If you want to contribute something towards making people able to support themselves, then becoming an occupational therapist could be just the job for you. So what is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy is a very fulfilling profession because one can impact people’s lives positively. This field is in high demand in the UK, and there are many openings for people who want to take up this job.
So, let’s take a closer look at what is occupational therapy, why you might want to study it in the UK, and how to start your journey.
What is Occupational Therapy?
So, what is occupational therapy? In its simplest definition, occupational therapy uses an individual’s ability to cope with the handicap that hinders their capability to carry out various activities.
It might require attending to a friend who has been in a cast, assisting someone in a wheelchair, or taking care of a person with any mental illness.
OTs assist society’s children, adults, and even older adults by enabling them to enjoy their lives to the maximum.
They are concerned with the tasks that people have to perform in daily life. Such as grooming, preparing meals, and being employed, and they identify how these can be done more effectively or with less difficulty.
Occupational therapy aims to offer support for a few weeks or months and help individuals build the skills needed and gain confidence.
Therefore, if you want to know what is occupational therapy, it is all about developing interventions tailored to fit a client’s specific needs while attending to them.
Why Study Occupational Therapy in the UK?
Studying occupational therapy in the UK is particularly recommended. This is an expanding area of practice where the healthcare facilities in the United Kingdom require more occupational therapists. Studying OT in the UK offers several advantages:
- High Demand for Professionals: This is especially so because as people age, they are more likely to require healthcare services. This means that the employment rate of occupational therapists is higher in the UK than in other countries that were in the comparison.
- World-Class Education: British universities and institutions provide quality education and emphasize the practical part of the learning process.
- Career Opportunities: These careers are available for graduates in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centres, and private practices. The UK also has a well-developed healthcare system, so many opportunities exist to advance in the chosen sphere.
What Skills Do You Need to Succeed?
However, specific attributes act as fundamentals to becoming an occupational therapist. Here are the key skills you need:
- Communication: Again, good interpersonal skills are needed to communicate effectively with the patients, their families, and other nurses or doctors.
- Empathy: Understanding what your patients go through and helping them with all the love you can muster is essential.
- Problem-Solving: Occupational therapists should also be able to develop the best strategies because each person is unique.
- Patience: Some patients may take longer to recover and require a patient to help recuperate.
Many of these skills are helpful in the academic setting and the actual job market. The ability to relate to your patients and develop plans that suit their situations will make you a unique and competent OT.
How to Study Occupational Therapy in the UK
If you’re thinking about pursuing a degree in occupational therapy, here’s a simple guide on how to go about it:
- Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programs: OT is offered as a course in the UK at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Undergraduate programs take three to four years, while post-graduate takes a maximum of two years.
- Practical Experience: OT learning also entails placements, which form a large portion of the course. These placements are beneficial for acquiring practical experience and practicing what is learnt in class.
- Entry Requirements: In most cases, you must have a high school diploma or degree in a related course for postgraduate programs. They may include good school ggrades and experience working in health facilities like volunteering.
However, ensure that the application contains information about specific skills or experiences, as many OT programs are competitive.
Career Opportunities After Graduation
Something I like about studying occupational therapy is that it offers diverse working profiles. After graduation, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to work in various healthcare settings, including:
- Hospitals continue hospitalized patients’ rehabilitation after surgeries or injuries, but occupational therapists mostly perform in other settings.
- Schools: Occupational therapists also practice in school since children with learning disability or developmental disorders learn.
- Rehabilitation Centers: You can also help persons with a disability resulting from an illness, an operation, or an accident get back into their routines.
- Private Practice: Some occupational therapists prefer to start their practice after graduation by opening their private practice to attend to persons requiring therapy.
Click here to explore the type of jobs OTs get in the UK.
What Is the Daily Life of an Occupational Therapist Like?
A typical day for an occupational therapist might involve:
- Assessing patients to understand their needs.
- Creating personalized therapy plans to help patients achieve their goals.
- Working with patients one-on-one or in groups to develop skills.
- Communicating with other healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic approach to care.
- Adjusting therapy plans as needed to achieve the best results for the patient.
Every day brings something different, as you’ll work with diverse patients and problems. This variety makes occupational therapy an exciting and fulfilling career.
Conclusion
Occupational therapy as a profession is very fulfilling, and it allows one to impact people’s lives.
The United Kingdom is a great place to pursue this course as more companies are seeking professionals in this field and with the possibility of developing a niche in the many fields that this course offers.
If you feel that the potential to make a difference in other people’s lives is within you, then the program in occupational therapy may be ideally suited for you.
So, what is occupational therapy? It’s not just an opportunity to have a profession; it is an opportunity to provide people with an opportunity to have their freedom back and have a better life.
If you are eager to embark upon this gratifying profession, then studying occupational therapy in the UK is the best option for you today.
To learn more about getting started and learn the best available options, go to EnrollMate, where you will get information and resources to help you in your occupational therapy journey.
