Occupational therapists work with people facing physical, mental and social disabilities to help themselves. Occupational therapy is a challenging and dynamic profession which makes a valuable difference in people’s lives.

Occupation includes all daily activities such as making a hot drink, using public transport and socialising

Imagine what it would be like if you couldn’t get out of bed unassisted or because of injury couldn’t lift a kettle. Our daily activities give us a sense of identity and purpose. Occupational therapists develop practical strategies for people facing such challenges so that they can continue to flourish in their lives.

Using people’s goals to enable their independence

Occupational therapists use a range of strategies and specialist equipment to enable people to reach their goals. This could range from helping someone regain the confidence to shop or cook unassisted for his or her family or return to work after a physical or mental illness.

Occupational therapists work in a very broad range of fields and settings

The scope of occupational therapy ranges from infancy to old age. Occupational therapists aim to get people functioning given any social, mental or physical challenges which they face. Occupational therapists can work in fields such as social care, mental health, work rehabilitation and neurology. Settings include people’s homes, work environments, prisons and hospitals.

Occupational therapy is creative problem solving

Occupational therapists work in partnership with people to create practical solutions to the problems that affect their independence.

Supporting your initiative in promoting the profession

There are lots of local opportunities to promote occupational therapy. These range from school careers days to university open days. We can support your efforts to promote the profession with advice, resources and materials.

Wide-ranging resources to help you promote occupational therapy as a career

The College supports your promotion of occupational therapy as a career. In addition to your own experience and passion for the profession we can supply a wide-range of helpful resources.

• Careers handbook 2011-12
• Careers PP presentation
• Get involved in school presentations

Careers adviser in each English and Scottish region

Careers advisers support members’ efforts to promote the profession. They can advise you about events at which you can participate and supply resources and support. Careers advisers can also put you in touch with other members who want to promote the profession so that you can develop your professional networks.

Answer these three questions to find out if occupational therapy might be 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?

Become an OT support worker

As support staff – assistants, technicians or support workers – you would usually start your career with little or no formal training. This often happens on the job, but there are also formal qualifications available. You will definitely need a range of essential skills like good written and verbal communication, selfmanagement and a great capacity to work with people of all sorts.

Some support workers work exclusively within occupational therapy; some work as generic staff with a number of professions like nursing and physiotherapy. The interest in these posts is very strong, so applying can be competitive. Be sure to check with the employer about what skills and experience might give you a better chance of employment.

• Find out more about Becoming an OT support worker