations they want to, need to, or are expected to do, or by modifying the occupation or the environment to better support their occupational engagement (WFOT, 2012). https://wfot.org/about/about-occupational-therapy
Occupational Therapists are health professionals who help individuals across the lifespan to participate in meaningful daily activities (occupations) that enhance their health, well-being, and independence. They assess and treat persons limited by physical injury or illness, psychosocial dysfunction, developmental or learning disabilities, or the aging process, through interventions, that promote health through occupational performance and participation.
Occupational Therapists can work in a variety of settings including clinics, rehabilitation centres, hospitals (various departments), hospice care
programmes, special-ed schools, prisons may also work as educators and consultants.
Individuals must complete an education programme in Occupational Therapy (entry-level bachelors or masters) and meet regulatory standards for registration and licence to practice.
The OTAJ has various categories of membership. Membership to the OTAJ is open to Practising Occupational Therapists and OT assistants in Jamaica, student Occupational Therapists, Overseas OTs and other allied Health professionals. Please email us for more details on each category of membership available.
- Complete the membership application form (click here)
- Pay associated fee
- Attend OTAJ meetings
By becoming a member, you actively contribute to maintaining high standards of practice, promoting the role of occupational therapists within healthcare, education, and social services, and advocating for the rights and welfare of practitioners. Membership connects you with a network of professionals committed to ethical practice, continuous education, and professional growth while providing opportunities to influence legislation and policy development that strengthen the profession. As a member, you help shape the future of Occupational Therapy in Jamaica, ensuring its impact on individuals, communities, and the nation continues to grow.
All Occupational Therapy practitioners must be registered with The Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (CPSM) before they are legally allowed to practice. Applicants must provide proof of qualification from an accredited Occupational Therapy program. For more information on the process, please email the CPSM at: info@cpsmja.org