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Occupational therapists help people of all ages to overcome physical, mental, or social difficulties arising from illness, injury, or disability. They work with clients to develop, recover, or maintain daily living and work skills, aiming to improve their independence and quality of life. Occupational therapists can be found in hospitals, schools, community health centres, and clients' homes. Their work involves assessing clients needs, planning treatment programmes, and working closely with other healthcare professionals. The role is highly rewarding, as it makes a significant difference in the lives of individuals with challenges affecting their everyday activities.
The average salary for an occupational therapist in the UK ranges from £28,000 to £43,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
As of 2023, over 43,000 occupational therapists are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the UK.
The demand for occupational therapists in the UK is projected to grow by over 7 percent between 2021 and 2031, reflecting an increasing need for rehabilitation services.
Specialises in helping children develop the skills they need for daily living and learning, working in schools, clinics, or hospitals.
Focuses on rehabilitation for patients with hand or upper limb injuries, combining knowledge of occupational therapy and physiotherapy.
Works with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, helping them to build confidence and independence in their daily lives.
Learn what occupational therapists do and what skills are needed.
You can start by visiting the NHS Health Careers website, speaking to practising occupational therapists, or reading case studies online. This will help you understand the settings in which occupational therapists work, such as hospitals, schools, care homes, and patients' own homes.
Get some hands-on experience in a care or health setting.
Try volunteering at a hospital, care home, or charity supporting people with disabilities. Some occupational therapists offer work shadowing or insight days. This practical experience is highly valued and will help you decide if this is the right career for you.
Meet the academic requirements for an occupational therapy degree.
You typically need 2 or 3 A-levels (including biology or another science is helpful) or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC or Access to HE Diploma. Check specific university requirements, as they can vary.
Study for an HCPC-approved occupational therapy degree.
In the UK, you must complete a degree in occupational therapy approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Courses typically last three years full-time or four years part-time, and include placements in various settings to gain practical experience.
Apply for professional registration to practise as an occupational therapist.
After completing your degree, you must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to legally practise as an occupational therapist in the UK. The registration process involves providing evidence of your qualifications and fitness to practise.
Look for occupational therapist jobs in your preferred setting.
Check NHS Jobs, local authorities, private healthcare providers, and charities for vacancies. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your skills, experience, and placements. You can specialise later in areas such as paediatrics, mental health, or elderly care.
Physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness, or disability through movement, exercise, and manual therapy to restore function and mobility.
These professionals assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, and communication problems in people of all ages.
Rehabilitation support workers assist therapists in delivering care and support to clients as they work towards recovery and independence.
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 is most closely matched with the role of a cognitive behavioural therapist because both professions focus on helping clients improve their mental and physical well-being through tailored therapeutic interventions. While occupational therapists typically address a broad range of physical and mental health issues related to daily living, cognitive behavioural therapists specialise specifically in mental health, developing cognitive and behavioural strategies to manage psychological conditions.
You can get into this job through:
You could do a degree in occupational therapy, approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.
Courses combine work placements with academic study.
You might be able to do a postgraduate conversion course if you've got a degree in a subject like:
You'll usually need:
You could do an Occupational Therapist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
This usually takes 4 years to complete and is a mix of learning on the job and academic study at an approved university.
You'll usually need:
You could start as an occupational therapy support worker.
With support from your employer, you could study for a degree part time to qualify as an occupational therapist.
You'll find it helpful to get some work experience in healthcare before you apply for jobs or training.
When applying for courses and jobs, you'll be expected to have an understanding of how the NHS values apply in your work.
You can find out more about careers and training in occupational therapy from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and Health Careers.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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