Standard for Use of Title
Occupational therapists use a protected title that tells the public they are qualified to provide services that meet the profession’s Standards. At times, it may be critical that clients have the assurance that a service provider is accountable to a regulator for ongoing competence and complaints.
Occupational therapists are expected to communicate their title clearly, so that the public can easily identify them as registrants of the College. They are also expected to ensure that those under their supervision communicate their own approved titles properly.
Occupational therapists are expected to:
1. Use their title and name correctly
1.1
Accurately present themselves using the protected title “occupational therapist” or “OT Reg. (Ont.).” The French title is “ergothérapeute” or “Erg. Aut. (Ont.).” Alternatively, use the acceptable psychotherapist title per the Standard for Psychotherapy
1.2
Place the protected title in a position of prominence in all communications.
1.3
Stop using any protected title or designation once they have resigned from the profession (see Appendix 1). Occupational therapists who misuse title can be found to be engaging in professional misconduct (Ontario Regulation 95/07, Professional Misconduct).
1.4
Use other titles or designations only when the occupational therapist is actively practising. For example, the occupational therapist cannot use “Assistive Devices Program Authorizer” when they are no longer a registered authorizer.
1.5
Practise using only their name as entered in the College’s public register (Find an Occupational Therapist). Occupational therapists who wish to use a different name must ensure that their preferred name is recorded with the College and that it appears on the public register.
1.6
When choosing to communicate any educational degrees to clients and the public, display the protected title “occupational therapist” or the designation “OT Reg. (Ont.)” in addition to their degrees. Even if holding a degree in occupational therapy, the individual must register with the College to use any version of the title “occupational therapist.”
1.7
When employment requires the qualification of “occupational therapist” but the designation is not part of the job title (for example, Case Manager or Practice Lead), ensure that proper use of title is maintained. One example is “First Name Last Name, OT Reg. (Ont.), Case Manager.”
2. Ensure that those they supervise use an approved title
2.1
Ensure that occupational therapy students use only the title “student occupational therapist” or “student OT.” The French equivalents are “étudiant(e) en ergothérapie” or “étudiant(e) en erg.”
2.2
Ensure that students who are from another profession and under the occupational therapist’s supervision present their student title clearly to clients, other professionals, partners, and interested parties.
2.3
Ensure that College applicants completing a refresher program under the occupational therapist’s supervision use the title “candidate occupational therapist” or “candidate OT.” For an explanation of the different types of applicants, including those not permitted to use these titles, see Appendix 2.
3. Avoid specialist titles, designations, and abbreviations
3.1
Never use a title or designation that indicates or implies that the occupational therapist is a specialist. The College does not have specialist designations. It is considered professional misconduct to use a term, title, or designation indicating or implying specialization in the profession.
3.2
Never use a title or designation that indicates or implies that the occupational therapist is a specialist. The College does not have specialist designations. It is considered professional misconduct to use a term, title, or designation indicating or implying specialization in the profession.
4. Accurately communicate additional credentials
4.1
Include only credentials that represent a training program that is current, evidence-informed, and theoretically sound.
4.2
Before communicating the credential to the public, ensure that it:
- Is valid and accurate
- Applies to the scope of occupational therapy practice
- Relates to the occupational therapist’s current area of practice
- Depicts the level of credential earned
- Is verifiable, with evidence to be provided by the occupational therapist upon request
4.3
When communicating with clients and the public, use the protected title “occupational therapist” or the designation “OT Reg. (Ont.)” and the full name of the additional credentials. One example is “First Name Last Name, MSc (OT), OT Reg. (Ont.), Certified Hand Therapist.”
4.4
When communicating with an audience who recognizes the credential, use an abbreviation, if desired. For example, an occupational therapist publishing research in a journal on hand therapy may use the abbreviation “CHT” to represent “Certified Hand Therapist.”
4.5
Maintain competence associated with additional credentials communicated to the public, and upon request, provide evidence of ongoing competence.
5. Use the title “doctor” correctly
5.1
Use the title “doctor” only as permitted by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991. The Act permits the use of this title by chiropractors, dentists, naturopaths, optometrists, physicians, and psychologists.
5.2
When holding a doctorate degree such as a PhD or a clinical doctorate of occupational therapy (OTD), use the title “doctor” for only non-clinical purposes. Never use the title “doctor” when providing or offering to provide healthcare services.
