Working in Colombia
General Information
Number of occupational therapists in Colombia
8,475
Main language(s) spoken in Colombia
Spanish
Other languages commonly spoken in Colombia
Other Regional/Local Dialects
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
It is compulsory to join the Colegio Colombiano de Terapia Ocupacional in order to practice as an occupational therapist
No
Practicing Requirements
Graduation from a WFOT approved programme is required to register to practice
No
Preferred but not required. Graduation from a Colombian Ministry of Education-approved program is required to register to practice.
Language(s) that are required for occupational therapists to practice
Spanish, Other Regional/Local Dialects, English
Spanish is required, but Indigenous languages may be required or preferred depending on the population. Some job descriptions with international NGOs or multinationals require OTs to be fluent in English in order to practice.
Additional requirements for occupational therapists to practice
To legally practice as an Occupational Therapist in Colombia, graduates from Colombian Higher Education Institutions must register with the Colombian College of Occupational Therapy (CCTO) in the Single Registry of Human Talent in Health (ReTHUS), as required by Law 1164 of 2007 and Decree 4192 of 2010. Those who graduated after October 9, 2018, must also obtain a national professional card through the CCTO.
Foreign-trained Occupational Therapists must have their qualifications validated by the Ministry of National Education, secure a transitional work permit, and obtain a professional liability policy provided by their employer. The transitional permit, necessary for those entering Colombia on scientific, humanitarian, social, or investigative missions, must be requested through the CCTO and managed by the relevant higher education institutions or entities where the service will be provided.
Foreign-trained Occupational Therapists must have their qualifications validated by the Ministry of National Education, secure a transitional work permit, and obtain a professional liability policy provided by their employer. The transitional permit, necessary for those entering Colombia on scientific, humanitarian, social, or investigative missions, must be requested through the CCTO and managed by the relevant higher education institutions or entities where the service will be provided.
Employment Opportunities
Occupational therapy is recognised as a shortage occupation
Yes
Sources of information for occupational therapist employment opportunities
Employment opportunities are not centralized or broadly advertised. Members of the CCTO do receive the postings, but non-members will need to inquire directly from employers' sites.
Other sources of information:
Colegio Colombiano de Terapia Ocupacional: [email protected]
Portal de empleo y bolsa de trabajo: https://co.computrabajo.com (External) ↗
Servicio Público de empleo: https://serviciodeempleo.gov.co (External) ↗
LinkedIn: https://co.linkedin.com (External) ↗
Other sources of information:
Colegio Colombiano de Terapia Ocupacional: [email protected]
Portal de empleo y bolsa de trabajo: https://co.computrabajo.com (External) ↗
Servicio Público de empleo: https://serviciodeempleo.gov.co (External) ↗
LinkedIn: https://co.linkedin.com (External) ↗
Immigration
Immigration regulations or visa requirements to practice
For immigration: http://www.cancilleria.gov.co/services/colombia/visas/ (External) ↗
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Occupational therapy assistants exist in Colombia
No
Disclaimer: This information was provided by Colegio Colombiano de Terapia Ocupacional and was last updated on 30th August 2024. 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 Colombia
Colegio Colombiano de Terapia Ocupacional's definition of occupational therapy in own language
La Terapia Ocupacional es una profesión liberal de formación universitaria que aplica sus conocimientos en el campo de la seguridad social y la educación ycuyo objetivo es el estudio de la naturaleza del desempeño ocupacional de las personas y las comunidades, la promoción de estilos de vida saludables y la prevención, tratamiento y rehabilitación de personas con discapacidades y limitaciones, utilizando procedimientos de acción que comprometen el autocuidado, el juego, el esparcimiento, la escolaridad y el trabajo como áreas esenciales de su ejercicio.
Titulo I, Capitulo I- Ley 949 de 2005, Diario Oficial No. 45.853 de 17 de marzo de 2005
Titulo I, Capitulo I- Ley 949 de 2005, Diario Oficial No. 45.853 de 17 de marzo de 2005
Colegio Colombiano de Terapia Ocupacional's definition of occupational therapy in English
Occupational Therapy is a liberal university-level profession that applies its knowledge in the field of social security and education, and aims to study: the nature of occupational performance of individuals and communities; the promotion of healthylife styles; and the prevention, promotion, intervention and rehabilitation for people with disabilities and impairments, through the use of processes pertaining to self-care, play, leisure, schooling, and work as essential areas of its professional scope.
Title I, Chapter I- Law 949 of 2005, Official record No. 45.853, 17 de marzo de 2005
Title I, Chapter I- Law 949 of 2005, Official record No. 45.853, 17 de marzo de 2005
Definition date: May 2017
Publications
Revista de la Ocupación Humana
The journal serves as a platform for disseminating research, theoretical discussions, and practical advancements in Occupational Therapy, with an emphasis on topics relevant to Latin American contexts.
Cuidado y Ocupación
scientific journal published biannually in the process of indexing, founded in the second half of 2012 as a proposal of the Nursing and Occupational Therapy programs of the University of Pamplona.
Education Programmes
WFOT Approved Programmes in Colombia
11