Occupational therapist

Alternative titles for this job include

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

Average salary (a year)

£32,000 Starter

to

£48,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

35 to 40

You could work

9am to 5pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

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.

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

Apprenticeship

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
• guide to apprenticeships
• search for apprenticeships on NHS Jobs

Work

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

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.

More Information

Registration

• 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.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

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
• 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
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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

Working environment

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.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

• specialise in a particular area, such as elderly care, injury rehabilitation or services for children
• move into education or research
• become a senior occupational therapist or take up a wider management role within the NHS
• work in private practice

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

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

Access to HE - Health Science

• Provider: HALESOWEN COLLEGE
• Start date: 01 September 2026
• Location: Halesowen

Access to HE Diploma (Health Science Professions)

• Provider: SHEFFIELD COLLEGE, THE
• Start date: Flexible
• Location: SHEFFIELD

Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Not what you're looking for?

Related careers

• Physiotherapist
• Occupational therapy support worker
• Art therapist
• District nurse
• Psychologist

Skills assessment

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