Working in Italy
General Information
Number of occupational therapists in Italy
2,600
Main language(s) spoken in Italy
Italian
Registration
Occupational therapists are required to register with a federal/national organisation to practice
Required
Ministry of Health. It has to be recognised the foreign degree, there are two different processes depending if your degree was obtained in Europe or out of Europe. Here is the link for the papers and documents required and the Ministry of Health explanation
European degree: http://www.salute.gov.it/portale/ministro/p4_8_0.jsp?lingua=italiano&label=servizionline&idMat=PROFS&idAmb=RTEC&idSrv=SB9&flag=P (External) ↗
Non European degree: http://www.salute.gov.it/portale/ministro/p4_8_0.jsp?lingua=italiano&label=servizionline&idMat=PROFS&idAmb=RTENC&idSrv=D2.11&flag=P (External) ↗
European degree: http://www.salute.gov.it/portale/ministro/p4_8_0.jsp?lingua=italiano&label=servizionline&idMat=PROFS&idAmb=RTEC&idSrv=SB9&flag=P (External) ↗
Non European degree: http://www.salute.gov.it/portale/ministro/p4_8_0.jsp?lingua=italiano&label=servizionline&idMat=PROFS&idAmb=RTENC&idSrv=D2.11&flag=P (External) ↗
Occupational therapists are required to register with a state/regional organisation to practice
Required
In Italy to practice and work as an occupational therapist is now mandatory to register to the "Federazione nazionale Ordini dei Tecnici sanitari di radiologia medica, delle professioni sanitarie tecniche, della riabilitazione e della prevenzione (FNO TSRM PSTRP)" ,
They can be contacted at: [email protected] and [email protected].
They can be contacted at: [email protected] and [email protected].
It is compulsory to join the Italian Association of Occupational Therapy (A.I.T.O.) in order to practice as an occupational therapist
No
Practicing Requirements
Graduation from a WFOT approved programme is required to register to practice
No
Language(s) that are required for occupational therapists to practice
Italian
Italian is compulsory, and German mother tongue in a little part of Trentino Alto Adige territory.
Employment Opportunities
Occupational therapy is recognised as a shortage occupation
Yes
Occupational therapy is one of the eight recognized healthcare professions in the field of rehabilitation. Among these are professional health educators, psychiatric rehabilitation therapists, and developmental neuro-psychomotor therapists. The role of the occupational therapist overlaps with other professionals. In Italy, OTs are few due to the limited number of degree programs and overlapping roles. Compared to physiotherapists, the ratio is 1:34.
Sources of information for occupational therapist employment opportunities
Facebook (AITO), albalauris, AITO website (only for members), Gazzetta Ufficiale –Concorsi
Immigration
Immigration regulations or visa requirements to practice
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Occupational therapy assistants exist in Italy
No
Disclaimer: This information was provided by Italian Association of Occupational Therapy (A.I.T.O.) 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 Italy
Italian Association of Occupational Therapy (A.I.T.O.)'s definition of occupational therapy in own language
La Terapia occupazionale è una professione sanitaria dell’area della riabilitazione che favorisce il diritto a vivere le occupazioni come fondamentali e arricchenti. Le occupazioni sono tutte le attività significative che una persona desidera fare, ritiene necessario o gli altri si aspettano che lei svolga, come il lavoro, le interazioni sociali o le attività di svago.
La Terapia occupazionale è incentrata sul Cliente, la condivisione degli obiettivi segue un processo decisionale collaborativo tra chi si rivolge al servizio e il terapista.
La Terapia occupazionale incentiva, riabilita, previene e promuove la salute e il benessere dei clienti con bisogni legati o meno alla disabilità e una limitazione delle attività o una restrizione della partecipazione.
La Terapia Occupazionale viene praticata negli ambienti di vita, compresi gli ospedali, i centri per la salute, il domicilio, i luoghi di lavoro, le scuole e le case di riposo.
La terapia occupazionale è erogata da professionisti abilitati: i terapisti occupazionali. Per esercitare devono essere iscritti nell’albo dedicato all’interno dell’Ordine TSRM PSTRP.”
La Terapia occupazionale è incentrata sul Cliente, la condivisione degli obiettivi segue un processo decisionale collaborativo tra chi si rivolge al servizio e il terapista.
La Terapia occupazionale incentiva, riabilita, previene e promuove la salute e il benessere dei clienti con bisogni legati o meno alla disabilità e una limitazione delle attività o una restrizione della partecipazione.
La Terapia Occupazionale viene praticata negli ambienti di vita, compresi gli ospedali, i centri per la salute, il domicilio, i luoghi di lavoro, le scuole e le case di riposo.
La terapia occupazionale è erogata da professionisti abilitati: i terapisti occupazionali. Per esercitare devono essere iscritti nell’albo dedicato all’interno dell’Ordine TSRM PSTRP.”
Italian Association of Occupational Therapy (A.I.T.O.)'s definition of occupational therapy in English
Occupational Therapy is a healthcare profession within the field of rehabilitation that supports the right to engage in occupations as essential and enriching aspects of life.
Occupations are all the meaningful activities a person wants to do, needs to do, or is expected to do by others, such as work, social interactions, or leisure activities.
Occupational Therapy is client-centered; the setting of goals follows a collaborative decision-making process between the person seeking services and the therapist.
Occupational Therapy encourages, rehabilitates, prevents, and promotes the health and well-being of clients with or without disabilities, who experience activity limitations or participation restrictions.
Occupational Therapy is provided in various life settings, including hospitals, health centers, homes, workplaces, schools, and nursing homes.
Occupational Therapy is delivered by licensed professionals: occupational therapists. To practice, they must be registered in the dedicated register within the Ordine TSRM PSTRP.
Occupations are all the meaningful activities a person wants to do, needs to do, or is expected to do by others, such as work, social interactions, or leisure activities.
Occupational Therapy is client-centered; the setting of goals follows a collaborative decision-making process between the person seeking services and the therapist.
Occupational Therapy encourages, rehabilitates, prevents, and promotes the health and well-being of clients with or without disabilities, who experience activity limitations or participation restrictions.
Occupational Therapy is provided in various life settings, including hospitals, health centers, homes, workplaces, schools, and nursing homes.
Occupational Therapy is delivered by licensed professionals: occupational therapists. To practice, they must be registered in the dedicated register within the Ordine TSRM PSTRP.
Definition date: May 2017
Education Programmes
WFOT Approved Programmes in Italy
4