Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists help all kinds of people overcome challenges, so they can live as fully and independently as possible.

You will help people who have difficulties carrying out day-to-day activities because of a disability, illness, trauma, ageing, and a range of long-term conditions. You might help people by teaching them new ways to do things or making changes to their environment to make things easier. Occupational therapy allows you to make a difference to people’s lives.

Occupational Therapist is also known as OT.

Role Characteristics

Help someone adapt to life after major surgery
Support people with mental illnesses or learning disabilities with everyday activities such as work or volunteering
Enable elderly people stay in their own homes by providing adaptations such as level access showers or stair lifts
Use equipment or assistive technology
Adapt a person's home or working environment
Find strategies to meet people's own goals

Skills

Empathy
Planning
Problem-solving
Taking initiative
Observation
Communication

Day in the life

Watch this video to find about Lawrences work as an Occupational Therapist.

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

GCSEs

BTEC

A-Levels

Undergraduate degree

Degree apprenticeship

How to become

There are many routes into occupational therapy; these include university or apprenticeships.
You will normally need 5 GCSEs including English, maths and sciences, or equivalent. You will normally need either A-Levels, BTEC or T-Levels depending on your preference in learning. However, volunteering and work experience is valued by employers.

It is important to check your preferred course provider's entry requirements for guidance.

Once you’ve successfully completed your degree, you’ll need to register with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) before you can start practising.

Where can this role lead

No matter what role you start in or where you are in your career path, there are always opportunities to develop and progress in health and care.

You will be able to specialise in areas such as elderly care or paediatrics. You could move into research or education, and there are opportunities overseas. Or with experience, further qualifications and training, you could apply for more specialist and senior posts.