Being a 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.
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Occupational therapists (OTs) assess and treat physical and psychiatric conditions with activities that help prevent disability and promote independent living. The field covers physical rehabilitation, learning disability, environmental adaptation and care management.
OTs work in hospitals and various community settings including GP surgeries, residential and private homes and education establishments. They may visit clients and their carers at home to monitor progress.
Applicants need 220 UCAS Tariff Points. If you are already employed as an occupational therapy support worker or a technical instructor you might be able to study an occupational therapy degree part-time. If you already have a first degree you may study our two year full time PgDip/Msc in Occupational Therapy.
Demand for occupational therapists in health and social services is strong and growing and you should be able to choose from a range of posts for your first job. You may decide to develop your career through further specialist work or research. Occupational therapist consultants can combine these roles or alternatively you might go into management or teaching. Qualified occupational therapists can anticipate a starting salary around £19,000, with London Weighting bringing this up to £23,000.
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