RCOT hosted placements

Our structured placement model supports learner development.

Through our structured placement model, we support learner development

Through our structured placement model, we support learner development across RCOT while enabling colleagues to contribute to the future workforce through rewarding educational and CPD opportunities.

 

As the professional body for occupational therapy in the UK, we are committed to supporting quality practice-based learning opportunities for our future workforce, enabling our learners to understand the wider impact of occupational therapy through a strategic lens. 

We have established a clear, sustainable and inclusive placement model framework for ongoing practice-based learning for pre-registration occupational therapy learners within RCOT. It aims to create a structured approach that supports the development of a range of practice-based learning opportunities across our teams and directorates.

Hosting learners is a privilege and a meaningful continuing professional development (CPD) opportunity for RCOT colleagues, particularly for occupational therapy colleagues acting as named practice educators with responsibility for learning and assessment. 

 Carolyn Hay, Head of Education

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We have mapped our placement offer to our Learning and development standards for pre-registration education (RCOT 2026) and the AHP principles of practice-based learning which we jointly developed with CSP (2023).

Our placements are project focused.  Our goal is for each learner to create a deliverable that benefits our members and/or wider stakeholders.  As we deliver more placements we shall share learner’s experiences. 

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A placement at RCOT offers:

  • Insight into the professional body - Gain a unique understanding of how RCOT shapes the profession through leadership, policy, standards, and advocacy at a national level. 
  • Explore diverse career pathways - Discover the breadth of opportunities in occupational therapy beyond traditional clinical roles. 
  • Meaningful, project-based experience - Contribute to real work with impact across the profession while developing transferable skills and confidence. 
  • Build your professional identity - Develop a strong sense of belonging within the OT community and confidence in your role as a future practitioner. 
  • Learn from experienced OT role models - Work alongside and connect with OTs in a range of roles, gaining insight, support, and inspiration. 
  • Grow your professional network - Build connections across RCOT and the wider occupational therapy community. 
  • A supportive, learner-focused environment - Experience a placement that values your voice, encourages curiosity, and supports your individual learning goals.
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Hear from previous learners

We are committed to offering practice‑based learning opportunities across the whole of the UK. With more than 55 pre‑registration education providers, it is not possible to offer placements to every provider each year. To ensure our approach is as fair and transparent as possible, we will allocate placements using the following considerations:

  • Learners are studying on a RCOT accredited programme.
  • Placement dates align with our placement blocks and are a minimum of eight weeks. 
  • We prioritise countries and England regions that RCOT have not recently hosted a placement for.
  • Learners are final year BSc (Hons) or year 2 MSc/MOccTh Learners.
  • Minimum of two learners from each education provider at one time.
  • Learners are comfortable with a predominately remote working and project focused placement design. Office space (London Bridge) is available if this is preferable for the learner.
  • Learners are RCOT members.

To register your interest for RCOT to host your learners please complete this MSForm