This week is Occupational Therapy week (OT week)[i] and the University of Northampton, and leading healthcare providers in Northamptonshire are shining a light on opportunities to train for a career in occupational therapy, as well as current job opportunities across Northamptonshire.
OT week, organised by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT), aims to raise the profile of occupational therapy with a campaign called ‘Lift Up Your Everyday’.
Occupational therapists play an important role in looking after the nation’s health by supporting people to overcome the challenges of everyday life resulting from illness, trauma and ageing and the role is increasingly in demand. A survey from the RCOT found that 85% of OT’s report an increase in the number of people seeking children’s services[ii] and 82% said there was an increased demand for OT led rehabilitation[iii].
As well as working with individual patients and their families, occupational therapists could also work with groups, or as part of a multidisciplinary team in hospitals, clinics, charities, prisons and social services departments[iv].
“Helping others overcome barriers to leading a meaningful life is a truly fulfilling vocation”
Oliver Perry recently graduated from the University of Northampton and now works as an occupational therapist in a Neurological Rehabilitation Centre in Northamptonshire.
Oliver says, “Occupational Therapy is a remarkably diverse and unique form of healthcare. The profession offers an incredible variety of opportunities across many health and social care settings, working with equally varied patient populations.
I am an advocate for the profession, having seen the real-life impact occupational therapy can bring. I would encourage any student who is motivated to positively impact the lives of others to study occupational therapy. Supporting others in overcoming barriers to leading a meaningful life is a truly fulfilling vocation.”
Undergraduate study at UON encompasses a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and assignments. Taught modules will serve to prepare students to apply Occupational Theory to any practice placement.
Whether working to support dementia patients in their own homes, providing strategies to enable children to manage at school or delivering education to carers and family, occupational therapy has a key role play.
The route to becoming an occupational therapist is via a degree in occupational therapy at university or an apprenticeship degree. The University of Northampton is one of the top 10 institutions for occupational therapy and offers a BSc Occupational Therapy degree which prepares people to work as a registered occupational therapist in the UK and overseas.
Open Days Planned in November, December and January
The university is hosting several open days on 19 November, 7 and 10 December and 14 January for those considering a degree in occupational therapy. Click here for information and to register to attend.
Those already qualified, could also considering furthering their careers by applying for an MSc Advanced Occupational Therapy at Northampton University. This is a post registration masters that can be completed on a full or part time basis.
Existing Vacancies
There are also a number of vacancies across Northamptonshire for those wanting to progress their career. These include:
- Occupational therapist opportunities at NHFT for full-time and part-time physio and occupational therapists in the community rapid response, intermediate care team based in both Kettering and Northamptonshire supporting people across the county. This is a Band 5 role with a salary of £27,055 to £32,934 per year. Closing date is 14 November 2022.
- Senior occupational therapist at St Andrews Healthcare, a leading provider of specialist healthcare for people with mental disorders, acquired brain injury and progressive neurological conditions. This role is working in the medium secure division with people presenting with a wide range of diagnoses and occupational needs. The salary is £33,275 to £40,000 and the closing date is 30 November 2022.
To find out about other vacancies across Northamptonshire visit https://bestofbothworlds.uk.net/
[i] https://www.rcot.co.uk/occupational-therapy-week-2022
[ii] https://www.rcot.co.uk/news/survey-finds-childrens-services-crisis-point
[iii] https://www.rcot.co.uk/rehabilitation-workforce-survey
[iv] https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/allied-health-professionals/roles-allied-health-professions/occupational-therapist
