From care assistant to occupational therapist
A career in occupational therapy can be life-changing—not just for the people receiving support, but for those delivering it too. For Aimie Lewis, that journey began in care, where she saw first-hand the impact occupational therapy has on people’s lives. Now in her second year as an occupational therapy student at Swansea University, she’s building the skills and knowledge to support people to live more independently and meaningfully.
Finding my path in occupational therapy
After 12 years working at Fieldbay, a care provider supporting people with mental illness, complex needs, and long-term conditions, I had the opportunity to join the therapy team as an occupational therapy assistant when it was formed in 2016. In 2016, I joined Fieldbay’s newly formed therapy team as an occupational therapy assistant. I’d always been drawn to the way occupational therapy enables people to live the lives they want, and working in the role confirmed this was the right career for me. Now, I’m in my second year as an occupational therapy student at Swansea University, developing my skills to make a real difference.
Building confidence through placement
For my first placement, I joined the Community Occupational Therapy and Sensory Support Services (COTSS) at Neath Port Talbot Social Services. I carried out assessments, recommended equipment and adaptations, and took part in safeguarding and best interest decision-making. The focus on preventative occupational therapy really stood out to me—it reinforced how much occupational therapy can support people to stay independent and reduce the need for more complex interventions later.
With a background in mental health, I wasn’t sure how well my skills would transfer to a community setting. But with the support of my educator and colleagues, I quickly grew in confidence. By the end of the placement, I felt like a valued part of the team and could see how much I’d developed.
Making the most of RCOT membership
Being an RCOT student member has really helped me stay connected to the profession. OTnews, specialist sections, and career resources have been invaluable in supporting my learning. Occupational therapy is constantly evolving, and staying connected to the latest research and discussions keeps me informed and inspired.
Why I’d recommend occupational therapy
For anyone thinking about a career in occupational therapy, my advice is simple—go for it! Occupational therapy is incredibly diverse, offering opportunities across hospitals, social care, schools, and community settings. No two days are the same, and the impact you can have on people’s lives is incredible. I feel privileged to be on this journey, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next.
Are you considering a career in occupational therapy?
If you’re ready to embark on a career that changes lives, let Charlotte’s experiences inspire you. Occupational therapy offers countless opportunities to make a real difference, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
From resources and networking to a community of passionate professionals, discover how RCOT membership can empower you to achieve your goals.
Discover more inspiring learner and practitioner stories in our ‘OT in action: real stories, real impact’ blog series and explore our resources for students and aspiring OTs.
Ready to take the next step? Learn how we can support you on your journey to becoming an occupational therapist.