Occupational therapist

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

Average salary (a year)

£24,214 Starter

to

£43,772 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

35 to 40 a week

You could work

9am to 5pm

How to become an occupational therapist

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You can do a degree in occupational therapy, approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.

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

• biological science
• health science
• psychology

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

Apprenticeship

You can do an occupational therapist degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and college qualifications like A levels for a degree apprenticeship

More information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Work

You could start as an occupational therapy support worker. With backing from your employer, you could study for a degree part time to qualify as an occupational therapist.

Volunteering and experience

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

More information

Registration

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

Further information

You can find out more about careers and training in occupational therapy from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and Health Careers.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

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
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your work could include:

• teaching a patient recovering from a stroke how to do things for themselves
• encouraging someone with depression to take up a hobby or activity
• suggesting ways to adapt an office so that an employee injured in a car accident can return to work
• supporting patients to manage permanent physical disabilities
• helping people with learning disabilities to live independently
• keeping notes about clients' progress
• advising and supporting clients and their families and carers.

Working environment

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.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

You could progress to senior clinician or head of occupational therapy services in the NHS. You may also be able to move into general health or social services management.

You could also go into private practice, education or research.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an occupational therapist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming an occupational therapist?

Search for training courses near you.

JobsIn the United Kingdom

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