Career

How to become an Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapy has changed significantly over the years. OT's in the beginning were known as basket weavers because they used to purely provide activities for invalided people. Now OT is much more scientific. To become an OT these days, you must gain a degree in health science, specialising in Occupational Therapy. This is usually over 3 or 4 years and can be done part time if needed. In the UK the fees are often granted. You can also apply for funding through local authorities if you are already an employee.

About our resident Occupational Therapist

I knew I wanted to be an Occupational Therapist from quite a young age. I grew up in New Zealand and had a family friend who was born with Spina Bifida. I spent a lot of time with her, and through this was able to spend time with her at school and saw how therapists worked with her. I left school after obtaining the equivalent of 5 A levels and was accepted into Auckland University of Technology (Auckland Institute of Technology at the time). I spent 3 years studying to gain a Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy).