Job Openings for Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and Psychologists: Paramedical Professions That Are Hiring
Dr. Thibault Mendes
Doctor & Founder of MyMedjob
Published on July 24, 2026 · 7-minute read
In Belgium, four paramedical professions account for the majority of job openings outside of medicine and nursing: speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, and psychologist. Three of these—occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists—appear on the 2026 list of shortage occupations published by Forem, among the 19 high-demand occupations in the health and social services sector. Psychologists do not appear on this list strictly speaking, but demand remains high in medical centers, schools, and mental health facilities. This article details, profession by profession, who is hiring, in what types of settings, and how to effectively apply for a position.
| Landmark 2026 | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Occupations with Labor Shortages, Health and Social Services Sector (Wallonia) | 19 professions, including occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists | Le Forem, 2026 List |
| Status of the Psychologist License | Protected under the law of November 8, 1993 | Commission on Psychologists |
| Clinical Psychologist | Recognized as a healthcare profession since September1, 2016 | Federal Public Service for Public Health |
| Speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist | Regulated paramedical professions, IFIC category 14 under CP 330 | IFIC, P.O. Box 330 |
| Physical Therapist | Regulated healthcare profession, IFIC category 15 under CP 330 | IFIC, P.O. Box 330 |
What paramedical professions are currently hiring in Belgium?
The four most in-demand professions outside the nursing field are speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and psychologists. Each addresses a distinct need: speech and swallowing rehabilitation for speech-language pathologists; promoting independence in daily activities for occupational therapists; physical and motor rehabilitation for physical therapists; and psychological assessment and support for psychologists. These four professions often overlap within the same facilities—hospitals, multidisciplinary centers, and nursing homes—though they do not necessarily work on the same teams on a day-to-day basis.
| Occupation | Lead Role | Minimum Training Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist | Language, voice, hearing, and swallowing disorders | Bachelor's or master's degree in speech-language pathology |
| Occupational Therapist | Functional independence, environmental adaptation | Associate's Degree in Occupational Therapy |
| Physical Therapist | Physical, Motor, and Respiratory Rehabilitation | Bachelor's or master's degree in physical therapy |
| Psychologist | Assessment, Support, and Psychological Counseling | Master's Degree in Psychology |
Where can I find speech-language pathologist job openings in Belgium?
Most speech-language pathologist job openings are found in three settings: the school system, for learning and written language disorders; hospitals, in pediatrics and neurological rehabilitation; and private practice, where speech-language pathologists often work as independent contractors contracted with the INAMI. Speech-language pathology has been a regulated paramedical profession since the Royal Decree of October 20, 1994: a license and accreditation from the Federal Public Service for Public Health are required to practice, regardless of the employer.
For children, the demand primarily involves oral and written language disorders, articulation disorders, and swallowing difficulties in neonatology. For adults, the needs focus on rehabilitation following a stroke, a neurodegenerative disease, or ENT surgery. For salaried speech-language pathologists, under Joint Commission 330, the position is classified in category IFIC 14: from €3,120 to €4,290 gross per month, depending on seniority. Self-employed speech-language pathologists bill for their sessions according to the INAMI fee schedule and often supplement their private practice with part-time work in institutions or schools.
Which employers offer occupational therapist positions in Belgium?
Nursing homes (MR/MRS) are the primary source of employment for occupational therapists in Belgium, followed by functional rehabilitation services, facilities for people with disabilities, and home care services. The profession is regulated by the Royal Decree of July 8, 1996, and requires a recognized professional bachelor’s degree.
In long-term care facilities (MR/MRS), occupational therapists assess residents’ independence, adapt the environment, and prevent falls. In the disability sector—AVIQ in Wallonia, VAPH in Flanders, and Iriscare in Brussels—their work focuses on workplace adaptation, assistive technology, and vocational integration. In home care, occupational therapists provide occasional assistance to adapt the living environment of an elderly person or someone with reduced independence. Like speech-language pathologists, salaried occupational therapists fall under category IFIC 14 in pay grade CP 330: €3,120 to €4,290 gross per month, depending on seniority.
Where can I find a job opening for a physical therapist in Belgium?
