Working in Madagascar
General Information
Number of occupational therapists in Madagascar
92
In Madagascar , the term "occupational therapist" is also referred to as
Ergothérapeute
Main language(s) spoken in Madagascar
Malagasy, French
Other languages commonly spoken in Madagascar
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
Not Required
It is compulsory to join the Association Malgache Pour L'Ergotherapie (AMET) 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
Malagasy, French
Malagasy is the National language
French is the second language
French is the second language
Additional requirements for occupational therapists to practice
None
Employment Opportunities
Occupational therapy is recognised as a shortage occupation
Yes
In Madagascar, occupational therapy is officially recognized within the healthcare system, and training is provided by the University of Antananarivo through the Faculty of Medicine. However, despite this formal recognition, there is a significant shortage of occupational therapists in the country. The number of qualified professionals remains very low compared to the needs of the population, especially in rural areas where access to rehabilitation services is extremely limited. Health facilities that include occupational therapy services are still scarce, and the profession remains relatively
Sources of information for occupational therapist employment opportunities
Immigration
Immigration regulations or visa requirements to practice
Any foreign national coming to work in Madagascar requires a letter of employment / letter of volunteering. This is to be submitted in the home-country, together with proof of identification of the employing company’s existener coming over for less than 3 months can immediately apply for a courtesy visa, which will be granted by the embassy in the home-country.
https://www.diplomatie.gov.mg/index.php/le-ministere/passeport-et-visa/visa/29-visas-immigrant (External) ↗
https://www.diplomatie.gov.mg/index.php/le-ministere/passeport-et-visa/visa/29-visas-immigrant (External) ↗
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Occupational therapy assistants exist in Madagascar
No
Disclaimer: This information was provided by Association Malgache Pour L'Ergotherapie (AMET) 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 Madagascar
Association Malgache Pour L'Ergotherapie (AMET)'s definition of occupational therapy in own language
Mampiasa fomba fijerin'ny olona iray manontolo ny "Ergothérapeute"mpitsabo momba ny asa mba hiara-hiasa amin'ny tsirairay, vondrona ary vondrom-piarahamonina mba hampiroboroboana ny fahasalamana ary ny fampidirana ara-tsosialy amin'ny alàlan'ny fandraisana anjara amin'ny hetsika misy dikany isan'andro.
Eto Madagasikara, ny fitsaboana amin'ny asa na ny "Ergothérapie"dia tena aingam-panahy avy amin'ny foto-kevitry ny fihavanana, soatoavina fototra malagasy izay manantitrantitra ny firaisankina, ny fifanohanana, ny fifanajana ary ny firindrana eo anivon'ny fiarahamonina. Ny Fihavanana dia mitarika ny fanaon'ireo mpitsabo momba ny asa, izay miasa amin'ny fanamafisana ny fifamatorana ara-tsosialy, ny fampivoarana ny fahaleovan-tena, ary ny fanohanana ny fampidirana ny olona tsirairay, na firy taona na firy taona.
Ny teny hoe “Occupation” dia ilazana ireo asa rehetra mandrafitra ny fiainan’ny olona iray, ahafahan’izy ireo mivoatra, mandray anjara amin’ny fiaraha-monina ary mahita tanjona—amin’ny toe-tsain’ny fihavanana.
Eto Madagasikara, ny fitsaboana amin'ny asa na ny "Ergothérapie"dia tena aingam-panahy avy amin'ny foto-kevitry ny fihavanana, soatoavina fototra malagasy izay manantitrantitra ny firaisankina, ny fifanohanana, ny fifanajana ary ny firindrana eo anivon'ny fiarahamonina. Ny Fihavanana dia mitarika ny fanaon'ireo mpitsabo momba ny asa, izay miasa amin'ny fanamafisana ny fifamatorana ara-tsosialy, ny fampivoarana ny fahaleovan-tena, ary ny fanohanana ny fampidirana ny olona tsirairay, na firy taona na firy taona.
Ny teny hoe “Occupation” dia ilazana ireo asa rehetra mandrafitra ny fiainan’ny olona iray, ahafahan’izy ireo mivoatra, mandray anjara amin’ny fiaraha-monina ary mahita tanjona—amin’ny toe-tsain’ny fihavanana.
Association Malgache Pour L'Ergotherapie (AMET)'s definition of occupational therapy in English
Occupational therapists use a whole-person perspective to work with individuals, groups, and communities to promote health, well-being, and social inclusion through participation in meaningful daily activities.
In Madagascar, occupational therapy is deeply inspired by the concept of fihavanana, a fundamental Malagasy value that emphasizes solidarity, mutual support, respect, and harmony within the community. Fihavanana guides the practice of occupational therapists, who work to strengthen social bonds, foster autonomy, and support the inclusion of every person, regardless of age or ability.
The term “occupation” refers to all the activities that structure a person’s life, enabling them to thrive, participate in society, and find purpose - in the spirit of fihavanana.
In Madagascar, occupational therapy is deeply inspired by the concept of fihavanana, a fundamental Malagasy value that emphasizes solidarity, mutual support, respect, and harmony within the community. Fihavanana guides the practice of occupational therapists, who work to strengthen social bonds, foster autonomy, and support the inclusion of every person, regardless of age or ability.
The term “occupation” refers to all the activities that structure a person’s life, enabling them to thrive, participate in society, and find purpose - in the spirit of fihavanana.
Definition date: June 2025
Education Programmes
WFOT Approved Programmes in Madagascar
1