Working in Chile
General Information
Number of occupational therapists in Chile
20,187
In Chile , the term "occupational therapist" is also referred to as
Terapeuta Ocupacional
Main language(s) spoken in Chile
Spanish
Other languages commonly spoken in Chile
Spanish
Registration
Occupational therapists are required to register with a federal/national organisation to practice
Required
Occupational therapists are required to register with a state/regional organisation to practice
Not Required
All health professionals have to be enrolled in the Superintendencia de Salud to have a contract in public and private practice.
It is compulsory to join the Colegio de Terapeutas Ocupacionales de Chile A.G in order to practice as an occupational therapist
No
Practicing Requirements
Graduation from a WFOT approved programme is required to register to practice
No
It is necessary to carry out a recognition process with the University of Chile. https://uchile.cl/revalidacion (External) ↗
Language(s) that are required for occupational therapists to practice
Spanish
Employment Opportunities
Occupational therapy is recognised as a shortage occupation
No
In Chile, occupational therapy is not formally recognised as a "shortage occupation" by the government, unlike countries such as Australia or the United Kingdom, which maintain official lists of in-demand occupations for migration or labour purposes.
However, there are significant challenges that indicate a growing need for occupational therapists in certain areas of the country. For example, disparities in access to occupational therapy services have been identified due to geographic, socioeconomic, and cultural factors, which limit the reach of these benefits for those who need them most.
However, there are significant challenges that indicate a growing need for occupational therapists in certain areas of the country. For example, disparities in access to occupational therapy services have been identified due to geographic, socioeconomic, and cultural factors, which limit the reach of these benefits for those who need them most.
Sources of information for occupational therapist employment opportunities
Immigration
Immigration regulations or visa requirements to practice
Letter from your Chilean employer, directed to the Chilean Consul, that has to justify the contract. Contract Job (With Notario Signature), Legalized and translated (if it is necessary) Bachelor Degree or equivalent (If it is necessary) Certify of Penal antecedents and Medical certification. Passport, 4 photos Passport size
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Occupational therapy assistants exist in Chile
No
Disclaimer: This information was provided by Colegio de Terapeutas Ocupacionales de Chile A.G and was last updated on 9th 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.
Definition of Occupational Therapy in Chile
Colegio de Terapeutas Ocupacionales de Chile A.G's definition of occupational therapy in own language
Occupational therapy is a discipline of health field whose purpose of study is human occupation in all stages of life.
Human occupation includes all the activities of everyday life in which persons of any age are involved and it allow them to adapt themselves to their environment, to be productive and to obtain satisfactions in their autonomy, work and use of free time.
Human occupation includes all the activities of everyday life in which persons of any age are involved and it allow them to adapt themselves to their environment, to be productive and to obtain satisfactions in their autonomy, work and use of free time.
Definition date: June 2025
Publications
Revistra chilena de terapia ocupacional
ReChTO has published research in Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science since 2001. It promotes interdisciplinary dialogue and accepts articles in Spanish, Portuguese, and English. Since 2023, it operates with continuous publication via the University of Chile’s OJS platform.
Education Programmes
WFOT Approved Programmes in Chile
20