More than 80% of Belgian physical therapists work independently, in private practice or in a group practice, but there are also many salaried positions available in hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers, classified under category IFIC 15: from €3,350 to €4,590 gross per month, depending on seniority.
Three formats dominate the physical therapy job market: salaried positions at healthcare facilities, with fixed hours and a group patient base; working in a private practice, where you share patients and expenses with an established physical therapist; and setting up an independent practice contracted with the INAMI, which sets the reimbursement rate while allowing for a great deal of freedom in how you organize your practice. Multidisciplinary medical centers and sports clubs are also hiring, often for part-time positions that can be combined with work at a private practice.
How can I find a job as a psychologist in Belgium?
The title of “psychologist” has been protected under the law of November 8, 1993: only a person registered with the Commission of Psychologists may use it. Since September1, 2016, clinical psychologists have also been recognized as a health profession and must hold a license and accreditation from the Federal Public Service for Public Health to practice clinical psychology, in addition to their registration with the Commission.
Employers fall into several categories: hospitals and mental health services, medical centers and multidisciplinary centers, PMS centers and schools, facilities for people with disabilities, and companies offering occupational psychology services. There are three employment statuses for psychologists: salaried employment in an institution, collaboration with a private practice, and self-employment under a contract for the reimbursement of primary-care psychological services—a system that has expanded access to consultations since its widespread implementation by the INAMI.
What types of organizations hire these four types of paramedical professionals?
Seven types of organizations appear in the majority of Belgian paramedical job postings: hospitals, multidisciplinary centers, medical centers, nursing homes, schools, specialized institutions, and private practices. Not all of them hire the four professions in the same proportions.
| Structure | Speech-Language Pathologist | Occupational Therapist | Physical Therapist | Psychologist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hospitals | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Multidisciplinary Centers | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Health Centers | Rare | Rare | Yes | Yes |
| Nursing Homes (MR/MRS) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Rare |
| Schools and PMS Centers | Yes | Rare | No | Yes |
| Specialized Institutions (Disabilities) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Private practices | Yes | Rare | Yes | Yes |
Paramedical Job Openings in Belgium
Speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and psychologists are currently being sought by MyMedjob’s partner hospitals, centers, and private practices.
How can you effectively apply for a paramedical job opening?
The speed of your response and the quality of your application matter more than the number of applications you submit. Many positions are filled discreetly, through referrals or specialized platforms, even before the official application deadline.
1. Target specialized healthcare platforms
Job openings for speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and psychologists are rarely posted on general job sites. Check out the listings on MyMedjob, which aggregates job openings from Belgian hospitals, multidisciplinary centers, and private practices.
2. Respond within 48 hours
An employer posting a paramedical job opening is often dealing with an urgent situation: an employee’s departure, maternity leave, or the creation of a new position. Applications received within 24 to 48 hours are reviewed first.
3. Tailor your resume and cover letter to the industry you're targeting
A resume for a position in a long-term care facility (MR/MRS) does not highlight the same skills as an application for a private practice or a PMS center. List the patient population you have treated, the conditions you have encountered, and the tools or tests you use on a daily basis.
4. Prepare for the interview using specific examples
The employer wants to know if you can work independently and adapt quickly to a team. Prepare an example of a situation in which you handled a complex case, coordinated follow-up care with a colleague from another discipline, or adjusted your approach to a difficult patient. Ask about the job classification and pay scale—it’s a legitimate question and shows that you’re a well-informed candidate.
Key Takeaways
- Occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists are included on Forem's 2026 list of occupations facing labor shortages
- Speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists are classified in IFIC Category 14 under CP 330: €3,120 to €4,290 gross per month
- Salaried physical therapists fall under the IFIC 15 category: €3,350 to €4,590 gross per month
- More than 80% of Belgian physical therapists work as self-employed professionals rather than as employees
- The title of “psychologist” has been protected since 1993; clinical psychology has been recognized as a health profession since 2016
- Hospitals, multidisciplinary centers, and specialized institutions are hiring professionals in these four fields
- Applying within 48 hours on a specialized platform significantly increases your chances of being reviewed first
These four professions have one thing in common: employers are struggling to hire as quickly as they’d like. For job seekers, this means checking the pay scale, the number of hours, and the exact scope of the position before signing—conditions vary greatly from one organization to another.
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