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Occupational therapist
This page describes the role of occupational therapist, including information on entry requirements.
The job:
Occupational therapy is the assessment and treatment of physical and psychiatric conditions using specific, purposeful activity to prevent disability and promote independent function in all aspects of daily life.Occupational therapists work in hospital and various community settings (see below). They may visit clients and their carers at home to monitor their progress. When a course of therapy is completed, the therapist will analyse how effective it has been.
Where do occupational therapists work?
Occupational therapists work with young children, adolescents, adults and older people.In these areas:
- physical rehabilitation
- mental health services
- learning disability
- primary care
- paediatrics
- environmental adaptation
- care management
- equipment for daily living
- research posts
In these places:
- community centres
- education establishments
- GP practices / primary care
- hospitals
- housing associations
- clients homes
- industrial and commercial organisations
- prisons
- residential and nursing homes
- social services and council departments
- schools
- charities and voluntary agencies
They work with people of all ages to help them overcome the effects of disability caused by physical or psychological illness, ageing or accident. The profession offers enormous opportunities for career development and endless variety.
Being a registered occupational therapist takes patience, ingenuity, determination, common sense, a sound knowledge base and enthusiasm. Most of all, it requires an interest in working closely with people to enable them to lead full and satisfying lives as independently as possible.
Entry requirements:
You need five GCSE passes and at least two, (usually three) A levels. A science subject at A’ level is sometimes required. Alternatives to A levels are also considered, such as an approved access course, VCE and Scottish qualifications. It is essential to check the entry requirements of the university/universities to which you wish to apply. For more information please click hereTraining programmes:
Training normally consists of a three year course leading to a BSc in occupational therapy. If you are already employed as an occupational therapy support worker or a technical instructor, however, you might be able to study part-time, in which case the course would take four years. There are also graduate entry schemes to a two year accelerated course which also lead to a formal qualification. You are then able to apply for the necessary registration to work in the NHS or social services.Applying for a degree in occupational therapy
Applications for degree programmes are administered by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).Career prospects:
Demand for occupational therapists in health and social services is strong and growing. You will be able to choose from many different posts for your first job. The NHS offers rotational posts, which give you the chance to work in a range of specialities. Or you might go straight into a specialism of your choice.You may choose to develop your career through further specialist work, or through research. Occupational therapist consultants can combine these two roles in this very senior role. Alternatively you might go on into management or teaching positions.
Financial support for students on occupational therapy courses
For information about financial support whilst taking a course in occupational therapy, please click here.Occupational therapy assistants/support workers/rehabilitation assistants and technical instructors
There are opportunities to work in assistant roles within occupational therapy. Please click here for further information.Staff working in a support role at a more advanced level may be known as an assistant practitioner.
Job vacancies
Once you have completed a pre-registration programme in occupational therapy and have registered with the Health Professions Council, you will normally be in a position to apply for jobs.Job vacancies for occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants/clinical support workers and technical instructors are advertised in a range of places. Most NHS trusts will advertise their vacancies on the NHS Jobs website (www.jobs.nhs.uk). Some will also advertise in trade journals and trust websites.
For a list of trusts, please visit the NHS Choices website.
Further information
For more information on careers in occupational therapy, please contact:College of Occupational Therapists
Education Department
106-114 Borough High Street
London
SE1 1LB
Tel: 020 7357 6480
Fax: 020 7450 2299
Website: www.cot.org.uk
Click on the entries in the menu on the left for additional information.
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