How to become an occupational therapy assistant: Sarah's story

What’s your job?

I’m an occupational therapy assistant specialising in neurosciences, which is the scientific study of the nervous system. We work with patients who have been in road traffic accidents, had brain tumours or who have spinal injuries.

Qualifications

Two years ago, I didn’t know what occupational therapy was. Since I was a young child, I have always been hooked on drama and wanted to be an actress. I took A-levels and started a degree in drama. I realised drama wasn't for me and joined the Addenbrooke's Hospital staff bank. I worked in many different areas until someone asked if I was interested in occupational therapy. After some research, I discovered it required many of the skills that I already had. I got the job as an assistant and haven’t looked back. The next step is to do my degree so that I can work my way up and become an occupational therapist. I’m taking the part-time route while I work.

Best thing about your job

I find this job very rewarding, but also very challenging. You never know what kind of day you’re going to have – it’s constantly changing. You have to be very creative and think on the spot.

What motivates you?

Knowing that I make a difference in people’s lives every day. I don’t think there’s a morning that I’ve woken up thinking that I didn’t want to go to work. I feel like I’m really important to a lot of people here.

Occupational therapy technical instructors (aka occupational therapy support workers) assist occupational therapists. They will usually start on band 3 of the NHS pay scale. If they choose to, they could go on to pursue an Occupational Therapy degree or degree apprenticeship to become an occupational therapist. Occupational therapists usually start on band 5 of the pay scale. For more information on the two different roles, check out:

• NHS Health Careers: Occupational therapy support worker
• NHS Health Careers: Occupational therapist.

Occupational therapy (OT) assistant roles are sometimes referred to by different titles, including OT support worker, OT technical instructor, OT technician or rehabilitation assistant.

What to expect if you want to be an occupational therapy assistant

• OT assistant average salary: From £20,329 to £24,881 (Band 2-Band 4)
• OT assistant typical working hours: On average 40-42 hours per week

What qualifications do you need to be an occupational therapy assistant?

You could get into this role via a college course (such as a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma, or a T-level - England-only), an apprenticeship, working towards the role, or applying directly if you have relevant experience.

Sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service, NHS Health Careers, GOV.UK.

This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the National Careers Service website for the latest information and all the qualifications needed and the GOV.UK website for more on T-levels.

For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: National Careers Service (England), nidirect (Northern Ireland), My World of Work (Scotland) and Careers Wales (Wales).

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