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Occupational therapists help people of all ages overcome physical, mental or social difficulties that prevent them from carrying out everyday activities. This can include helping patients recover from injuries, manage long-term health conditions, or adapt to disabilities. Occupational therapists assess patients needs, develop treatment plans, and work with individuals to improve their ability to perform daily tasks such as dressing, cooking or working. They often work as part of multidisciplinary teams in hospitals, community health centres, schools or clients homes. The role requires strong communication skills, empathy and the ability to motivate and encourage people.
Occupational therapists in the UK typically earn between £28,000 and £43,000 per year on the NHS Agenda for Change pay scales.
There are over 41,000 registered occupational therapists in the UK, with hundreds of new positions advertised annually across NHS and private sectors.
The demand for occupational therapists is expected to grow by around 6 percent from 2021 to 2026, driven by an ageing population and increased focus on rehabilitation.
Works specifically with children to help them develop the skills they need for daily activities at home or school.
Focuses on supporting individuals with mental health challenges to manage everyday tasks and improve their wellbeing.
Provides rehabilitation for people who have injuries or conditions affecting their hands and upper limbs, helping them regain movement and function.
Learn about what occupational therapists do, where they work, and the people they help.
You can research occupational therapy by checking the NHS Careers website, reading articles, or watching videos online that show a day in the life of an occupational therapist. Try to understand the various settings, such as hospitals, schools, and community centres, where occupational therapists may work.
Talk to an occupational therapist or careers advisor for first-hand insights.
Ask your school careers advisor if they can arrange a chat with an occupational therapist or help you find local work experience opportunities. You could also reach out to local hospitals or care facilities to see if they offer open days, talks or shadowing.
Obtain at least five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English, Maths, and Science, and take relevant A Levels such as Biology or Psychology.
Most occupational therapy degree programmes require a minimum of two or three A Levels (or equivalent), preferably including science subjects. Some universities also accept BTEC or Access to Higher Education Diplomas in Health and Social Care.
Apply for and complete an approved BSc (Hons) degree in Occupational Therapy.
You can find accredited courses through the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or UCAS. The degree usually takes three to four years full-time and includes placements in various settings to gain practical experience.
After graduation, register with the Health and Care Professions Council to practise as an occupational therapist in the UK.
Registration with the HCPC is a legal requirement and ensures you meet the professional standards to practise safely and effectively. The process involves submitting your degree and other documentation online.
Start your career by applying for NHS or private sector jobs, or specialist roles in schools or community settings.
You may start as a Band 5 occupational therapist in the NHS and can specialise in areas such as paediatrics, mental health, or rehabilitation as you gain experience. Continuing professional development through training and courses is important for career progression.
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 approaches to support individuals with mental health or developmental challenges. Both professions involve therapeutic interventions aimed at improving clients' well-being through tailored, often expressive techniques.
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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