UKC

Hi,

Would anyone be able to give me advice on entry to a career as an occupational therapist. I want to change from my current career as an EFL teacher and occupational therapy seems like it could suit me well. I have researched the role on the national careers service website and also contacted the College of Occupational Therapists who were encouraging about my background and suitability for the role.

I would very much like to talk to someone doing the job and also to arrange some job shadowing or work experience. However the local NHS OT teams don't seem that easy to access. Can anyone suggest alternative ways of contact or indeed would there be anyone willing to answer the questions I have.

Many thanks.

In reply to toasted:

bump

In reply to toasted:

I'm not an OT but I work with both MH OTs and Phys Dis OTs. While some core aspects are the same the day to day jobs are very different.

If your interested in the phys dis side you could look at experience as a CCO - Community Care Officer. They do work OTs used to do, home visits, assessments, referrals for adaptations and equipment provision.

MH OT's seem to do a very similar job to myself as a MH CCO - but their role looks less varied and seems to have more paperwork!

I wouldn't want a qualified post now as they get out less than us CCOs, more money but less variety, which is lucky as I lack the right degree!

In reply to toasted:
I'm not an OT but I work with them.
If you have a degree, then you could possibly do an accelerated 2 yr degree.

The job market is tough.
Two main areas. Social Services and the NHS.
When you're newly qualified, you will be better in the NHS to gain your knowledge.
I've worked with new Social services ots, and they have poor knowledge of multi pathology pts. There's no harm in getting work experience there .
Where do you live?

Why are you choosing occupational therapy? There is very little therapy involved nowadays, just assessment, kit issue and paperwork?

In reply to Dave the Rave:

I'm based in Worcestershire. Have also just contacted the local university which runs OT courses so maybe will get some info there.

I'm attracted by the idea of helping people have better lives through the application of my skills and knowledge (once gained!) I like the idea of solving problems people may have through using equipment and ingenuity.

Yes, I've heard that competition for places on uni courses is tough. Was thinking I could get some work in a support role for a while to get experience and make for a better application to uni.

In reply to toasted:

Shame. I could have got you some locally.

A good interview answer. Although, there is very little 'therapy' in OT at present, unless you are lucky to get a specialised post in hands or spinal injuries.
Have you thought of Physiotherapy?


Get as much as you can. Working in old peoples homes is a plus. Apply for OT assistant posts too.

In reply to toasted:

I'm an OT, send me a PM and I'm happy to offer advice/answer any questions etc (just spotted the post but busy at the moment).

Based in the NW work wise.

In reply to Dave the Rave:

Dave is right there's a 2 year accelerated course available, but its pretty intense. I'd disagree that the job market is tough (in OT), because we are constantly struggling to recruit, and this is the same for many Trusts who are having to spend a lot on locums because they can't fill positions. Clearly stuff can/will change in the 2-3 years that will take you to train.

Dave your line about 'there is little therapy involved.......' made me smile (wry)

In reply to toasted
I'm an OT (on my husbands username!) and I work in Mental Health. The job market can be pretty tight these days, but there are a variety of courses available so it is best you speak to talk to course leaders wherever you want to study and ask them what they are looking for in terms of experience prior to the course. Back when I studied they liked you to have lots of voluntary work in a variety of areas and have spent time with OTs in different service areas. Getting a job as an OT assistant or support worker is a good way of getting experience and finding out more about what the job involves.
I'd try to persevere locally in trying to gain shadowing/work experience - it may be some trusts have volunteer co-ordinators, they may be good people to get your foot in the door. You could always try social services, or OTs working privately, or in 'non traditional' areas.
I'd be happy to answer any questions - or try to!
D

In reply to Simonfarfaraway:

The days of basket weaving and bunny stuffing are long gone, replaced by, assess, issue, write lots and lots and lots?

In reply to Dave the Rave:

And then write some more.........

In reply to Dave the Rave:


My mother still has the basket I wove in hospital when I was about 9. Actually I think she did most of it. It was so nice!!

In reply to toasted:


My partner trained as an OT and is still registered. She had a job with the council before her current (non OT) place as an OT assistant (despite being graduating top of her year). I got the impression there was very little creativity or ingenuity involved, there was a small list of kit they were authorized to issue and a smaller budget, it was mostly ticking boxes on forms. Some of here classmates have gone on to more interesting positions in mental health services (not working as an OT exactly), in schools and hospitals.

jk

In reply to jkarran:

Thanks for all replies, dave the rave, mrs creag and simon farfaraway and flopsicle.

In reply to toasted:
Hi there, I'm the professional lead for OT in 5 Boroughs mental health trust. If you want to pm me to exchange details, I'd be willing to give you some insight and whatever other help I can.

regards

Ryan