Associations are only as strong as their membership. OTAM exists to represent occupational therapy in Malawi, and every new member strengthens that voice — in ministries, in universities, in clinics and in the communities the profession serves.
Membership is open to qualified occupational therapists, occupational therapy technicians, students, and associate or institutional members — unrestricted by nationality, race, creed, colour, politics, gender or social status.
Do, be and belong — membership is where the profession practises what it preaches.
Who can join
OTAM's constitution recognises four broad categories of membership, so that everyone with a stake in occupational therapy in Malawi has a place in the association.
- Full membership: qualified occupational therapists practising in Malawi or abroad.
- Technician membership: qualified occupational therapy technicians — the backbone of much of the country's service delivery.
- Student membership: students training towards OT or OT technician qualifications, at home or abroad.
- Associate & institutional: allied professionals, partner organisations and institutions supporting the profession.
What membership gives you
Beyond the principle of it, membership is practical. Members carry the association's work — and the association carries its members' professional lives.
You gain professional representation at national level, access to CPD programmes and conference rates, a professional network that spans clinics, NGOs and universities, national and international participation through the WFOT relationship, and a vote in the association that speaks for you. Membership also keeps the national registry of qualified practitioners alive — the register that employers, regulators and partners rely on.
How to join
Joining is straightforward: write to the association, request the membership form for your category, and return it with your proof of qualification. The Protocol & Membership sub-committee processes applications and brings them to the Executive Committee.
If you are unsure which category fits you, ask — the committee would rather answer ten questions than lose one member.
