If you’re looking for a rewarding career in healthcare, start your journey this September to become an occupational therapist and be part of the vital response meeting the UK’s health and care needs. Clearing opens across the UK on Monday 6 July, and there are opportunities to apply for a place on an occupational therapy university course.
Why become an occupational therapist?
Occupational therapy is an exciting and rewarding career and offers you the chance to make a real difference, a high degree of flexibility and excellent employment prospects. You’ll support people across the UK every day to help improve their lives.
Occupational therapists are at the forefront of health and care in the UK. They continue to be crucial in the UK’s response to COVID-19 and to meet the increasing demand for rehabilitation. We will need new occupational therapists to be part of the future response and you could be one of them.
What do occupational therapists do?
Occupational therapists are problem solvers and innovators. You'll use your expertise to find creative and practical solutions to the many challenges that people face. You'll work with individuals and empower them to continue with activities that are important to them; from being able to continue living in their homes, to reading bedtime stories to their children.
As you progress through your career, you’ll have many opportunities to continually learn and develop your skills across a multitude of areas. You may work in a multidisciplinary team in a range of settings from hospitals and clinics to charities, prisons and social services departments. You could work independently or even set up your own practice.
Take a look at the fantastic work of hundreds of occupational therapists and the powerful impact they have on people’s lives.
How do I become an occupational therapist?
Most people will need to train and study at undergraduate degree level (through a full or part-time course or degree apprenticeship). Entry requirements vary depending on where you’d like to study.
If you’ve passed at least two A levels (ideally three) at moderate to high grades, or have equivalent qualifications at level 3, you may still find vacancies through clearing.
- Find more information about how to become an occupational therapist.
- Information about clearing and occupational therapy courses (UCAS)
Should I ask to delay starting my course due to COVID-19?
Universities are finding creative and innovative solutions to ensure you receive the best quality learning experience when your course starts this autumn and will be looking forward to welcoming you. You can find out what measures your university is taking for your learning, safety and wellbeing on their website.
You should make the decision that is right for you. RCOT will be there every step of the way to support you, you’re learning and professional development and provide resources and opportunities to get involved with your professional community. Find out more.
Is there funding available?
All occupational therapy students studying or starting their course this September will receive a £5,000 grant with a possibility of a further £3,000 depending on their circumstances. This new funding is in addition to existing support available to pre-registration undergraduate and postgraduate students, including travel and accommodation costs for practice placements, funding for students facing financial hardship and childcare support. More information can be found here.
We wish you luck with your results and your future studies. We hope to meet as an occupational therapy student.
Clearing runs from Monday July 6 – Tuesday 20 October 2020.