Occupational therapist
Occupational therapists help people who have difficulties caused by physical or mental illness, disability, accident or ageing.
- Starter salary£32,000 a year
- Experienced£48,000 a year
- Typical hours35 to 40 a week
What you'll do
As an occupational therapist, you could:
- identify clients needs and design tailored support plans and activities for them
- help clients to do everyday activities by themselves
- recommend home adjustments, like walk-in showers, handrails and stairlifts
- introduce adapted office equipment to help people at work
- run therapeutic sessions for groups in the community
- involve families and carers in treatment programmes
- keep records of treatments and progress
- work with a team of health professionals and supervise occupational therapy assistants
Working environment
You could work at a client's home, at a health centre, at a client's business, at a GP practice or at an adult care home.
Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of psychology
- counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
- sensitivity and understanding
- to be flexible and open to change
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to work well with others
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become a occupational therapist
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You could do a degree in occupational therapy, approved by the Health and Care Professions Council .
Courses combine work placements with academic study.
You might be able to do a 2-year postgraduate conversion course if you've got a degree in a relevant subject like:
- biological science
- health science
- psychology
You may be able to get extra student financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund .
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an Occupational Therapist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
This usually takes 4 years to complete and is a mix of training on the job and academic study at an approved university.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
Work
You could start as an occupational therapy support worker .
With help from your employer, you could study for a degree part time, or complete a degree apprenticeship, to qualify as an occupational therapist.
Volunteering
Volunteering in the NHS is a good way to get work experience in healthcare. This can be helpful when you apply for jobs or training.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults
Career path and progression
With experience, you could:
- specialise in a particular area, such as elderly care, injury rehabilitation or services for children
- move into education or research
- become a senior occupational therapist or take up a wider management role within the NHS
- work in private practice
Career tips
You would be expected to have an understanding of how the NHS values would impact your role, if applying for work in the NHS.
Registration
- you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council
Guides for this industry
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