Occupational Therapy in Israel: An Overview of Developmental Milestones

INTRODUCTION:This article highlights developmental milestones of the occupational therapy profession in Israel, depicted in three stages: establishment and “childhood,” “adolescence,” and “adulthood.” Each stage describes education, professional clinical practice, and the developmental tracks for organization and legislation.
METHODS:We analyzed primary and secondary resources, interviews, and documents from personal and official archives.
RESULTS:Of 6,372 licensed occupational therapists in Israel, 6,101 are women. A significant proportion practice in the education, welfare, and public health systems. Beginning with a certificate training course, today we have five academic occupational therapy programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
CONCLUSION:Local conflicts, waves of immigration, sociocultural and multicultural challenges, and changing economic and political policies highlight the need to adapt services to the times, lead change, and adjust and develop the profession in Israel. Interactions among the global and local, scientific, and social realities in Israel continue to reshape and refine occupational therapy.