5 Celebrating Allied Health Professionals
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2024
Occupational therapists work at various locations in the community providing a variety of supports and education to people of all ages.
I chose this career to help people.
— Charlene Mathison, O.T.Reg. (MB), president at MSOT
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4
To further explore a career as an occupational therapist, visit: • Manitoba Society of Occupational Therapists (MSOT) msot.mb.ca. • College of Occupational Therapists of MB (COTM) www.cotm.ca • University of Manitoba, College of Rehabilitation Sciences umanitoba.ca/rehabilitation-sciences Y “We specialize more once we’re in the field,” Mathison says. “For all OTs, training is ongoing after graduation with continuing education and additional courses and mentorships as needed.” In order to practice in Manitoba, registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of Manitoba (COTM) is also a require- ment. Occupational therapists work with clients at all stages of life, from infants in neonatal intensive care units all the way to seniors in personal care homes. “We see clients throughout their entire life span,” Mathison says. Settings and locations can vary and occupational therapy can be offered through the hospital system or other government-fund- ed health agencies. Additionally, occupational therapists are at work in the community providing education and training to indi- viduals and organizations. “We find OTs in hospitals, personal care homes, home care, out in the community, in mental health programs and facilities, schools, and work places,” she says. “We can also be found in health promotion, and in helping peo- ple navigate health and social services.” Mathison is currently in private practice in rural Manitoba, see- ing clients through Manitoba Public Insurance, Veterans Affairs, and other agencies. “I started my career in the rural hospitals, personal care homes, and home care programs visiting several different communities,” she says. “I think there’s a big shortage in rural and northern Manitoba and it would be easy to find employment in those regions.” Mathison says seeing clients achieve their goals has been a huge inspiration for her. “I chose this career to help people,” Mathison says. “I’ve been an occupational therapist for 24 years and there’s still so much more to learn and many different things to do. It’s been a great lifelong career choice.”
Allied Health Professionals Week
Recreation Coordinator Speech Language Pathologist Social Worker X-Ray Technician Physiotherapist
Walk Help Emotion Adapt
Breath
Occupational Therapist Medical Laboratory Assistant Spiritual Care Practitioner
Respiratory Therapist
Health Assist
Ambulation Adapt Safety
Kinesiologist Registered Dietitians
Walk
Thank you for all that you do!
Powered by FlippingBook