any occupational therapists out there?
 

hi is there any ots out there, i am looking at moving over and it would be great for info on what work is like there comparded to uk, salary and opportunities
advice on getting registration changed over
thanks
rachel

Re: any occupational therapists out there?
 

Hi Rachel
OT speaking!!!!
what do you want to know? what's your current field - My UK background was mental health and care of the elderly - I've done some mental health work here and am now working independently doing worksite assessments and return to work programmes for ACC

generally, workload is lighter, role of OT has very similar issues as in UK, salary is crap but that goes for all health professionals in NZ when compared to UK - slightly above average by NZ pay standards, dependent on experience etc you'd be looking at about $54k, skills and experiences are generally made very welcome, shortage of OT's over here as UK, although depending on where you live will depend on how quick you get work - took me about 3 months.

when i came over (2005) registration was relatively straight forward - had to supply college transcripts etc, think things have changed slightly with new practising certificate regulations.

OT board website: http://www.otboard.org.nz/index.php?page=Home

anything else you want to know shout or pm me
Vicki