Working in Malawi
General Information
Number of occupational therapists in Malawi
15
Main language(s) spoken in Malawi
English, Chichewa
Registration
Occupational therapists are required to register with a federal/national organisation to practice
Required
Medical Council of Malawi (MCM)
Occupational Therapy Association of Malawi (OTAM)
Occupational Therapy Association of Malawi (OTAM)
Occupational therapists are required to register with a state/regional organisation to practice
Not Required
It is compulsory to join the Occupational Therapy Association of Malawi in order to practice as an occupational therapist
Yes
Practicing Requirements
Graduation from a WFOT approved programme is required to register to practice
No
OTAM is working with Medical Council of Malawi to ensure that only WFOT approved OTs can register with them as OTs.
Language(s) that are required for occupational therapists to practice
English, Chichewa
Though most people can communicate in English, most hospitals have patients who do not speak English so it is preferable for OTs to be able to speak Chichewa.
Additional requirements for occupational therapists to practice
Professional Indemnity Insurance is preferable
Vaccinations - Yellow fever, Hepatitis B, BCG, Polio, Diptheria, Tetanus
Vaccinations - Yellow fever, Hepatitis B, BCG, Polio, Diptheria, Tetanus
Employment Opportunities
Occupational therapy is recognised as a shortage occupation
Yes
Malawi has a population of 20 million people and there are only 15 qualified OTs in the country.
Sources of information for occupational therapist employment opportunities
OTARG website: https://www.otarg.org/ (External) ↗ OTAM website: https://otamalawi.wordpress.com/ (External) ↗
Immigration
Immigration regulations or visa requirements to practice
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Occupational therapy assistants exist in Malawi
Yes
Number of occupational therapy assistants in Malawi
60
Occupational Therapy Association of Malawi has a membership category for occupational therapy assistants
Yes
It is compulsory to join the Occupational Therapy Association of Malawi in order to practice as an occupational therapy assistant
No
Occupational therapy assistants require formal training in occupational therapy to work as such in Malawi
Yes
Malawi against physical disability (Kachere Rehabilitation)
Occupational therapy assistants need to register with a federal/national organisation to practice in Malawi
Yes
Medical Council of Malawi
Occupational therapy assistants need to register with a state/regional organisation to practice in Malawi
No
Disclaimer: This information was provided by Occupational Therapy Association of Malawi and was last updated on 21st February 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.
Education Programmes
WFOT Approved Programmes in Malawi
1