25/11/2025
SAOT Clarifies Allied Health Training Pathways in Straits Times Forum
Our Forum Letter on recent Allied Health training pathway discussions has been published in The Straits Times. This clarifies public understanding of OT education, professional standards and the depth of accredited OT training in Singapore.
With growing interest in modular learning, shared competencies and evolving workforce models, SAOT remains committed to ensuring that these conversations accurately reflect each profession’s distinct roles and requirements.
Key points we highlighted:
🔹 Protected professional pathways: OT, PT and SLT each have accredited education, competencies and scopes defined under existing frameworks.
🔹 Depth of OT training: OT education spans physical, cognitive, psychosocial, developmental and community-based domains—training that cannot be replaced by short or modular courses.
🔹 Shared competencies ≠ replacement: Foundational skills support integrated care, but must complement each profession’s accredited depth.
🔹 Public clarity protects safety: Clear communication strengthens trust in the standards that underpin safe, high-quality OT practice.
This publication reflects SAOT’s continued advocacy, public engagement and commitment to safeguarding professional standards in Singapore.
🙏 Thank you to our OT community for your unity and thoughtful engagement—your voices strengthen our collective advocacy.
🟡 Read the full letter in the Straits Times Forum section.
— SAOT Council