How to become an Occupational Therapist

1,100

448

£20,000/y

avg. starting salary

Are you in your element when being proactive and helping people? Then a career in Occupational Therapy could be perfect for you. Occupational Therapists assess, and provide treatment for, a range of physical and psychiatric conditions. The issues they deal with differ from case to case, but could include sports injuries, difficulties related to old age such as arthritis, or mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety. They may work with adults and children of all ages, and with varying problems, but their primary function remains the same: to help people overcome their difficulties and enable them to regain their independence. Day-to-day responsibilities will vary, but typical tasks for an Occupational Therapist include:

Evaluating each client’s individual situation to decide the most effective course of action
Helping clients come to terms with permanent disabilities and adapt to a new way of life
Keeping a record of clients’ progress and development and assessing treatment
Assisting clients in recovering lost skills and abilities
Suggesting ways to improve positivity and keep busy in cases of depression

To become an Occupational Therapist, patience, not to mention a genuine passion and concern for others wellbeing, is absolutely essential. You must be determined to achieve a joint goal, and be able to use tact and motivational skills to ascertain the best method of help. An ability to communicate well with others and solve problems is equally important in this role, as you may be faced with challenging cases and difficult situations that must be overcome in a calm and considerate manner. A good Occupational Therapist will need:

Enthusiasm and determination
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Confidence with dealing with people from all walks of life
Sensitivity and compassion
Excellent problem solving skills

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Up to £20,000

Occupational Therapist

Up to £28,000

Specialist Occupational Therapist

Up to £35,000

"I first developed an interest in Occupational Therapy after dealing with an injury myself, which I picked up as a result of a poorly-timed rugby tackle. My Occupational Therapist was great and helped to rehabilitate me on a physical and emotional level; we worked as a team and I didn’t feel like I was being patronised or pitied. It was just two people working towards a joint objective. I am now a fully qualified Occupational Therapist, and I love having the opportunity to improve the quality of people’s lives every day. Some cases are more challenging to deal with than others, and it can be a bit of a rollercoaster ride, but I’ve learned to be patient and understanding with my clients so we’re always moving forward. And I’ve given up the rugby for a while. You know, just in case…"

Get qualified

An accredited degree in Occupational Therapy is generally considered a prerequisite for this profession. However, entry without a degree is possible at assistant, technician, or support worker level, where you could then progress to become a fully qualified Occupational Therapist after further study and experience. Courses in related fields will also be beneficial in improving your chances of employment.

Recommended Occupational Therapist courses

Occupational Therapist Training

Juno Education

Christmas Sales - 17% OFF | Advance Diploma | FREE e-Certificate & Assessment | Special Offers
- Compare
- Online
- 1.2 hours · Self-paced
- Certificate(s) included
- Tutor support
See more See less

...difference between an occupational therapist (OT) and an occupational therapy assistant (COTA). Theoretical models and frameworks that guide OT practice. What alternative career options are with your knowledge in occupational therapy The major focus of occupational therapy is to make …
£12
Occupational Therapy Techniques & Relationships for Therapists

IOMH

Get a Free:(Workplace Productivity) Course! Updated Materials | CPD Certified | 24/7 Tutor Support | Lifetime Access
- Compare
- Online
- 3 hours · Self-paced
- 20 CPD points
- Tutor support
Great service

See more See less

...complete each lesson in the Occupational Therapy Techniques & Relationships for Therapists Course successfully and swiftly. Occupational Therapy Techniques & Relationships for Therapists Course Curriculum: Module 01: Introduction To Occupational Therapy Module 02: Using Anatomy …
£14