Make a difference Become an occupational therapist...others have

Transcription

1 Make a difference Become an occupational therapist......others have I help people to lead an independent and fulfilling life Kemi I teach Kee Hean I help older people to remain living at home Ken My role is geared towards helping people return to work Alison Manager Practitioner Lecturer Researcher Consultant Company Director Manager Practitioner Lecturer Researcher Occupational therapy Helping people to live life their way

2 A rewarding career What is occupational therapy? Occupational therapists are skilled professionals who help people of all ages babies, children, adults and older people to carry out activities they need or want to do, but as a result of physical or mental illness, disability or ageing, they are prevented from doing. These activities could include the everyday necessities of daily living such as preparing a meal or getting dressed, going to school or work, or simply continuing with a favourite leisure pursuit. Occupational therapists will work with individuals to find alternative ways to do those activities to help people live life their way. Could you become an occupational therapist? Are you good at solving problems? Do you like helping people? Are you practical and creative? Do you take an interest in people? Are you a good communicator? If yes, then this could be the career for you. A wide selection of roles and settings A very varied career This is a truly superb career with many different roles to choose from. You could be a practitioner, a manager, or you could run your own business. You could become a lecturer, a researcher, or work your way up to become a consultant. As an occupational therapist, there are so many roles to choose from. The choice is yours. Occupational therapists also work in a wide variety of settings so you can decide where you would like to work. It could be in a hospital, a care home, a university or school, within the local community, or even inside a prison. You could work in the private or public sector, or in the charitable sector. The choice is yours. You may decide you want to specialise as your career develops. There are many options available for example working with babies, children or the elderly; working in neurological practice helping people who have had a stroke; or working with people who have a learning disability. Or you may wish to work in vocational rehabilitation, helping people to remain in, or return to, work. Or, alternatively, you could choose to work in the legal sector supporting personal injury cases. The specialisms are many, the job satisfaction immense. The choice is yours. What s more, as an occupational therapist, you have the potential to work abroad in over 60 countries.* * Visit our website for more information

3 Occupational Therapy helping people to live life their way Marc Following a road accident, Marc was left physically disabled, with the life that he had prior to the accident changed beyond recognition. Danielle, his occupational therapist, discovered that Marc was a passionate angler, and as a result of her intervention, helped Marc to start fishing again. With support from his carers, Marc goes on fishing trips, enabling him to continue with his favourite pastime. Helen Helen had an accident on holiday and sustained a severe brain injury resulting in her losing the ability to carry out simple daily tasks such as preparing a meal. Following intervention by her occupational therapist, she regained some lost skills, boosting her confidence. As Helen says, I ve got my life back. Stephen Stephen is disabled and wheelchair dependent, but thanks to Paul, his occupational therapist, he can now drive. As a result of gaining his independence, Stephen no longer relies on his parents to take him everywhere, and the quality of his life is much improved.

4 Rasheeda Occupational therapist Wendy provided advice and arranged for a stairlift to be installed to enable Rasheeda to continue living in her own home. Wendy has been wonderful. If it wasn t for her, I would have had to go into an old people s home or into sheltered accommodation. Peter and David Peter and David had severe depression for many years, they became addicted to drugs and to drink, they were unemployed for a long time, and they were suicidal. Their occupational therapist, Janette, provided much support and expertise using football as part of their therapy. As a result, Peter and David are now working in football and leading normal, happy lives. Leo 9 year old Leo was diagnosed with autism which affected his ability to participate in school activities. Thanks to the expertise and advice from Yifat, Leo s occupational therapist, Leo can now join in and enjoy school like other boys of his age.

5 I help people to get behind the wheel so they can go where they want Paul I help people do what s important to them Danielle How much do occupational therapists earn? The average starting salary for a registered occupational therapist working in the UK is in excess of 20,000. More experienced occupational therapists can earn c. 39,000, and consultant therapists can expect to earn between 63,000 and 79,000. Studying to become an occupational therapist To become an occupational therapist, you need to complete a pre-registration degree course in occupational therapy. There are over 30 universities across the UK running a variety of programmes including: Full-time three-year programmes* (four years in Scotland) Full-time two-year programmes for people with a first degree Four-year part-time and/or in-service programmes (for support workers and people working part-time) *Entry criteria can vary. Please visit our website for more information. Still interested? If you want to make a difference, become an occupational therapist. Visit our website for more information: Manager Practitioner Lecturer Researcher Consultant Company Director Manager Practitioner Lecturer Researcher For leisure, learning, living or working Occupational Therapy Helping people to live life their way

6 Occupational Therapy Helping people to live life their way For information on occupational therapy degree programmes at universities located across the UK, please visit our website: Manager Practitioner Lecturer Researcher Consultant Company Director Manager Practitioner Lecturer Researcher The College of Occupational Therapists The professional body for occupational therapy Borough High Street, London SE1 1LB Tel: The College of Occupational Therapists Limited is a registered charity in England and Wales (No ) and in Scotland (No. SCO39573)