The symbol of Occupational Therapy is the Phoenix. In ancient Egyptian mythology the phoenix was a bird of incredible beauty that lived in the desert, and upon death would rise renewed from the ashes of it's own destruction.

Occupational therapists provide assessment and treatment to help people to overcome physical, psychological or social problems arising from illness or disability, by concentrating on what they are able to achieve, rather than on their disabilities.

You can click on the Green Badge to visit the College of Occupational Therapists website to learn more.

WHAT IS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY?

Occupational Therapy is the assessment and treatment of physical and psychiatric conditions using specific, purposeful activity to prevent disability and promote independent function in all aspects of daily life.

Occupational Therapists work in hospital and various community settings (see below). They may visit clients and their carers at home to monitor their progress. When a course of therapy is completed, the therapist will analyse how effective it has been.

WHERE DO OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS WORK?

Occupational Therapists work with young children, Adolescents, adults and older people.

In these areas:

• Physical Rehabilitation
  
• Mental Health Services
  
• Learning Disability
  
• Primary Care
  
• Paediatrics
  
• Environmental Adaptation
  
• Care Management
  
• Equipment for Daily Living
  
• Research Posts

• Community centres
• Education establishments
  
• GP Practices / Primary Care
  
• Hospitals
  
• Housing associations
• Clients homes
  
• Industrial and Commercial organisations
  
• Prisons
  
• Residential and Nursing homes
  
• Social Services and Council Departments
  
• Schools
  
• Charities and Voluntary agencies

They work with people of all ages to help them overcome the effects of disability caused by physical or psychological illness, ageing or accident. The profession offers enormous opportunities for career development and endless variety.

Being a state registered occupational therapist takes patience, ingenuity, determination, common sense, a sound knowledge base and enthusiasm. Most of all, it requires an interest in working closely with people to enable them to lead full and satisfying lives as independently as possible.

Entry Requirements:
You need 5 GCSE passes and at least 2, usually 3 A levels, including one in a science subject. Some occupational therapy schools ask for a pass in biology Qualifications such as BTEC, GNVQ or validated access courses are usually considered instead of A levels. There are special arrangements for mature applicants who do not have the necessary academic qualifications.

Training Programmes:
Training normally consists of a 3 year course leading to a BSc in Occupational Therapy. If you are already employed as an occupational therapy support worker or a technical instructor, however, you might be able to study part-time, in which case the course would take 4 years. There are also graduate entry schemes to a 2 year accelerated course which also lead to a formal qualification. You are then able to apply for the state registration necessary to work in the NHS or social services.

Career Prospects:
Demand for occupational therapists in health and social services is strong and growing. You will be able to choose from many different posts for your first job. The NHS offers rotational posts, which give you the chance to work in a range of specialities. Or you might go straight into a specialism of your choice.

Funding:
Universities have a number of NHS-funded places for degree-level students. If you are offered one of these, then your share of the tuition fees will be paid for you. You would also be eligible for a non-means tested student loan and might be eligible for a means-tested NHS bursary.

Occupational Therapy Helpers and Technical Instructors
Occupational Therapy Helpers assist Occupational Therapists in there day to day duties. Entry into these positions is through the normal health care assistants route and applicants should contact their local NHS Trusts for further information.

Technical Instructors work with Occupational Therapists to produce and fit a wide range of devices to aid patients treatment, these can include; levers on taps for people with arthritis or extending chair legs for people with mobility problems. Technical Instructors would usually have a background in a trade subject such as carpentry and would usually hold a relevant qualification, such as a City & Guilds, in a practical skill. For future information on this role please contact the Occupational Therapy department within your local Trust.

For more information on careers in Occupational Therapy, please contact:

College of Occupational Therapists
106-114 Borough High Street
London
SE1 1LB

Tel: 020 7357 6480
Careers Hotline: 020 7450 2332
Fax: 020 7450 2299
Email: careers@cot.co.uk
Website: www.cot.org.uk or www.cot.co.uk & www.baot.org.uk or www.baot.co.uk