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Associacao Portuguesa de Terapeutas Ocupacionais

Delegates

Elisabete Roldão

Delegate

Elisabete Roldão

Email

Marco António Apolinário Rodrigues

Alternate 1

Marco António Apolinário Rodrigues

Email

Joana Pinto

Alternate 2

Joana Pinto

Email

Working in Portugal

General Information

Number of occupational therapists in Portugal

2,880

In Portugal , the term "occupational therapist" is also referred to as

Occupational Therapist (Terapeuta Ocupacional)

Main language(s) spoken in Portugal

Portuguese

Registration

Occupational therapists are required to register with a federal/national organisation to practice

Required
Central Health Service Administration- ACSS - https://www.acss.min-saude.pt/ (External) ↗

Occupational therapists are required to register with a state/regional organisation to practice

Not Required

It is compulsory to join the Associacao Portuguesa de Terapeutas Ocupacionais in order to practice as an occupational therapist

No

Practicing Requirements

Graduation from a WFOT approved programme is required to register to practice

No
We have 5 schools and 4 have Educational Programmes approved by the WFOT.

Language(s) that are required for occupational therapists to practice

Portuguese
It is mandatory to speak Portuguese.

Additional requirements for occupational therapists to practice

To have the bachelor in one of the Portuguese schools or to have submitted the register and be approved by the Central Health Service Administration- ACSS.

Employment Opportunities

Occupational therapy is recognised as a shortage occupation

Yes
There are few occupational therapists available for the vacancies.

Occupational Therapy Assistants

Occupational therapy assistants exist in Portugal

No
Disclaimer: This information was provided by Associacao Portuguesa de Terapeutas Ocupacionais and was last updated on 2nd 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 Portugal

Associacao Portuguesa de Terapeutas Ocupacionais's definition of occupational therapy in own language

Avalia e intervém em pessoas, de qualquer idade, com alterações na capacidade de realizar as diversas ocupações significativas, devido a alterações ao nível biológico, psicológico, social ou espiritual. Para tal, recorre a técnicas terapêuticas, integradas em atividades consoante o objetivo pretendido, e enquadradas na relação terapeuta/utente. Trabalha em equipas multidisciplinares, com autonomia técnica, promovendo a saúde e o bem-estar, prevenindo a incapacidade e disfunção e reabilitando a pessoa para o seu desempenho ocupacional e participação na sociedade. Para além da intervenção direta, desenvolve investigação, consultoria e formação contribuindo para o desenvolvimento da Ciência Ocupacional.

Associacao Portuguesa de Terapeutas Ocupacionais's definition of occupational therapy in English

Evaluates and intervenes in people of all ages, with changes in the ability to perform several meaningful occupations, due to changes in the biological, psychological, social level or spiritual. For that, the occupational therapist uses therapeutic techniques, integrated on the activities according to the established goal, and framed in the relationship therapist/client. Works in multidisciplinary teams with technical autonomy, promoting health and well-being, preventing disability and dysfunction and rehabilitating the person to his/her occupational performance and participation in the society. In addition to intervention with clients, develops research, consultancy and training, contributing to the development of Occupational Science.
Definition date: April 2017

Publications

Revista Portuguesa de Terapia Ocupacional

An academic scientific journal for occupational therapy. Research and interventions related to occupations, health, rehabilitation, inclusion, education, etc. It intends to promote and disseminate knowledge related to Occupational Therapy.

Type: Journal (Peer-Reviewed)
Languages: English, Portuguese
Frequency: Bi-Annual
More Information: Read More (External) ↗

Education Programmes

WFOT Approved Programmes in Portugal

4