What is occupational therapy, and what's good about it?

Occupational therapists work with people of all ages who have learning disabilities, physical, psychological or social problems, enabling them to cope and adjust to everyday living. An example of this is showing someone the best way to cook after they have lost the use of one hand.

• It's interesting and challenging - you meet different people with different needs everyday
• It's rewarding because you're helping people
• There are lots of job opportunities in hospitals, GP surgeries, schools, prisons and in companies
• Average salaries: £18,240-£49,740

What skills do I need to be an occupational therapist?

• Communication: being able to listen and respond effectively
• Being practical and resourceful
• Problem-solving skills: every patient has different issues, and you need to come up with ideas to address them
• Being able to work as part of a team and independently
• Being supportive and encouraging

How do I become an occupational therapist?

To become an occupational therapist you need to stay on at school/go to college after your GCSEs and take certain subjects. You then study Occupational Therapy (OT) at university, which takes three years.

• At GCSE, you should take a range of subjects to achieve a minimum 5 C grades including English and Maths
• Then you should take four AS Levels, and carry on with three subjects at A2, one of which should be human science, e.g. Psychology, Human Biology or Sociology. The grades you should aim for at A2 are BCC.
• You can also combine an AVCE in Health and Social Care with an A Level in Biology. Other qualifications like BTEC are also considered.
• Try to do some work experience or voluntary work, including visiting OT Units in your local hospitals
• Entry requirements vary, so check individual university websites for specific details

Where can I get more information?

• In London you can study Occupational Therapy at Brunel University
• Visit the NHS Careers website (www.nhscareers.nhs.uk) - and click on Allied Health Professions
• Visit the College of Occupational Therapists website (www.cot.org.uk)
• Go to the careers adviser or the careers library at school/college