Occupational therapy is a very rewarding profession in which you will make a real difference to people’s quality of life. Occupational therapists work with people of all ages to enable them to participate in the daily activities that are important to them. You will work with people with a range of physical and mental health challenges in settings as diverse as schools, prisons, hospitals, the community and many more.

Careers

While the St George’s courses are recognised by many different countries, applicants are advised to check with their own individual national authorities if they wish to practise in their chosen country.

More occupational therapists are needed across the UK to help address the growing number of people who need their support now, as well as those who will require it in the future.

Career prospects are excellent with opportunities for career progression within the NHS and other settings through professional practice and development into Senior Occupational Therapist and Advanced Practitioner roles, as well as progression into management, education and training, or academic career pathways.

If you are an EU or non-EU (international) applicant, you should check with the professional registration body in your country to ensure that you will be eligible to practise there.

As well as working with individual patients and their families, you could also work with groups and communities, or as part of a multidisciplinary team in hospitals, clinics, charities, prisons and social services departments. As you gain experience, you may opt to specialise in a particular area of practice such as mental health, hand therapy, elderly care or paediatrics. The skills you’ll develop could lend themselves to new emerging roles too, such as working with asylum seekers or refugees, the police or the fire services.

There are many exciting opportunities for career advancement, further study or research, including further postgraduate study at St George’s on our MSc Rehabilitation course.