Use of Title: What you must, must not, and may do

Title protection is one way to help the public identify occupational therapists (OTs) who are registered (licensed)and accountable for meeting the College’s accepted standards of practice.

Use this resource to make sure you are communicating your title and role correctly. Details are found in the Standards for the Use of Title. Review the Standards and be sure you are meeting the requirements.

Occupational therapists must:

1. Use the protected title occupational therapist or the designation OT Reg. (Ont.) when providing client care.
2. Ensure students under OT supervision use the title Student Occupational Therapist or Student OT.
3. Ensure College applicants completing a refresher program under OT supervision use the title Candidate Occupational Therapist.
4. Only use the title occupational therapist or the designation OT Reg. (Ont.) while registered with the College.

Occupational therapists must not:

1. Use the title ‘doctor’ or ‘Dr.’ when providing client care.
2. Use a title or designation that implies specialization or suggests being a specialist within occupational therapy.
3. Use any unapproved variation or designation, such as OT (C).

Occupational therapists may:

1. List university degrees in addition to the protected title when providing occupational therapy service.
2. Communicate they are “practicing in” or they practice with a “focus on” a particular area of occupational therapy practice such as mental health.
3. Use job titles in combination with the protected title or designation when delivering occupational therapy service.
4. Use additional credentials earned through continuing education, training and/or certification when the conditions defined in the Standards are met.

Questions

Contact the College Practice Resource Service at [email protected] or 416-214-1177/1-800-890-6570 x240.