Working in China
General Information
Number of occupational therapists in China
573
In China , the term "occupational therapist" is also referred to as
Rehabilitation Therapist
Main language(s) spoken in China
Mandarin
Other languages commonly spoken in China
Cantonese
Registration
Occupational therapists are required to register with a federal/national organisation to practice
Not Required
Occupational therapists are required to register with a state/regional organisation to practice
Required
https://www.carm.org.cn (External) ↗
Qualification review and filing by local medical and health departments is required
Qualification review and filing by local medical and health departments is required
It is compulsory to join the China Occupational Therapy Association in order to practice as an occupational therapist
No
Practicing Requirements
Graduation from a WFOT approved programme is required to register to practice
No
Graduates from both WFOT approved and nonapproved programmes, but those graduates form WFOT approved programmes is preferred. But here we only count graduates who have obtained WFOT approved programmes.
Language(s) that are required for occupational therapists to practice
Mandarin
Some ethnic minority areas may require knowledge of dialects to facilitate communication with service recipients.
Additional requirements for occupational therapists to practice
Graduates must pass the national unified examination and obtain the qualification of rehabilitation therapist before they can work as occupational therapists.
Employment Opportunities
Occupational therapy is recognised as a shortage occupation
Yes
Especially at the county level and in remote areas, as well as in psychiatry and paediatrics field. There is a shortage of occupational therapists.
Sources of information for occupational therapist employment opportunities
Official recruitment websites in various provinces, cities and regions.
Immigration
Immigration regulations or visa requirements to practice
Working Visa is needed.
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Occupational therapy assistants exist in China
No
Disclaimer: This information was provided by China Occupational Therapy Association 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 China
China Occupational Therapy Association's definition of occupational therapy in own language
作业治疗是一门以康复对象为中心，通过有选择的作业活动和(或)适当的环境干预来改善康复对象的躯体、心理和社会功能，促进活动和参与，提高生活质量的康复医学专业。
China Occupational Therapy Association's definition of occupational therapy in English
Occupational therapy is a rehabilitation medicine specialty that focuses on rehabilitation subjects and improves their physical, psychological and social functions, promotes activities and participation, and improves their quality of life through selected occupational activities and/or appropriate environmental interventions.
Definition date: December 2019
Publications
THE CHINESE OT e-Newsletter
Different regions of the country take turns to be responsible for selecting different topics and publish one issue every quarter.
Education Programmes
WFOT Approved Programmes in China
12