How to become
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, which would teach you some of the skills needed to be an occupational therapy support worker. Courses include:
- healthcare support
- health and social care
- T Level in Health
Many courses include work placements and this could be a good way to get some experience.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Healthcare Support Worker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, or a Senior Healthcare Support Worker Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
These can take between 1 and 2 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom study.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Work
You could start as a healthcare assistant and learn on the job. You could do further training to move into occupational therapy support work.
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.
You can also find opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Do it.
Direct Application
You can apply directly for occupational therapy support worker roles. Employers may want you to have a qualification related to health, and experience of working with people in a health or social care setting.
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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 out more about becoming an occupational therapy support worker from Health Careers.