Occupational therapist

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
• search for apprenticeships on NHS Jobs|https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate

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 in the NHS is a good way to get work experience in healthcare. This can be helpful when you apply for jobs or training.

Registrations

you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council

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.

Further Information

You can find more about a career in occupational therapy from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and Health Careers .

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

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.