The Path to Becoming an Occupational Therapist in Ireland

Occupational Therapists play a vital role in helping individuals of all ages with physical, mental and psychological challenges. Their goal is to support independence and improve overall quality of life.

Occupational Therapists form an essential part of Ireland’s Health and Social Care Professionals (HSCP) workforce. They frequently work within multidisciplinary teams to deliver holistic and patient-centred care across a variety of settings.

In 2024 Irelands Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment released a Critical Skills Occupations List outlining the skills and positions experiencing staff shortages. As an Occupational Therapist, you can apply for a Critical Skills Employment Permit. This permit replaces the old green card and helps bring skilled workers into the Irish job market. If you are a qualified Occupational Therapist, the permit offers a clear path to work in Ireland.

Whether you’re considering a career in Occupational Therapy or exploring job opportunities and salary prospects, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know from education and registration with CORU, to career pathways and the growing demand for OTs across the country.

Where Can You Study Occupational Therapy

In Ireland, several universities offer CORU-accredited undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Occupational Therapy within their school of health sciences:

4-year BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy
2-year MSc in Occupational Therapy (for graduates of other disciplines)
Tertiary education creates structured pathways that link further education with higher-level academic qualifications

These courses give you the training and knowledge needed to start your career in Occupational Therapy. If you have qualified outside Ireland but would like to work in Ireland you can find further information here.

Registration with CORU

Registration with CORU

After completing your studies, you must register with CORU. CORU is the official body that regulates Health and Social Care Professionals in Ireland. For graduates, it is best to register for CORU as soon as you complete your studies to avoid delays in registration.

To register, you’ll need to show proof of your:

Qualifications
Placement experience
Identity documents

Once you’re on the CORU register, you’re officially a licensed Occupational Therapist and can begin to practice.

Where Do Occupational Therapists Work

Occupational Therapists work in a wide range of work environments, helping people with health conditions improve their daily lives. Some of the most common work settings include:

Hospitals (acute or rehab units)
Mental health services
Children’s disability teams
Adults’ disability teams
Primary care (working in the community)
Nursing homes or long-term care facilities

Career Opportunities in Occupational Therapy

1. Specialist Occupational Therapist

Focus deeply in one area such as neurology, hand therapy, physical rehabilitation or mental health.

2. Senior or Clinical Specialist OT

These roles involve advanced clinical work, supervision of junior staff, and sometimes research.

3. Management and Leadership

OTs can move into team lead, manager, or service coordinator roles. These come with broader oversight and strategic responsibilities.

4. Academic or Research Roles

Some Occupational Therapists decide to keep studying by getting a Master’s or PhD. They may then teach or do research at universities.

5. Private Practice

Once experienced, some OT’s set up their own clinics or consultancy services. This gives more autonomy and flexibility, especially for those with niche expertise.

6. International Opportunities

Irish-trained OT’s are highly regarded globally. Many choose to work in countries like the UK, Australia, Canada, or the U.S. (with appropriate licensing).

Occupational Therapist Salaries in the HSE

Salaries in the HSE for Occupational Therapists vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and role. As professionals gain experience or take on more senior positions, earnings typically increase. For more details on salary, refer to the HSE pay scales.

Summary

Occupational Therapy offers a meaningful and rewarding career. Working with people to improve their everyday lives while continuing to learn and grow as a professional. You can learn more about Occupational Therapy roles available here.