Working in Iceland
General Information
Number of occupational therapists in Iceland
420
Terminology
In
Iceland
, the term "occupational therapist" is also referred to as Iðjuþjálfi
Main language(s) spoken in Iceland
Icelandic
Other languages commonly spoken in Iceland
English
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
Required
It is compulsory to join the Icelandic 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
Yes
Language(s) that are required for occupational therapists to practice
Icelandic
Employment Opportunities
Occupational therapy is recognised as a shortage occupation
Yes
Sources of information for occupational therapist employment opportunities
On IOTA´s website announcements are listed in Icelandic. https://www.ii.is/thjonusta/laus-storf/ (External) ↗ and on IOTA´s Facebook https://www.facebook.com/idjuthjalfafelag (External) ↗
Immigration
Immigration regulations or visa requirements to practice
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Occupational therapy assistants exist in Iceland
Yes
Icelandic Occupational Therapy Association has a membership category for occupational therapy assistants
No
It is compulsory to join the Icelandic Occupational Therapy Association in order to practice as an occupational therapy assistant
No
Occupational therapy assistants require formal training in occupational therapy to work as such in Iceland
No
Occupational therapy assistants need to register with a federal/national organisation to practice in Iceland
No
Occupational therapy assistants need to register with a state/regional organisation to practice in Iceland
No
Disclaimer: This information was provided by Icelandic Occupational Therapy Association 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.
Definition of Occupational Therapy in Iceland
Icelandic Occupational Therapy Association's definition of occupational therapy in own language
Iðjuþjálfar starfa með fólki á öllum aldri sem af einhverjum ástæðum glímir við iðjuvanda sem hamlar þeim í hversdeginum og hindrar þátttöku.
Icelandic Occupational Therapy Association's definition of occupational therapy in English
Occupational therapy is a health profession. Occupational therapists provide health and social services in a broad context within Icelandic society. The emphasis is on occupation, which includes everything people do to care for themselves and their families, contribute to their communities, play, and enjoy life. Occupational therapists enable performance and participation in people’s daily occupations. They prevent occupational problems, and promote health by adapting occupations and the environment, and by providing training, education, and consultation. Furthermore, occupational therapists contribute to health care, social, educational, and vocational policies to promote environments and occupational opportunities necessary for human health and well-being.
Definition date: January 2024
Publications
Iðjuþjálfinn - fagblað iðjuþjálfa
Education Programmes
WFOT Approved Programmes in Iceland
1