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Occupational therapists help people of all ages overcome physical, mental, or social challenges that affect their ability to carry out everyday activities. They work with individuals who may be recovering from illness or injury, living with disabilities, or experiencing age-related difficulties. Occupational therapists assess each person's needs and develop practical strategies or adapt environments to help them live as independently as possible. This might involve teaching new skills, providing specialist equipment, or working with families and carers. Most occupational therapists in the UK are employed by the NHS, but many also work in social services, schools, charities, or private practice.
Occupational therapists working in the NHS typically earn between £28,407 (Band 5) and £47,672 (Band 7) per year.
As of 2023, there are over 41,000 registered occupational therapists in the United Kingdom.
The demand for occupational therapists is expected to grow by around 6 percent over the next five years, due to an ageing population and increasing awareness of mental health.
Works specifically with children to help them develop skills needed for everyday activities, such as dressing, writing, and playing.
Focuses on supporting people with mental health conditions to develop coping strategies and maintain independence in daily life.
Specialises in helping people recover from hand or upper limb injuries or surgery, using exercises, splinting, and rehabilitation techniques.
Learn about the role, responsibilities, and settings where Occupational Therapists work.
Find out what Occupational Therapists do by reading online resources, watching videos, or speaking with professionals in the field. Visit the NHS website and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists for useful information about the profession, typical working environments, and the types of clients you may support.
Get experience working or volunteering with people who have support needs.
Look for opportunities to volunteer in care homes, hospitals, schools, or community groups. Experience working with vulnerable groups or people with disabilities is particularly valuable. This helps you build communication skills and shows commitment to the profession when applying to university.
Obtain the required A-levels or equivalent qualifications for university entry.
Most Occupational Therapy degree courses require at least two A-levels, typically including a science or social science subject. Equivalent qualifications such as BTECs or Scottish Highers may also be accepted. Check specific university requirements for their entry standards.
Apply for and complete a BSc (Hons) degree in Occupational Therapy.
Accredited degree courses usually last three years full-time and include both academic study and practical placements. You will learn about anatomy, psychology, and therapeutic techniques, as well as gain hands-on experience in different settings. In England, you may be eligible for an NHS Learning Support Fund bursary.
Register as an Occupational Therapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
After completing your degree, you must register with the HCPC to practise as an Occupational Therapist in the UK. This ensures you meet professional standards and are legally allowed to work under the protected title.
Search and apply for Occupational Therapist roles in settings such as hospitals, schools, or the community.
Look for vacancies on the NHS Jobs website, local government sites, and through specialist recruitment agencies. Early career roles may be rotational, giving you experience in different areas. Continuing professional development is important, and you can pursue further training or specialisms as you progress.
Physiotherapists help people improve their movement and manage pain, often after injury, surgery, or illness, focusing on physical rehabilitation.
Speech and language therapists support people with communication or swallowing difficulties, working in settings such as schools, hospitals, and community centres.
Rehabilitation support workers assist therapists and provide hands-on help to clients undergoing rehabilitation programmes, helping them achieve their treatment goals.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Occupational Therapist. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
Both occupational therapists and art therapists work with clients to improve their mental health and well-being through creative and therapeutic activities. They often collaborate in rehabilitation settings, using art as a means to facilitate expression and recovery.
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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