Delegates
Working in Poland
General Information
Number of occupational therapists in Poland
550
Main language(s) spoken in Poland
Polish
Registration
Occupational therapists are required to register with a federal/national organisation to practice
Required
One of the most pivotal developments in Poland concerning the profession of occupational therapy is the enactment of the Act on Certain Medical Professions. Signed into law in 2023, this legislation came into force in the current year. Among the dozen or so medical professions outlined in the act, occupational therapy is included. The act establishes a Central Register of Persons Authorized to Practice Medical Professions. https://orka.sejm.gov.pl/proc9.nsf/ustawy/3183_u.htm (External) ↗
Occupational therapists are required to register with a state/regional organisation to practice
Not Required
It is compulsory to join the Polish 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
No
Language(s) that are required for occupational therapists to practice
Polish
Ethnically, Poland is very homogeneous.
Additional requirements for occupational therapists to practice
Obtaining BA degree in OT or completing a public or non-public post-secondary OT school with public school authorization
Employment Opportunities
Occupational therapy is recognised as a shortage occupation
Yes
For many years OT in Poland had been associated mainly with art therapy. Moreover, for many years there was a lack of laws and regulations defining the status of occupational therapists in healthcare facilities in particular, and establishing the number of OTs per patient in healthcare and social care facilities. Only now have the long-awaited changes in legislation taken place.
Sources of information for occupational therapist employment opportunities
There is no national job offer database for occupational therapists. Therapists look for employment at job centers or directly at facilities.
Immigration
Immigration regulations or visa requirements to practice
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Occupational therapy assistants exist in Poland
Yes
Number of occupational therapy assistants in Poland
6,900
Polish Occupational Therapy Association has a membership category for occupational therapy assistants
Yes
It is compulsory to join the Polish 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 Poland
Yes
Occupational therapy assistants need to register with a federal/national organisation to practice in Poland
Yes
Act on Certain Medical Professions signed into law in 2023 establishes a Central Register of Persons Authorized to Practice Medical Professions. https://orka.sejm.gov.pl/proc9.nsf/ustawy/3183_u.htm (External) ↗
Occupational therapy assistants need to register with a state/regional organisation to practice in Poland
No
Disclaimer: This information was provided by Polish Occupational Therapy Association and was last updated on 4th September 2024. 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 Poland
Polish Occupational Therapy Association's definition of occupational therapy in own language
Terapia zajęciowa to profesja zorientowana na wspieranie zdrowia i dobrego samopoczucia poprzez zajęcie, a jej podstawowym celem jest umożliwienie ludziom pełnego uczestnictwa w czynnościach dnia codziennego.
Polish Occupational Therapy Association's definition of occupational therapy in English
Occupational therapy is a profession focused on promoting health and well-being through occupation. Its primary goal is to enable people to fully participate in everyday activities.
Definition date: September 2024
Education Programmes
There are no WFOT Approved Programmes in Poland at this time.