Occupational therapist

You could do a degree in occupational therapy, approved by the Health and Care Professions Council .

Courses combine work placements with academic study.

Postgraduate conversion course

You might be able to do a postgraduate conversion course if you've got a degree in a subject like:

• biological science
• health science
• psychology

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

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.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
• search for apprenticeships on NHS Jobs|https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate

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.

Registrations

you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council

Career Tips

When applying for courses and jobs, you'll be expected to have an understanding of how theNHS values apply in your work.

Further Information

You can find out more about careers and training in occupational therapy from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and Health Careers .

As an occupational therapist you could:

• teach and help clients to live independently
• help clients with mental illnesses do activities they enjoy
• support clients to manage permanent physical disabilities
• suggest ways to adapt an office or home
• support clients, their families and carers and keep notes about progress

You could work at a client's home, in an NHS or private hospital, at a client's business, at a GP practice or at an adult care home.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform.