Season 6 Episode 8: The Return to OT: Rebuilding Confidence, Skills and a Career with Intention

In this episode of OT Coaching Confidential, Alyce is joined by Bobby, an occupational therapist in the process of returning to paediatric practice after spending eight years overseas working across health coaching, strength and conditioning, and other roles outside occupational therapy.

After allowing his registration to lapse, Bobby made the decision to return to Australia and to OT but quickly discovered that coming back to the profession involved far more than simply submitting a registration application.

Over the past several months, he has invested heavily in professional development, completed extensive shadowing and mentoring, navigated the AHPRA re-registration process, and approached his return with a clear goal: not simply to become registered again, but to become the best therapist he can be.

Together, we explore what it really looks like to return to occupational therapy after significant time away, how much the profession and employment landscape have changed, and why taking ownership of your own professional development matters at every stage of your career.

We explore:

Returning to occupational therapy after eight years away from the profession

Navigating AHPRA re-registration, recency of practice requirements, and the uncertainty within the process

The time, financial investment, professional development, and shadowing involved in preparing to return

Why starting the registration process earlier can make a significant difference

Finding your way back into professional networks and learning when you have been disconnected from OT for years

Using mentoring, professional development, shadowing, and professional communities intentionally

Choosing your next OT role based on values, supervision, support, and opportunities for growth