Occupational therapist
About the job
“Occupational therapists help people to improve their quality of life, which is really rewarding. It’s a great feeling knowing that you’re making a difference to someone every day.”
As an occupational therapist you’ll work with people who have difficulties carrying out activities because of disability, illness, trauma, ageing, or a range of long-term conditions. The role may include supporting people with a mental illness or learning disability with everyday activities, helping someone adapt to life after major surgery or helping older people stay in their homes by providing adaptations such as stair lifts.
Visit Health Careers for information about:
A career you’ll care about – occupational therapist
How to become an occupational therapist in Devon
Qualification
BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
Entry requirements
Normally 5 GCSEs grade C/4 or above to include maths, English and science.
One of the following: A Levels (2/3 A levels at grades B/C preferably including a science related subject), IB, Access, BTEC, BTEC National Diploma modules.
Length of study
3 years full time with placements
Where
Qualification
MOccTh (Hons) Occupational Therapy
Entry requirements
5 GCSEs grade C/4 or above to include maths, English and science. One of the following: A Levels (136 UCAS points, minimum grade B in a science related subject), IB, Access, BTEC, BTEC National Diploma modules.
Length of study
4 years full time with placements
Where
Qualification
Occupational Therapy Degree Apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You must be a Devon County Council employee.
GCSEs grade C/4 or above or equivalent to include English and maths.
Length of study
4 years alongside work
Where
Devon County Council.
Available from September 2021 – more details to follow!
Qualification
Degree Apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You’ll need to apply for an apprentice position with a healthcare provider. You’ll usually need level 3 qualifications to get onto a degree apprenticeship.
Length of study
3 years full time with placements
Where
Contact your local NHS Trust
Qualification
MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration)
Entry requirements
2:1 honours degree or above from within the last five years.
GCSEs maths and English at grade C or above.
Length of study
2 years full time with placements
Where
Enrique – occupational therapist
Meet Enrique, an occupational therapist working in Exeter.
My mum was a nurse, and I was always so proud to tell my friends what she did. I decided to study occupational therapy in Spain and soon fell in love with the job! I moved to England and started working in Exeter.
If you want to help people, occupational therapy is a good choice. Every day it feels like you are doing something great and I’d love to encourage more people to do it as a career.
Find out more about Enrique’s journey and why he loves his job.
