Tell me about it
Occupational therapists work with people who cannot perform the everyday tasks - like washing, dressing and feeding ourselves - that most of us take for granted. Patients may have physical, mental or social problems and the goal of occupational therapy is to help them to live as independently as possible.

The work focuses on one-to-one work with patients, all with different needs. It is very important to adapt therapy to meet the needs of each individual client.

Therapists might work with people with Alzheimers disease, ensuring that they can wash, dress and feed themselves independently and safely; clients with arthritis, helping them to do everyday tasks without putting too much pressure on their joints; or people who have suffered strokes, who may need special equipment for everyday tasks, like special cutlery to help them to eat. In addition to finding practical solutions for coping with everyday tasks, occupational therapists look at ways to help people continue to work.

Occupational therapists work with a range of other professionals, including doctors, nurses, psychologists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, teachers, social workers and representatives from charitable and voluntary organisations. They also advise and support clients' families, carers and employers.

Entry level
The usual entry route is with a BSc in Occupational Therapy. The minimum entry requirements for this are five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) with two A levels/three H grades, or equivalent. At least one science subject must be passed at one of these levels, and an A level/H grade in biology is required by some colleges. As well as academic qualifications, course selectors look for personal qualities such as resilience and the ability to build a rapport with different kinds of people.

Full-time degree courses last three years, four in Scotland. Approximately two-thirds of the course content concentrates on theory, including the study of anatomy, physiology, clinical science and behavioural science. The other third of your time would be spent on practical placements in some of the main branches of occupational therapy, for example, physical rehabilitation and learning disability or mental health services. You would learn to assess and treat clients under the supervision of a state registered occupational therapist. Towards the end of the placement, you would take on your own small caseloads under supervision.

Most students on occupational therapy courses have their course fees paid by the NHS. You may also qualify for a means-tested bursary.

If you already have a degree in another subject and experience of working in healthcare, you can can take a shortened course leading to state registration.

Making the grade
After qualification, you would normally gain experience in a range of different service areas before choosing to specialise. You can start applying for more senior posts about two years after qualifying.

Promotion prospects are extremely good, and it is possible to move into clinical posts, research, teaching or management. There may also be opportunities to work overseas.

Personal qualities
You should be able to relate to people from a variety of different backgrounds and you would need excellent communication skills to explain techniques to people of all abilities. You must be able to inspire trust and you would need a sense of humour, as the work can often be demanding. You would have to keep accurate records for each patient and you would need to liaise with other healthcare professionals, sometimes taking part in case conferences.

Looking ahead
There is a national shortage of occupational therapists, so the chances of finding a job are excellent. You might choose to specialise in an area such as burns and plastics, neuroscience or working with handicapped children.

Many occupational therapists are employed by the NHS. Others work for local authority social services departments, in private practice, with large industrial and commercial organisations and with voluntary organisations and charities.

Self-employment and freelance work is possible.

Alternative suggestions
Other possibilities might include art therapist, dramatherapist, music therapist, nurse, physiotherapist or speech and language therapist.

Take-home pay
A newly qualified occupational therapist working in the NHS earns approximately £18,500, rising to £21,000, with additional allowances for appointments in and around London. At the top of the profession, a consultant therapist currently earns around £50,000.

Effects
You would normally work 36 to 37.5 hours a week. Flexible working and weekend jobs are becoming more common. Part-time work is available.

You would probably have to travel between different locations, so a driving licence is usually required.

Sources of information
British Association of Occupational Therapists: www.cot.org.uk
Health Professions Council: www.hpc-uk.org
NHS Careers: www.nhscareers.nhs.uk

CRCI: JG