I previously worked in Taiwan as an Occupational Therapist (OT) for three years on completion of an undergraduate degree in occupational therapy. Later I came to the UK to study for a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation.
Upon completion of my Master’s degree, I sought and gained employment as an OT Assistant. I enjoyed this role as it allowed me to gain knowledge and experience of the culture and practice of OT in the UK. This was important because the practice of OT in the UK differs significantly from that in Taiwan. In Taiwan, healthcare is not free for everyone; citizens have to contribute to the National Health Insurance and pay a registration fee when seeking for medical or healthcare advice in clinic or hospitals. OT services can only be accessed through a doctor’s referral, and equipment is purchased by the patient rather than provided by the service, unlike in the UK. In Taiwan, OT assessment and intervention in physical health inpatient settings focus more on impairment, primarily through a medical model. Families are expected to support activities of daily living (ADL), leading to slightly different rehabilitation priorities.
While working as an OT Assistant, I had opportunities to learn how cognitive and functional assessments were conducted as well as the whole OT process. This significantly build my confident and laid a strong foundation for my OT knowledge and skills. I was fortunate to receive encouragement from my supervisor and other OT colleagues to complete HCPC registration. They supported me throughout the registration process, which took approximately three months, and provided valuable advice when I applied for my first Band 5 OT role, including tips on writing my personal statement and navigating the interview process.
I would encourage OTs from overseas who are interested in working in the UK to consider starting as an OT Assistant. This role can effectively help in developing skills, knowledge, and understanding without the responsibilities associated with a substantive OT role. Once you secure a substantive OT position, I recommend seeking opportunities to shadow more senior OT practitioners. This experience helps in developing contextual understanding of OT practice in the UK and provides opportunities to ask critical questions. Additionally, joining or forming support groups, whether formal or informal, is beneficial. I am fortunate to be a member of a Taiwanese AHP support group that meets monthly to share knowledge. Sharing experiences and knowledge within your affinity groups and beyond is crucial. Membership in support groups is one way to build a sense of belonging and improve retention.