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.
Courses combine practical placements with academic study.
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, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
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Apprenticeship
You can do an occupational therapist degree apprenticeship.
This typically takes 4 years to complete and is a combination of workplace learning and academic study with 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
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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
You'll find it helpful to get some paid or voluntary experience in care or healthcare work before you apply for training.
You could contact the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for further advice.
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Registration
- you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council
Career tips
When applying for courses and jobs, you'll be expected to have an understanding of how NHS values apply in your work.
Further information
You can find out more about careers and training in occupational therapy from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and Health Careers.