Occupational Therapist

Job Description:

Occupational therapists help people overcome difficulties in day-to-day activities caused by physical or mental health problems, learning disabilities, accidents or ageing.

Job Category:
Health Care & Social Assistance

What you will do:

You’ll adapt treatment programmes to suit each client’s needs and lifestyle.

Your work could include:

  • teaching an older patient recovering from a stroke how to do things for themselves
  • encouraging someone suffering with depression to take up a hobby or activity
  • suggesting ways to adapt an office so that an employee injured in a car accident can return to work
  • helping clients adjust to permanent physical disabilities
  • helping people with learning disabilities to live independently

You might work with patients for several months or just for a few sessions. You’ll often work as part of a team of professionals, including physiotherapists, nurses and social workers (teamwork skills). You’ll keep notes about clients’ progress, and advise and support clients and their families and carers.

Skills:

You are likely to need

  • relevant qualifications
  • knowledge of psychology
  • IT skills – to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

As well as

  • to be flexible and open to change (adaptable)
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to work well with others (teamwork)
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to form good working relationships with a wide variety of people
  • counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • the ability to design and develop individual treatment programmes
  • excellent communication skills
  • the ability to motivate clients who are disappointed or frustrated
Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

You’ll likely need:

  • degree, or postgraduate qualification in occupational therapy approved by the relevant health authority in the country where you’d like to practice (in the UK it the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC))
  • registration with the HCPC
  • to pass enhanced background checks as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults

To do a degree in occupational therapy, you’ll usually need maths, english and at least one science subject (biology is preferred).

To do a postgraduate course in occupational therapy, you’ll usually need a degree in a related subject and some relevant paid or voluntary work experience.

Working Hours and Environment:

You’ll usually work standard office hours, Monday to Friday.

You could work with clients at a variety of places, including:

  • hospitals
  • health centres
  • residential or nursing homes
  • GP surgeries
  • schools
  • at a client’s home or workplace

You’ll need mental and physical stamina as this is a very practical job.

Career Path & Progression:

You could progress to senior clinician or head of occupational therapy services a hospital. You may also be able to move into general health or social services management.

You could also go into private practice, education or research.