Occupational therapists

Average National Salaries (2020)

What does this career do?

Occupational therapists work with people who have a physical or learning disability or mental illness, actively engaging them in purposeful activities in order to maximise self-confidence, independent functioning and well-being.

Typical tasks

• considers the physical, psychological and social needs of a patient that may result from illness, injury, congenital condition or lifestyle problems
• devises, designs, initiates and monitors carefully selected and graded treatments and activities as part of the assessment and intervention process
• liaises with a wide variety of other professionals in planning and reviewing ongoing treatments
• trains students and supervises the work of occupational therapy assistants
• makes home visits to clients, families and carers to organise support and rehabilitation and assist them to deal and cope with disability
• counsels clients in ways to promote a healthy lifestyle, prevention of illness and/or preparation for coping with increasing stages of illness
• maintains patient records, manages caseloads.

Current entry requirements

Entrants usually possess A levels/H grades, an Advanced GNVQ/GSVQ Level III, a BTEC/SQA award or equivalent qualifications followed by training on an approved degree scheme necessary for state registration as an occupational therapist. There is a minimum age limit of 18 years to enter training.

Percentage in work

• Employed

• Unemployed

Predicted employment status in 2022

• Full-time

• Part-time

• Self Employed

Predicted employment levels in the East Midlands

Career related courses available at West Notts

• Psychology A Level - Level 3

About the statistics

Data is powered by LMI for All and is sourced from labour market statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the Institute for Employment Research, the Department for Works and Pensions, and the UK Commission for Employment and Skills.