Supporting students into occupational therapy

Information for careers advisors

Being an occupational therapist means making lives better every day. Here’s how you can support the students you know into a rewarding career.

What makes a great occupational therapist?

Occupational therapists help people overcome challenges, so they can do the things they want and need to. That takes qualities like empathy, great team working, good communication skills, as well as creative problem-solving.

An interest in areas like anatomy and psychology can also help too but aren’t essential. Mostly it’s about having the passion and ability to help people get the most out of life.

Getting into the profession

Students

Studying

We recommend students choose a degree in occupational therapy. There are lots of universities across the UK running a variety of undergraduate programmes, including full-time and part-time options.

If they’re based in England, students can also gain an occupational therapy degree through an apprenticeship. This route is provided by an employing organisation like the NHS or a social care service. Students become fully qualified by spending part of their time in paid work (80%) and part in a learning environment (20%).

Qualifications needed

The grades and qualifications a student will need to get on to a programme varies. So, we suggest looking at the university’s website for details.

Generally speaking, they’ll need Level 2 qualifications, including a minimum of five GCSEs at A–C or National 5 in Scotland, at 4-5, including English, Maths and often a science subject.

They’ll also need evidence of successful study at Level 3, such as 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.

If your student is thinking about what subjects to study that are suited to occupations therapy, they may want 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.

Obtaining work experience

As well as carrying out an interview, most universities will want to see students have had some relevant work experience.

Obtaining work experience by shadowing an occupational therapist in practice is also a great way for students to understand more about occupational therapy and whether it’s the right career for them.

They could consider contacting local hospitals, NHS Trusts, charities, or their local council – anywhere occupational therapists are based. Occupational therapists are likely to be extra-busy just now, so students will need to plan in advance as much as they can. If they can’t arrange time shadowing, a telephone or a video call with an occupational therapist is a good alternative.

Available funding

Many students can benefit from financial support when studying occupational therapy – and they 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. The full list of available support can be found on the NHS careers site.

Students can also take out a student loan from the Student Loans Company.