Occupational Therapy Week 2020 is running from 2-8 November and this year the Royal College of Occupational Therapists is aiming to inspire people of all backgrounds to choose occupational therapy as a career.
Although there are over 41,000 occupational therapists (OTs), across the UK there is still a significant shortage and the profession is included on the UK’s Shortage Occupations List.
Here is some information on why you should #ChooseOT as a career path:
What does the role of an Occupational Therapist entail?
Occupational therapy is a career centred on people. As an OT, you’ll use your creativity and problem-solving skills to support people who find some areas of daily life difficult. That means talking to them to understand their needs, seeing challenges through their eyes, and helping them find ways to overcome those challenges. It makes occupational therapy an incredibly rewarding profession. It doesn’t get much better than knowing you’ve helped someone to live their life to its fullest.
There is a lot of variety in this role from working in an emergency team and making sure people are safe to leave hospital to working with architects redeveloping spaces to fit the needs of someone with learning disabilities.
How do you qualify to be an Occupational Therapist?
You need to complete a degree level qualification in Occupational Therapy. To work in the UK as an occupational therapist you will need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). While this is not essential, it is advisable to become a member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT). This membership will give you access to innovative research, provide professional insurance, legal services and has options for Continual Professional Development to help you improve in your career.
Where do Occupational Therapists work?
This is a career that could see you working in a range of interesting and rewarding environments, including hospitals, community health settings, care homes, schools and other workplaces. It gives you the opportunity to work alongside colleagues from all kinds of other professions, from doctors and nurses to teachers.
What does a typical day entail?
Depending on the area you work in, you could meet patients in group or one-to-one sessions within a hospital, home or in the community. You will provide them physical or psychological support and discuss options with them that could help improve their daily life. A typical day will also include carrying out assessments, completing reports and providing feedback on patients to other team members.
What are the typical working hours?
Working hours can vary but typically most occupational therapists work 37.5 hours per week, this may include evenings and weekends. At Direct Medics we can find you a long-term role or a locum opportunity so you can work to suit your lifestyle!
Typical salary for an Occupational Therapist
Salaries are dependent on the band you currently work in and the company you are working for. The current salary brackets for occupational therapy bands in Northern Ireland and Scotland are:
• Band 5 – £24,907 – £30,615
• Band 6 – £31,365 – £37,890
• Band 7 – £38,890 – £44,503
What can Direct Medics offer you?
We currently recruit Occupational therapists for long-term locum roles in NHS Hospitals, community and private sector settings across Northern Ireland and Scotland. We can offer Band 5 Occupational Therapists £100 towards for their HCPC Registration fee*. T&Cs apply
If you are currently looking for an Occupational Therapy role, check out our jobs board for our latest opportunities and apply today!
For more information on how to #ChooseOT as a career, visit the Royal College of Occupational Therapists website for more information and advice.
