Occupational therapist

Entry Requirements:

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.

Postgraduate conversion course

You might be able to do a postgraduate conversion course if you've got a degree in a subject like:

• biological science
• health science
• psychology

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could do an Occupational Therapist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This usually takes 4 years to complete and is a mix of learning on the job and academic study at an approved university.

Entry requirements:

• 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 support from your employer, you could study for a degree part time to qualify as an occupational therapist.

Volunteering

You'll find it helpful to get some work experience in healthcare before you apply for jobs or training.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• 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
• customer service skills
• knowledge of English language
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• the ability to read English
• active listening skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• a desire to help people
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace

What you'll do:

Occupational therapists help people who have difficulties caused by physical or mental illness, disability, accidents or ageing.

As an occupational therapist you could:

• teach and help clients to live independently
• help clients with mental illnesses do activities they enjoy
• support clients to manage permanent physical disabilities
• suggest ways to adapt an office or home
• support clients, their families and carers and keep notes about progress

Location : You could work at a client's home, in an NHS or private hospital, at a client's business, at a GP practice or at an adult care home.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform.

Salary:

Starter : £28,000
Experienced : £50,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

35 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is 9am to 5pm

Career Path:

With experience you could:

• specialise in an area such as elderly care or services for children
• go into private practice, education or research
• do further training and move into more senior or management roles within the NHS
• work overseas