Delegates
Working in Armenia
General Information
Number of occupational therapists in Armenia
100
Terminology
In
Armenia
, the term "occupational therapist" is also referred to as Ergotherapist
Main language(s) spoken in Armenia
Armenian
Other languages commonly spoken in Armenia
English, Russian
Registration
Occupational therapists are required to register with a federal/national organisation to practice
Not Required
In Armenia, occupational therapists (ergotherapists) are not required to register with any federal or national licensing body in order to practice professionally. This is explicitly stated in the WFOT’s Occupational Therapy International Practice Guide (2020):
• For Armenia, the guide confirms:
• No mandatory federal/national registration.
• No state or regional registration.
• However, voluntary membership in ARM‑ETA is expected
• For Armenia, the guide confirms:
• No mandatory federal/national registration.
• No state or regional registration.
• However, voluntary membership in ARM‑ETA is expected
Occupational therapists are required to register with a state/regional organisation to practice
Not Required
No state or regional registration is required.
It is compulsory to join the Armenian Ergotherapists Association (ARM_ETA) in order to practice as an occupational therapist
Yes
Practicing Requirements
Graduation from a WFOT approved programme is required to register to practice
No
It is preferred , but not required.
Language(s) that are required for occupational therapists to practice
Armenian
Most common langauge is the native one. However, in some rehabilitation centers, there could be a benefit of knowing English or Russian for working with international patients.
Additional requirements for occupational therapists to practice
*It is recommended Professional Liability Insurance, often included in ARM‑ETA membership
Association Membership (ARM‑ETA/WFOT) is strongly encouraged for standards, CPD, credibility
Association Membership (ARM‑ETA/WFOT) is strongly encouraged for standards, CPD, credibility
Employment Opportunities
Occupational therapy is recognised as a shortage occupation
Yes
While occupational therapy in Armenia is not officially designated as a shortage occupation, there is strong evidence of significant demand and workforce shortage, especially driven by public rehabilitation reforms, rural healthcare gaps, and inclusive education initiatives. The field is in a growth phase - your advocacy and ARMETA’s role within WFOT are strategically positioned to help formalize this need and expand opportunities for occupational therapists across Armenia.
References: https://shorturl.at/5cMgQ (External) ↗ ; https://specedjournal.aspu.am/index.php/se (External) ↗
References: https://shorturl.at/5cMgQ (External) ↗ ; https://specedjournal.aspu.am/index.php/se (External) ↗
Sources of information for occupational therapist employment opportunities
Mostly it is by ASPU.am, the website of the university.
Then through ARMETA.
However, there are most common websites which can be used as well: https://job.am/ (External) ↗ , https://staff.am/ (External) ↗
Then through ARMETA.
However, there are most common websites which can be used as well: https://job.am/ (External) ↗ , https://staff.am/ (External) ↗
Immigration
Immigration regulations or visa requirements to practice
To work in Armenia, occupational therapists must obtain a work permit via Workpermit.am (employer applies) and then apply for a Temporary Residence Card through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Citizens of EAEU countries (e.g. Russia) are exempt from the permit. Visa-free entry is available for some nationalities. More info: Move2Armenia, and MFA https://www.mfa.am/en/visa/ (External) ↗
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Occupational therapy assistants exist in Armenia
No
Disclaimer: This information was provided by Armenian Ergotherapists Association (ARM_ETA) and was last updated on 14th July 2025. WFOT is not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or changes in the information provided. This information is intended as a guide and should be independently verified before making any decisions.
Education Programmes
There are no WFOT Approved Programmes in Armenia at this time.