Working in Switzerland
General Information
Number of occupational therapists in Switzerland
3,500
In Switzerland , the term "occupational therapist" is also referred to as
Ergotherapist
Main language(s) spoken in Switzerland
German, French, Italian, Romansh
Other languages commonly spoken in Switzerland
German, French, Italian
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
Required
if self-employed:
OT diploma or BSc in OT, registration by the canton plus registration by Swiss Red Cross: https://www.redcross.ch/de/unser-angebot/gesundheitsberufe-anerkennung-und-registrierung/anerkennung-auslaendischer-diplome (External) ↗
plus professional experience of 2 years full time employment under supervision of an acknowledged Occupational Therapist
if employed:
OT diploma or BSc in OT, plus depending on the type of Institution registration bySwiss Red Cross: https://www.redcross.ch/de/unser-angebot/gesundheitsberufe-anerkennung-und-registrierung/anerkennung-auslaendischer-diplome (External) ↗
OT diploma or BSc in OT, registration by the canton plus registration by Swiss Red Cross: https://www.redcross.ch/de/unser-angebot/gesundheitsberufe-anerkennung-und-registrierung/anerkennung-auslaendischer-diplome (External) ↗
plus professional experience of 2 years full time employment under supervision of an acknowledged Occupational Therapist
if employed:
OT diploma or BSc in OT, plus depending on the type of Institution registration bySwiss Red Cross: https://www.redcross.ch/de/unser-angebot/gesundheitsberufe-anerkennung-und-registrierung/anerkennung-auslaendischer-diplome (External) ↗
It is compulsory to join the Ergotherapie - Verband Schweiz in order to practice as an occupational therapist
No
Practicing Requirements
Graduation from a WFOT approved programme is required to register to practice
No
All OT programmes in Switzerland are WFOT approved
WFOT approved programme generally preferred but not required
WFOT approved programme generally preferred but not required
Language(s) that are required for occupational therapists to practice
German, French, Italian
Language skills of the working area (German, French or Italian)
Employment Opportunities
Occupational therapy is recognised as a shortage occupation
Yes
There are very good job opportunities in various fields of Occupational Therapy and in various language regions
Sources of information for occupational therapist employment opportunities
Website: https://www.ergotherapie.ch/job-angebote (External) ↗ (Stellenangebote)
"ERGO" monthly magazine of EVS-ASE (Swiss OTAssociation)
"ERGO" monthly magazine of EVS-ASE (Swiss OTAssociation)
Immigration
Immigration regulations or visa requirements to practice
Look at Swiss Embassy in your own country/territory
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Occupational therapy assistants exist in Switzerland
No
Disclaimer: This information was provided by Ergotherapie - Verband Schweiz and was last updated on 28th 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.
Definition of Occupational Therapy in Switzerland
Ergotherapie - Verband Schweiz's definition of occupational therapy in own language
Ergotherapie stellt die Handlungsfähigkeit des Menschen in den Mittelpunkt. Sie trägt zur Verbesserung der Gesundheit und zur Steigerung der Lebensqualität bei. Sie befähigt Menschen, an den Aktivitäten des täglichen Lebens und an der Gesellschaft teilzuhaben.(EVS/ASE 2012)
L’ergothérapie est une profession centrée sur le développement et le maintien de la capacité d'agir des personnes. Elle contribue à l'amélioration de la santé et de la qualité de la vie. Elle facilite la participation à la société en permettant de prendre part aux activités quotidiennes.(EVS/ASE 2012)
L'ergoterapia mette al centro lo sviluppo e il mantenimento della capacità d'agire delle persone. L'intervento contribuisce al miglioramento della salute e all'aumento della qualità di vita. L'ergoterapia facilita le persone nello svolgimento delle attività della vita quotidiana permettendo di partecipare alla vita sociale. (EVS/ASE 2012)
L’ergothérapie est une profession centrée sur le développement et le maintien de la capacité d'agir des personnes. Elle contribue à l'amélioration de la santé et de la qualité de la vie. Elle facilite la participation à la société en permettant de prendre part aux activités quotidiennes.(EVS/ASE 2012)
L'ergoterapia mette al centro lo sviluppo e il mantenimento della capacità d'agire delle persone. L'intervento contribuisce al miglioramento della salute e all'aumento della qualità di vita. L'ergoterapia facilita le persone nello svolgimento delle attività della vita quotidiana permettendo di partecipare alla vita sociale. (EVS/ASE 2012)
Ergotherapie - Verband Schweiz's definition of occupational therapy in English
Occupational therapy focuses on the person’s ability to perform occupations and contributes to improvement of health and enhancement of quality of life. It enables persons to participate in activities of daily life as well as in society.(EVS/ASE 2012)
Definition date: April 2017
Publications
ERGO
ERGO, monthly Magazine of the Swiss OT Association (EVS/ASE) reaches around 3000 professionals in Switzerland
Education Programmes
WFOT Approved Programmes in Switzerland
3