What does the occupational therapist do?
IT’S one of the UK’s most in-demand jobs and pays a third more than the national average salary – but do you know what the role involves?
Occupational Therapists can transform the lives of the sick and disabled, so check out the jobs below for a look at what you’d be doing day-to-day.
- Mental Health Occupational Therapist, Your World Recruitment, Norwich (£35,392-£42,61)
- Occupational Therapist, Norwood Towers Post Acute, Norwood
- Occupational Therapist Home Health, Elara Caring, Lawrence
Keen to know more? Sun Jobs is here to help with our five-minute guide to Occupational Therapy.
What is an Occupational Therapist?
Occupational therapists help people who have difficulties caused by physical or mental illness, disability, trauma, accidents or ageing.
The OT’s role is to help support people to carry on doing the things they love – whether that is going to work or school, to staying mobile or independent.
OT’s can call on a range of skills to help their clients carry on living well and as a science-based, health and social care profession, it’s also regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council.
How much does an Occupational Therapist get paid?
The average national salary is £42,750 but it can range from around £32,000 for a newly-qualified OC to over £50,000 for someone senior with considerable experience.
What qualifications will I need to become an Occupational Therapist?
To become an occupational therapist, you’ll need a degree in occupational therapy.
There are two ways to do this, either through a traditional undergraduate degree or by studying a degree apprenticeship where you work as a trainee alongside your studies.
Once you have completed your degree, you will need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council before you can begin practising.
In total, it can take between three to six years to fully train. There is lots of information at rcot.co.uk.
What personal skills do I need as an Occupational Therapist?
It’s a very special role which demands a broad skillset. You have to be a natural problem solver but also have compassion and empathy for your patient’s situation.
Observation, writing and communication skills will help with the admin side of the job and you will need to be a team player as you may be working with other agencies such as housing or education.
Finally, physical strength is important as is the ability to motivate others.
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