New competency standards launched for Australian occupational therapists

Published 20th February 2018

The Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (the Board) today launched the new Australian occupational therapy competency standards (AOTCS) 2018.

The new competency standards outline professional behaviours all occupational therapists should demonstrate to practice safely and ethically. They apply to all occupational therapists working across all practice settings including within research, education, management and other roles not involving direct clinical care.

The new competency standards focus on four conceptual areas of occupational therapy practice: professionalism, knowledge and learning, occupational therapy process and practice and communication. Each of these is supported by a number of practice behaviours which address specific core competencies. 

The new competency standards also specifically acknowledge the need for occupational therapists to enhance their cultural responsiveness and capabilities for practice with respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and other cultures. 

The new competency standards are the result of two years of research and extensive wide-ranging consultation with the profession, educators, the Board’s accreditation authority, members of the public and consumers of occupational therapy services. The Board would like to acknowledge and thank you for your contributions to the development of the new competency standards

For a copy of the new competency standards and resources that can be used within your organisation please visit: www.occupationaltherapyboard.gov.au/competencies.