Professional issues

Working fields

Nine out of ten occupational therapists in Sweden, work for health and hospital services. They work in a variety of settings including geriatric care, disability, and physical illness hospital care with the County Councils, in primary care, in regional hospital care, with social services caring for those with learning disabilities, in adult and paediatric rehabilitation, in psychiatric in-patient and out-patient care, assistive technology centres, penal institutions and at the Labour Market Institute.

Occupational therapists base their work on scientific and proven methods and a large store of clinical experience to promote their patients' ability to lead a meaningful and purposeful life in accordance with their occupational needs and wishes, and in relation to the demands of the environment where they live. FSA helps to facilitate and uphold occupational therapy's important role within health care in Sweden.

Professional duties

Occupational therapists must attempt to combine professional duties in an ethical and discerning manner with respect for the rights of the people concerned. Occupational therapists exercising their profession are placed under the supervision of the National Board of Health and Welfare. The purpose of this supervision is to superintend quality and safety of medical care and to prevent the risk of injury to patients.

FSA has aided the National Board of Health and Welfare in preparing Descriptions of professional requirements of Occupational Therapists (rev. 2012), detailing the tasks that occupational therapists are expected to perform. The purpose of the descriptions of professional requirements is to establish the fundamental demands of professional skills that the Board requires of an occupational therapist.

The members of FSA are, in reference to the statues of our association, obligied to work according to our Ethical code. Further, support regarding work related ethical issues might be obtained from our ethical council. The Quality policy of FSA is the base of continuing improvement of the occupational therapy field. In this policy the quality council is instructed to initiate and develop methods to describe, measure and improve the quality of the work area. These both documents constitute important support for occupational therapists during education and competence development.

To apply for Swedish recognition/license

Occupational therapist is a protected professional title in Sweden. To work as an occupational therapist you must apply for a Swedish professional recognition at the National Board of Health and Welfare.

Labour legislation

For information about labour legislation in Sweden, check the website of the Government Offices of Sweden

Have a look under "Relaterade dokument" for employment requirements in Sweden.