1. Is Occupational Therapy the career for you? Do you enjoy helping people and solving problems? Are you patient, practical, creative and a good communicator? Do you want to help people optimise their quality of life? Occupational Therapist: Jo Shaw

2. Occupational Therapy as a career: Occupation includes all activities of daily living such as making a hot drink, getting washed and dressed, going shopping, hobbies. These activities give us a sense of identity and purpose. Without them our health and wellbeing can suffer. OT’s work in partnership with people to develop practical strategies to overcome barriers to their independence. OT’s work in a variety of fields and settings such as mental health, hospitals, work rehabilitation, social care. Work settings include people’s own homes, work environments, prisons, hospitals. Occupational Therapist

3. Routes to study: University course for 3 years full time. Local universities: UWE, Oxford Brookes, Coventry, Cardiff, Worcester (course fees apply). Please see individual websites for entry criteria. Not always down to the grades you achieve. Some universities offer ‘in-service’ and accelerated routes. Course involves academic work and practical experience in placements (1000 hours required at point of qualification).

4. Occupational Therapist E.g. entry requirement for UWE 340 points at A level (min 2 x A levels, B in science/social science, relevant subjects human biology, psychology, sociology). BTEC Diploma (min DDD from BTEC Diploma to include 6 x units in a science/social science). Evidence of recent academic study.

5. Occupational Therapist Work experience required when applying to strengthen application. Develop an understanding of the reality of the work of an OT rather than ‘helping people’. Look at prospectus of course you wish to follow. Could include shadowing OT’s, looking at videos about OT (YouTube, BAOT website). College of Occupational Therapists (COT) another source of information. Using skills as healthcare assistant, previous work experience (e.g. sales assistant) which would demonstrate transferable skills e.g. communication. NHS Constitution lists the values that underpin everything the NHS does.

6. Occupational Therapist What next? Look at the prospectus / website of universities Research OT as a profession. Organise work experience Other opportunities for individuals interested in therapy but who do not wish to progress to University or a Professional career included work as a Therapy support worker.

7. Occupational Therapist Websites to explore: http://www.cot.co.uk/applying-ot-programme/tips- your-application http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the- nhs-constitution-for-england-the-nhs http://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/en/Contact-Us/