Helping other people flourish and fly can really make us feel good, right? Sure, we humans can’t literally flap our wings, but occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals work hard to make patients feel like they have the power to glide through the skies.
Going to university isn’t the only option for pursuing this rewarding career pathway. You can also consider an occupational therapy apprenticeship, which we’ll tell you all about in this article.
What types of jobs can you get with an occupational therapy apprenticeship?
Occupational therapist
An occupational therapist (OT) is a healthcare professional who helps patients overcome physical and mental challenges through treatment plans. OTs assess patients, develop treatment plans and provide support by teaching patients new skills that will enhance their abilities. OTs might help people with things like physical disabilities (injuries or illnesses), developmental disabilities (like depression and anxiety) or challenges associated with ageing.
Paediatric occupational therapist
‘Paediatric’ is a term used in the medical field that means ‘children’. A paediatric OT does the same daily tasks as other occupational therapists. The difference is that they work with children who have developmental delays, disabilities or injuries. The goal is to help kids improve their physical capabilities and cognitive skills (a fancy term for brain development).
Geriatric occupational therapist
Where a paediatric OT works with children, a geriatric OT does the opposite and works with older adults, helping them maintain their independence and quality of life. Some daily tasks for geriatric operational therapists include dressing and bathing patients, as well as helping them eat and stay mobile.
Rehabilitation coach
You might’ve visited a rehabilitation coach if you’ve ever had a sports injury. Their job is to help patients who have been affected by injuries or physical disabilities improve mobility. For example, rehab coaches will focus on supporting patients with their strength, coordination abilities and range of motion.
Home/workplace modifications consultant
Some patients with disabilities, developmental challenges or injuries might need extra help and support at home or in their workplace. A home/workplace modifications consultant assesses these spaces and advises on what tools or equipment would make it easier for the patient to perform their daily activities, such as using ramps or grab bars.
Occupational therapy apprenticeships
Royal College of Occupational Therapists
You can pursue a degree-level apprenticeship with the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, an institution that works in partnership with over twenty universities across England. All apprenticeships with the RCOT have – you guessed it – RCOT accreditation.
gov.uk
Check out the gov.uk website to find a training provider near you for this Level 6 Occupational Therapist Apprenticeship. The course lasts four years, and you’ll earn a qualification that’s equivalent to a degree.
University of East Anglia
You’ll find OT apprenticeships at universities across the UK, and we’ve chosen a few of the best ones in this article. The great thing about the University of East Anglia’s Occupational Therapy Degree Apprenticeship is that you can find the curriculum and example assessments online, so you can take a look at the apprenticeships before you start.
Buckinghamshire New University
This Level 6 apprenticeship at Buckinghamshire New University lasts three years. You’ll be based at the campus in High Wycombe with work placements across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire.
Keele University
Keele University is well-known for the quality of its science and healthcare teaching. The Occupational Therapist Apprenticeship is a three-year placement that’ll help you work towards a BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy degree.
University of Wolverhampton
Based at the University of Wolverhampton’s Walsall campus, this three-year, Level 6 Occupational Therapy Degree Apprenticeship is a popular choice in the Midlands. Upon completion, you’ll qualify to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as an OT.
Entry requirements
Requirements vary between courses and universities, but generally, the requirements for the above apprenticeships are quite high because these are degree-level opportunities. You might need:
- GCSEs at grade 4 or above in at least English, maths and science
- A Levels at grades BCC or above, or the equivalent BTEC Extended Diploma
Some universities use the UCAS Tariff system, which converts the above qualifications into points. For some courses, the entry requirements change slightly from year to year. Set a reminder to check the websites and make sure your application is relevant and up-to-date.
Extra tips
You’ll hear the letters ‘HCPC’ thrown around a lot in the healthcare industry in reference to occupational therapy jobs and other professions.
The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is a regulator in the UK that sets high standards for people working in healthcare. You need to be registered with the HCPC in order to work as an occupational therapist, dietician, paramedic, radiographer and more.
Many of the operational therapy apprenticeships you find will provide a qualification that’s enough for you to apply for HCPC registration, but it’s worth checking each opportunity just to make sure this is the case.
Support patients in need with an occupational therapy apprenticeship
Occupational therapists work their magic to make every patient feel more confident in their mental or physical abilities.
If you enjoy caring for others but you’re not sure that occupational therapy is the right path for you, take a look at other apprenticeship opportunities in healthcare or similar fields like education.
Relax. We’ll send the jobs to you.
Reckon you know what you want to do, but can’t find the perfect role? Most companies hire their apprentices in a ‘recruitment window’. This means many great jobs are only available for a short time once or twice each year.
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