Occupational therapist jobs

People from many areas of life are drawn to the field of occupational therapy as a viable career option. You could be a student in a college or university right now, pondering your future career options while you're there. It's possible that you've already made up your mind that you want to spend the rest of your life focusing on assisting other people. Alternately, you could be interested in retraining for a job that has a greater impact on the world so that you can put your existing abilities to better use. We are here to help you no matter where you are at this moment.

To work as an occupational therapist, you will need to get a degree in occupational therapy or finish an apprenticeship program equivalent to a degree in the field. An undergraduate degree in the United Kingdom may be earned via any one of a number of different courses. You have the option of studying continuously for three years, or for four years if you are located in Scotland. You also have the option to study on your own time; these programs often take between four and five years. If you already have a bachelor's degree in a field that is not occupational therapy, you have the option of either studying for a BSc or enrolling in either a full-time postgraduate program that lasts for two years or a part-time postgraduate program that lasts for four years. Find out where you may be able to study by going to the section labeled "Next steps."

Which path should you choose in this situation?

Creating a successful and satisfying profession out of your abilities.

A suitable certification is required, in addition to fundamental abilities and characteristics such as working well in a group, coming up with innovative solutions to problems, communicating well, and demonstrating empathy.

We strongly suggest that you pursue a degree in occupational therapy; however, if you currently have a degree in another subject, you may be able to continue your education in the area by earning a BSc or enrolling in a postgraduate program.

Alternately, if you are interested in occupational therapy and live in England, you may get a degree in the field by working as an apprentice. This path is offered by an organization that employs people, such as the National Health Agency or a social care service. Spending 80 percent of your time in paid job and the remaining 20 percent in a learning setting will get you to the point where you are completely certified (20 percent ).

Qualification

Because the grades and other credentials required to enroll in a degree program might vary from school to school, it is in your best interest to look at the websites of the colleges and universities that you are considering attending.

In general, however, you will be required to have a minimum of five GCSEs with grades ranging from A to C or, in Scotland, a minimum of five National 5 grades with grades ranging from 4-5. These grades must include English, Mathematics, and typically one or more scientific subjects.

Then, in addition to that, you'll need documentation that you studied well at Level 3. A Welsh Baccalaureate, three A-levels, four Scottish Highers, or an Irish Leaving Certificate are some examples of qualifications that meet this requirement. An entry course or a BTEC Diploma in a topic relevant to health and social care are two further possibilities that you could consider. The vast majority of institutions will also wish to conduct an interview, and it would be to your advantage to have some previous job experience.

Consider Human Biology, Psychology or Social Sciences, as well as Health and Social Care, if you are trying to decide what fields of study you want to pursue if you haven't already done so.

Employers will often seek for proof of successful completion of Level 3 or higher education when hiring for apprenticeship positions. During the application process, experience is often a factor that is taken into consideration.

Practice in the workplace

If you want to determine whether or not a career in occupational therapy is right for you, one of the best methods to do so is to shadow an occupational therapist. If shadowing isn't possible for you, you should at least make an appointment to meet with an occupational therapist. We strongly suggest getting in contact with services that are available in your immediate region. In addition, you may get further information on job experience by visiting our primary website.

Provision of funds and assistance

Funding

Many students who enroll in occupational therapy programs will have access to supplementary financial help, and they won't have to pay it back. If you qualify, you might get this assistance as well. This is an increase to the NHS Learning Support Fund that was just announced. A training stipend of £5,000 per year, assistance with travel and lodging fees for clinical placements, and regional incentives are all included in the program. On the NHS jobs site, you can find the whole list of available assistance programs to choose from.

Even if this is going to be your second degree, you still have the option of getting a student loan from the Student Loans Company.

Occupational therapists are supported by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.

If you become a student member of RCOT, you will have access to a variety of tools and opportunities that have been created specifically to assist you in your academic pursuits. This offers helpful hints for your application as well as preparation for actual practice.

Anyone who is currently enrolled in an occupational therapy degree-level program in the UK or who is studying for a support worker certification that is recognized by the RCOT is eligible to become a member. On our primary website, there is a section devoted to student membership where you may learn more.

Put your talents to use in a field that matters more to you.

Occupational therapy could be the perfect chance for you if you're seeking for a job that will provide you significant room to make a difference and will allow you to draw upon the things you've learned throughout your life. We are aware that switching careers may be nerve-wracking and will provide its own set of difficulties, but if you look at the big picture, it can turn out to be one of the most satisfying choices you ever make.

Consider whether or not your present position is helping you feel more confident and enhancing your sense of self-worth before you make the decision to switch careers. If you see that it is having a negative impact on you, it may be time to try something else. In a similar vein, if your primary objective in your present work is just to make a wage, and you find that you are either unchallenged or bored as a result, it may be time to start looking into other opportunities.

Making your move

Actions that are open to you

Do as much study as you possibly can before settling on a choice to switch jobs. You want to be sure that you are transitioning into an area that you will love, rather than merely leaving one that you don't like. It is essential that your curriculum vitae be up to date. Also, give some thought to your financial situation. When you go to a new line of work, you should prepare yourself for a potential decrease in your income, at least in the beginning. Especially if it requires retraining or more schooling at a higher level.

Funding

You will not be required to make any repayments for the extra financial help that is offered to you at this time. This is an increase to the NHS Learning Support Fund that was just announced. It provides a training grant of up to £5,000 per academic year for eligible students, a parental assistance payment of up to £2,000 per academic year for eligible students to assist with the expenses of childcare, and an extraordinary hardship fund of up to £3,000 per academic year for eligible students. On the NHS jobs site, you can find the whole list of available assistance programs to choose from.

Even if this is going to be your second degree, you still have the option of getting a student loan from the Student Loans Company.

Practice in the workplace

If you want to determine whether or not a career in occupational therapy is right for you, one of the best methods to do so is to shadow an occupational therapist. If shadowing isn't possible for you, you should at least make an appointment to meet with an occupational therapist. We strongly advise getting in contact with service providers located in your immediate vicinity.

The following online resources are an excellent place to begin:

Find a health and social care provider in your area who works with the NHS.

Find the council in your area.

In addition, you may get further information on job experience by visiting our primary website.