Occupational therapists work with people of all ages to overcome the effects of physical, mental or social difficulties and lead full, independent lives. Clients working with therapists may experience problems which are a result of birth, illness, an accident or the ageing process.

Therapists work with clients on a one-to-one basis, adapting treatment programmes to suit each individual's unique lifestyle. Their work can involve:

• teaching an older patient recovering from a stroke how to dress themselves
• encouraging someone suffering with depression to take up a hobby
• helping patients achieve any goal they have identified as being important to them
• putting forward suggestions on ways to adapt an office so that an employee injured in a car accident can return to work.

Duties are also likely to include:

• keeping details of clients progress
• considering ways of adapting treatments to make them more effective
• counselling clients, their families and carers  
• helping clients adjust to permanent disabilities.

They try to encourage a positive attitude, which can help them retain activity levels for as long as possible. Some of the patients they work with have conditions such as Motor Neurone Disease or Multiple Sclerosis, which means they gradually become less mobile and more disabled.

Occupational therapists work as part of a team of professionals including physiotherapists, nurses and social workers. Therapists can specialise in areas such as:

• burns or plastic surgery
• cardiac or stroke rehabilitation
• paediatrics
• orthopaedics (spinal injury)
• community disability services
• mental health.

They can work with patients for months, or for just a few sessions.

Hours and Environment

Most occupational therapists work 37.5 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Part-time work is available.

The work takes place in a variety of settings including hospitals, health centres, residential/nursing homes, GP surgeries, prisons, schools and universities, factories and in patients’ own homes.

Travelling may be involved, therefore, the ability to drive is an advantage.

Skills and Interests

To be an occupational therapist, you should:

• have an interest in science
• be creative and adaptable, able to design and develop treatments to suit the needs of each client
• have good written and verbal communication skills
• enjoy working with a variety of people and have the ability to form effective relationships quickly
• be patient and determined with a positive attitude, able to encourage clients who are disappointed or frustrated
• be tolerant and sensitive to other peoples priorities/lifestyles
• have a practical approach to problem solving 
• have a high level of mental and physical stamina to cope with the demands of a challenging job
• have a sense of humour and a strong desire to help people.

Entry

To become a state registered occupational therapist you must successfully complete a degree or postgraduate course in occupational therapy, approved by the Health Professions Council (HPC).

Students and graduates can become members of the British Association of Occupational Therapists (BAOT), and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists – the main professional bodies in this field.

The entry requirements for a degree in occupational therapy are likely to include five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) plus two or three A levels/H grades in at least one science subject, biology may be preferred. An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

Most degree courses in occupational therapy are three years full-time (four years full-time in Scotland) or the part-time equivalent.

To satisfy the entry requirements for an accelerated postgraduate course, you need a good honours degree in a related subject. The university offering the course will advise you on the appropriateness of your first degree. Most postgraduate occupational therapy courses are two years full-time; applications should be made directly to the course provider.

Details of approved degree and postgraduate programmes are available from both the HPC and BAOT websites; see Further Information for details.

Before you apply for a place on a course you should consider gaining some experience or insight into the profession - contact occupational therapy units in local hospitals, nursing homes or other centres where therapists practise to check if they can help.  

If you currently work in a support role within health or social care services, a four year in-service course leading to registration as an occupational therapist may be an option if you have the approval of your employer.

All occupational therapy students are subject to a police check prior to registering with the HPC.

Training

Approved degree and postgraduate courses consist of academic study and practical work placements. The academic element to the course involves studying subjects such as:

• biological and behavioural sciences
• creative and management skills
• therapeutic interventions and environmental adaptations.

On average around 1000 hours are spent on work placements, which are usually in the main branches of occupational therapy:

• physical rehabilitation
• learning disabilities
• mental health 
• social care.

During placements you work under the supervision of a qualified occupational therapist and learn how to assess and treat patients. By the end of the course you will be managing a small caseload.

The BAOT and the College of Occupational Therapists encourage qualified therapists to maintain and develop their knowledge and skills by committing themselves to lifelong learning or Continuing Professional Development (CPD). They run workshops and offer other resources which can assist individuals with the ongoing process of CPD.

Opportunities

Occupational therapists can work with both the NHS and social services. 

With two years post-qualifying experience, prospects are good for applying for more senior posts. Some therapists progress to senior clinician or head of occupational therapy services in the NHS. There may also be opportunities to become a general health or social services manager.

Some occupational therapists move into private practice, or self-employment/freelance work. Therapists can also work in education, or move into research.

All qualified UK educated occupational therapists are recognised by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) as meeting the required standard necessary to practise overseas.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

A newly qualified occupational therapist can earn between £19,200 and £24,800 a year.
Team managers and advanced therapists can earn around £36,500.
A consultant occupational therapist can earn up to £51,000.

Further information

Park House
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London
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Bristol
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London
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Email: learning@nhscareers.nhs.uk