u/Next_Dragonfruit8755

Hi everyone,

I’m really interested in moving to Germany to pursue an Ausbildung to become an Occupational Therapist (Ergotherapeut). I’m trying to get a realistic picture of what the profession looks like there, and I have a few specific questions:

• What is the salary outlook? What can I realistically expect to make as a monthly stipend during the Ausbildung, and what does the starting and long-term salary look like after graduation (both in private practices vs. hospitals)?
• How autonomous is the profession? I understand that patients need a doctor's or psychiatrist's prescription (Heilmittelverordnung) to see an OT. Does this mean OTs strictly follow a plan laid out by the physician, or do you have clinical autonomy over your own assessments and treatment methods? How widespread is the new Blankoverordnung (blank prescription) system in reality?
• How integrated is evidence-based practice? To what extent are modern, international research and occupation-centered models (like MOHO, COPM, etc.) integrated into standard German training and daily treatments, compared to more traditional, craft-based approaches?
• Do you recommend pursuing a bachelor's degree after completing the ausbildung?

I would love to hear from anyone who has gone through the Ausbildung or is currently working as an OT in Germany. Thanks so much for your help!