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Occupational therapists help people of all ages to overcome challenges caused by physical or mental illness, disability, or ageing. Their main goal is to enable individuals to participate in everyday activities, such as self-care, work, or leisure. This could involve adapting environments, teaching new ways to perform tasks, or recommending specialist equipment. Occupational therapists work in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, community centres, and people's homes. They often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists, doctors, and social workers, to create tailored care plans for their clients. This role requires strong communication skills, empathy, and a problem-solving mindset.
The average salary for an occupational therapist in the UK ranges from £28,407 to £42,618 per year within the NHS (Bands 5-7).
According to NHS Careers, there are over 44,000 registered occupational therapists in the UK.
The demand for occupational therapists is expected to rise by around 6 percent over the next decade, driven by an ageing population and increased focus on mental health and rehabilitation services.
Works with children and young people to help them develop the skills they need for everyday life, such as dressing, writing, or using equipment in school.
Specialises in supporting people with mental health difficulties to manage daily activities and improve their wellbeing.
Focuses on helping patients recover from injuries or conditions affecting their hands, wrists, or arms, often working closely with surgeons and physiotherapists.
Find out what occupational therapists do and the settings they work in.
Look at NHS, university, and professional body websites like the Royal College of Occupational Therapists to learn about the variety of work, such as helping children, older people, or those recovering from illness. You could also arrange to speak to an occupational therapist or watch videos to gain real insight.
Get experience working or volunteering in health, social care, or educational settings.
Many universities require applicants to have some relevant experience, which could include volunteering in hospitals, care homes, schools, or community projects. This experience demonstrates your commitment and helps you build useful skills.
Achieve the necessary GCSEs and A-levels or equivalent qualifications.
You will usually need at least five GCSEs at grades 4-9 including English, maths, and science, plus two or three A-levels, often including biology or another science. BTECs or Access to Higher Education Diplomas in related subjects may also be accepted.
Apply for and complete an approved BSc degree in Occupational Therapy.
This is typically a three-year full-time course, though part-time and postgraduate routes are available. Courses combine academic study with practical placements in healthcare settings. You must choose a course approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
After graduating, register with the Health and Care Professions Council.
Registration is a legal requirement to practise as an occupational therapist in the UK. You will need to provide evidence of your qualification and meet professional standards. Registration must be renewed regularly.
Look for NHS, local authority, private, or charity sector vacancies.
You may start as a newly qualified band 5 occupational therapist within the NHS or find roles in social care, schools, or private practice. Continue developing your skills through further study and professional development.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Occupational Therapist. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
An occupational therapist and an art therapist both utilise creative and expressive methods to support clients' mental health, therapy, and rehabilitation needs. Both professions focus on improving individuals' well-being and functional abilities through tailored therapeutic approaches, often working within mental health or community settings.
You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.
You'll need to complete a postgraduate qualification approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.
Full time postgraduate courses normally take 2 years to complete. Part time courses take 3 years.
You should have a degree in art or creative therapies to do a postgraduate course.
You may be able to apply if you've got a degree in a related subject, for example psychology, nursing or social work.
You'll usually need:
You may be able to do an arts therapist degree apprenticeship.
You'll usually need a qualification or experience in art, drama or music to apply.
To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:
To get a job as an art therapist, you'll need paid or volunteering experience with:
You can find volunteering opportunities through:
You could try an introduction or foundation course in art therapy to give you an idea of what the work is like.
You can join the British Association of Art Therapists for access to professional development and networking opportunities.
You'll find more details about this career, courses and training through the British Association of Art Therapists and Health Careers.
You can also explore other careers in the psychological professions.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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