Working in Ireland
General Information
Number of occupational therapists in Ireland
3,690
Main language(s) spoken in Ireland
Irish, English
Registration
Occupational therapists are required to register with a federal/national organisation to practice
Required
The registration body, CORU, is contactable at http://www.coru.ie/ (External) ↗ CORU, Joyce House, 8-11 Lombard Street, Dublin 2, DO2 Y729 Telephone: 01 2933160 Fax: 01 2933170 Email: [email protected]
Occupational therapists are required to register with a state/regional organisation to practice
Not Required
It is compulsory to join the Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland in order to practice as an occupational therapist
No
Practicing Requirements
Graduation from a WFOT approved programme is required to register to practice
No
Occupational therapists must have attained their qualifications from an educational programme that has been accredited by CORU (The Health and Social Care Regulator). Graduates from outside Ireland or those returning to practice must seek recognition of their qualifications from CORU before being eligible to practice. Applicants must satisfy CORU that they are eligible to practice occupational therapy in the country where they received their qualification and that their educational programme meets all the Standards of Proficiency required by the WFOT-approved programmes in Ireland www.coru.ie
Language(s) that are required for occupational therapists to practice
English
Occupational Therapists who hold approved qualifications (graduates, those who have been practising abroad or those returning to the profession) must satisfy the Registration Board (CORU) that they have sufficient knowledge of the English language necessary to practice the profession in Ireland.
Additional requirements for occupational therapists to practice
All occupational therapists must satisfy CORU that they are a fit and proper person to engage in the practice of the profession so must undergo a vetting process.
Employment Opportunities
Occupational therapy is recognised as a shortage occupation
Yes
Yes, according to the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, Occupational Therapists are on the Critical Skills Occupations List in Ireland. This list includes all employments where there is a recognised shortage (correct as of December 2023).
Sources of information for occupational therapist employment opportunities
www.careersinhealthcare.ie www.hse.ie www.healthcarejobs.ie
Immigration
Immigration regulations or visa requirements to practice
Please refer to the Citizens Information website at www.citizeninformation.ie/en/moving_to_ireland for information on visa requirements. For information on Employment Permits, please refer to the website of Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation at www.djei.ie
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Occupational therapy assistants exist in Ireland
Yes
Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland has a membership category for occupational therapy assistants
Yes
It is compulsory to join the Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland in order to practice as an occupational therapy assistant
No
Occupational therapy assistants require formal training in occupational therapy to work as such in Ireland
No
Formal training is strongly recommended to attain employment as an occupational therapy assistant in Ireland
Occupational therapy assistants need to register with a federal/national organisation to practice in Ireland
No
Occupational therapy assistants need to register with a state/regional organisation to practice in Ireland
No
Disclaimer: This information was provided by Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland 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 Ireland
Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland's definition of occupational therapy in own language
Occupational Therapy is a healthcare profession offering support to people with physical, psychological and social problems to enable them to live life to the fullest. Occupational therapists help people to do the everyday activities they want and need to do when faced with illness, injury, disability or challenging life circumstances or events. The key features of Occupational Therapy are:
We focus primarily on the person's occupation. Occupational therapists use the term occupation to describe all the things we do to take care of ourselves and others; to socialise and have fun; to work and learn; and to participate and contribute to our community and society.
Our occupations are the activities that fill up our days and that give meaning and a sense of purpose to our daily lives. Occupational therapists understand How important these everyday activities are to all of us and are experts in enabling you to live life to the fullest despite challenges or limitations.
In the case of children the focus will be on enabling participation in childhood occupations such as play and school and supporting development and emerging independence skills.
Occupational therapists understand how illness, injury, disability or challenging life circumstances and events can affect people's ability to do the everyday things that are important for them and know how to support them to reach their maximum level of independence and autonomy.
Occupational Therapists are experts at assessing how different health conditions can affect people's abilities and helping them to overcome or work around the difficulties that are affecting their daily occupations and roles.
Occupational Therapy focuses on people's strengths and therapy is always guided by the client's preferences (or those of their family in the case of children).
Occupational Therapy is client-centred and helps people to live their lives in a way that is meaningful and satisfying for them by tailoring a programme that responds to their unique identity, situation and needs.
We focus primarily on the person's occupation. Occupational therapists use the term occupation to describe all the things we do to take care of ourselves and others; to socialise and have fun; to work and learn; and to participate and contribute to our community and society.
Our occupations are the activities that fill up our days and that give meaning and a sense of purpose to our daily lives. Occupational therapists understand How important these everyday activities are to all of us and are experts in enabling you to live life to the fullest despite challenges or limitations.
In the case of children the focus will be on enabling participation in childhood occupations such as play and school and supporting development and emerging independence skills.
Occupational therapists understand how illness, injury, disability or challenging life circumstances and events can affect people's ability to do the everyday things that are important for them and know how to support them to reach their maximum level of independence and autonomy.
Occupational Therapists are experts at assessing how different health conditions can affect people's abilities and helping them to overcome or work around the difficulties that are affecting their daily occupations and roles.
Occupational Therapy focuses on people's strengths and therapy is always guided by the client's preferences (or those of their family in the case of children).
Occupational Therapy is client-centred and helps people to live their lives in a way that is meaningful and satisfying for them by tailoring a programme that responds to their unique identity, situation and needs.
Definition date: August 2024
Publications
Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy
Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy is the official peer reviewed journal of the Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland. IJOT publishes quality articles, on a biannual basis, that further debate and evidence-based practice within occupational therapy, both in Ireland and worldwide.
Education Programmes
WFOT Approved Programmes in Ireland
4