How to become an occupational therapy support worker
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
College
You could do a college course to get into this job. Relevant subjects include:
- Level 2 Certificate in Work Preparation for Health and Social Care
- Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Health and Social Care
- Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care
Most health and social care courses include work placements so this could be a good way of getting experience.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
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Apprenticeship
You can do a health care support worker intermediate apprenticeship or a senior healthcare support worker advanced apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
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Work
You could start as a healthcare assistant and learn on the job. You could move into occupational therapy work through training and promotion.
Volunteering
You'll find it useful to get some voluntary experience in a health or care setting.
You can find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT.
Direct Application
You can apply directly for jobs if you've got relevant skills and experience from work like care or health-related roles.
Employers may ask for a qualification in a health-related subject, and experience of working with people.
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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 becoming an occupational therapy support worker from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and Health Careers.