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.
Sources of information for occupational therapist employment opportunities
Immigration
Immigration regulations or visa requirements to practice
http://comoemigrar.net/ (External) ↗ https://www.portaldocidadao.pt/PORTAL/pt/cidadao/areas+interesse/comunidades+estrangeiras/legislacao+e+regulamentacao/ (External) ↗ http://www.portaldasaude.pt (External) ↗ http://www.dgs.pt/ (External) ↗ http://www.acss.min-saude.pt/ (External) ↗ http://www.seg-social.pt/ (External) ↗
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.
Education Programmes
WFOT Approved Programmes in Portugal
4