Start planning your path

As well as core skills and traits like team working, creative problem solving, communication and empathy, you’ll need a relevant qualification.

We recommend choosing a degree in occupational therapy but if you already have a degree, you can then go on to study for a BSc or follow a postgraduate programme in the field.

Alternatively, if you’re based in England, you can gain an occupational therapy degree through an apprenticeship. This route is provided by an employing organisation like the NHS or a social care service. You’ll become fully qualified by spending part of your of time in paid work (80%) and part in a learning environment (20%).

The grades and qualifications you’ll need to gain a place on a degree course vary, so we’d recommend visiting the websites of the universities you’re interested in.

Generally speaking though, you’ll need a minimum of five GCSEs at A–C or National 5 in Scotland, at 4-5, including English, Maths and often a science subject.

You’ll then also need evidence of successful study at Level 3. Examples of this could be three A-levels, a Welsh Baccalaureate, four Scottish Highers or an Irish Leaving Certificate. Other options include a BTEC Diploma in a health and social care-related subject or an access course. Most universities will also want to carry out an interview, and having some work experience would be beneficial.

If you’re thinking about what subjects to study, you might like to consider Human Biology, Psychology or Social Sciences, and Health and Social Care.

For apprenticeships, employers will usually be looking for evidence of successful study at Level 3 or higher. Experience is also usually taken into account during the application process.

One of the best ways to decide if a career in occupational therapy is for you is to shadow an occupational therapist – or to arrange to speak to one if shadowing isn’t practical. We’d recommend getting in touch with services in your local area. And you can find out more about work experience here.

Funding

Many students undertaking occupational therapy courses will have access to additional financial support – and you won’t have to pay it back. This is an extension to the NHS Learning Support Fund. It includes a training grant of £5,000 a year, help towards travel and accommodation costs for clinical placements, and regional incentives. You can see the full list of support initiatives on the NHS careers site.

You can also take out a student loan from the Student Loans Company, even if this is your second degree.

Royal College of Occupational Therapists support

Student membership with RCOT will give you access to a range of resources and opportunities, all designed to support you while you’re learning. This includes tips for your application, and preparation for practice.

Membership is open to anyone who’s enrolled on an occupational therapy degree-level programme in the UK, or studying a RCOT-recognised support worker qualification. You can discover more on the student membership section of our main website.

If you’re looking for a role that will give you huge scope to make a difference and draw upon your life experiences, occupational therapy could be the ideal opportunity for you. We know that changing your career can be daunting and will bring its own challenges, but in the long term, it could be one of the most rewarding decisions you make.

Before you decide to embark on a career change, think about whether your current role is boosting your confidence and self-esteem. If it’s having a negative effect on you, it could be time for something different. Likewise, if your main motivation in your current role is simply to earn a salary and you find yourself unchallenged or bored, it could be time to start exploring your options.

Things you can do

Before you make a firm decision to change careers, do as much research as you can – make sure you’re moving to a field that you’ll enjoy rather than just leaving one you don’t. It’s important that your CV is up-to-date. And think about your finances. You’re likely to have a drop-in income (at least initially) when you transition to a new career. Especially if it involves retraining or studying at university.

Access to additional financial support is available – and you won’t have to pay it back. This is an extension to the NHS Learning Support Fund. It includes a training grant of £5,000 per year, a parental support payment of £2,000 per student per year to help with childcare costs, and an exceptional hardship fund of up to £3,000 per student per year. You can see the full list of support initiatives on the NHS careers site.

You can also take out a student loan from the Student Loans Company, even if this is your second degree.

One of the best ways to decide if a career in occupational therapy is for you is to shadow an occupational therapist – or to arrange to speak to one if shadowing isn’t practical. We’d recommend getting in touch with service providers in your local area.

These websites are a good place to start:

• Find your local NHS health and social care provider
• Find your local Council

And you can find out more about work experience here.