Occupational Therapy What Next?
Occupational Therapy
at UCC
Illness, ageing or a change in
personal circumstances can have a
dramatic effect on a person’s ability
to carry out the activities that are
important to them, such as self-care
activities, work/volunteering activities
and leisure activities. Occupational
Therapists (OTs) help people of all ages
to find alternative ways of doing things,
learn new approaches to activities or to
make changes to their environment so it
is easier to engage in activities.
Graduates of BSc (Hons) Occupational
Therapy in UCC earn an internationallyrecognised professional qualification
to begin practice as Occupational
Therapists. In UCC, an equal emphasis is
placed on learning to work with children
and adults. An equal emphasis is also
placed on developing expertise in the
areas of physical and mental health. As
well as hospitals, GPs and social services
settings, Occupational Therapists may
work in community centres, charities,
prisons, job centres, private clinics,
schools, colleges/universities, job
centres, nursing homes and clients’
homes. It is career that can offer a great
deal of variety, flexibility and
satisfaction.
What can Occupational Therapy Graduates offer employers?
• Coaching, mentoring and advisory skills developed through the support
of people with difficulties in life and social skills, (these may be anywhere
on the spectrum of life skills from money to behaviour management).
• Patience, tact and empathy towards people’s needs.
• A practical, creative, problem-solver with a ‘can-do’ attitude – an ability to
think creatively under pressure.
• Confidence and the ability to relate to a wide range of people though
collaboration with service users, family members, carers and other health
and medical professionals.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate and persuade others.
• Organisational and group facilitation skills gained through the
organisation of support groups for carers and clients.
• Expert knowledge of the impact of illness/disability on a person’s
activities and the rehabilitation process.
• Expert knowledge of specialist programmes and equipment/technology
to assist with daily activities.
• Independent decision making and a responsible, professional approach
to respecting client confidentiality.
Occupational Therapy What Next?
First destinations of Occupational Therapy Graduates
The UCC Career Services produce an annual First Destination Report (FDR) based on a survey conducted six to nine months
after graduation. According to the completed FDR surveys returned by Occupational Therapy Graduates in 2013, 86% had
entered full-time employment and just 9% were enrolled on a postgraduate course.
5 Year Trend
In Employment
In Further Study
Seeking Employment
Not Available for Employment or Study
2009
2010
2011
2012
100%
-
83%
11%
6%
-
86%
14%
-
74%
-
26%
-
2013
86%
9%
5%
-
Who employs Occupational Therapy Graduates?
Employer
Role
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Instructor
Naas General Hospital, Kildare
Mater Hospital, Dublin
National Health Service (England)
Whipps Cross University Hospital, UK
Southend University Hospital, UK
South London Healthcare Trust, UK
Central NW London Mental Health Trust
Newcastle Mental Health Hospital, UK
Physio Direct, Shannon, Clare
Stepping Ahead Clinic, Cork
Acquired Brain Injury Ireland
Sylvanvale Foundation, Australia
BSL LifeCare Australia
Cope Foundation
St. John of God’s Hospital, Dublin
What Postgraduate courses do Occupational Therapy Graduates choose?
Typically, most OT Graduates consolidate the knowledge and skills gained through their degree through the acquisition of
postgraduate employment. In recent years, there has been little evidence of direct progression to postgraduate study. At
least one OT Graduate chose to “convert” to a new health profession on graduation.
Course Title
Institution
Graduate Entry into Medicine
UCC
Sample Graduate career paths 3-5 years after graduation
Traditional Career Path:
BSc (Hons) Occupational
Therapy
Occupational Therapist
NHS
Senior Occupational
Therapist, HSE
Non Traditional Career Path:
BSc (Hons) Occupational
Therapy
HDip Psychology
(Conversion)
MSc Occupational
Psychology (UK)
Similar to other health professions, the growing proportion of elderly people and their associated medical needs is likely to sustain
a need for qualified Occupational Therapists. Occupational Therapists develop their career over time in many ways, including:
•Management
• Researching new OT techniques or auditing the efficiency of current service provision
• Training or lecturing in the OT department of a college/university
• Developing specialist expertise
Occupational Therapists often have the opportunity to move between departments because the core skills and philosophy of
Occupational Therapy remain the same, regardless of the field of work. Areas of specialisation include:
alcohol and substance abuse
burns and plastic surgery
HIV/AIDS
oncology and palliative care
trauma and orthopaedics
rheumatology and age-related conditions`
housing
neurology
stroke rehabilitation
paediatrics
work practice and productivity
mental health
obsessive compulsive disorder
learning disability
As with all healthcare professionals, OTs will be required to demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development
through their careers. OT departments in colleges and universities will respond to the needs of professionals by developing
relevant postgraduate courses. For example, UCC recently launched postgraduate studies in “Older Person Rehabilitation”.
Some OTs pursue further training in psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). In the UK, it is possible to
work as a high intensity therapist as part of the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service. This involves engaging
in high intensity interventions, initially cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), with clients who have complex illnesses related to
anxiety and depression.
Senior and experienced occupational therapists work in a range of clinical practice areas, including mental health and learning
disabilities. They also have a wider role in influencing and driving strategic and organisational development.
Self-employment is a growing career development option. The Association of Occupational Therapists in Ireland (AOTI)
recommends that OTs in private practice have a minimum of 5 years clinical experience and proven specialisation in the area in
which they wish to practice. Private OT consultants are listed in their directory under seven key areas of specialisation:
1.Accessible accommodation
2.Physical intervention/treatment (neurological, older people, Orthopaedic)
3.Paediatric - developmental, intellectual disability, sensory integration
4.Psychosocial - mental health
5.Vocational/employment
6.Education/management
7.Medico/legal assessment/reports
It is also possible to work in related roles such as care manager within primary care, industry or business.
In recent years, an increasing proportion of OT graduates from UCC have taken up their first postgraduate post abroad, most
notably in the United Kingdom. Mobility is enhanced by the fact that the AOTI is a member of both the member of the Council of
Occupational Therapies for the European Countries (COTEC) and World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) respectively.
WFOT is the only international representative for occupational therapists and occupational therapy around the world.
The British Association of Occupational Therapists has produced a very comprehensive guide to working abroad which may also be
useful to Irish graduates as it includes such information as labour shortages and vacancy sources:
www.baot.org.uk/sites/default/files/joining/public/Working-in-Another-Country2013.pdf
Occupational Therapy What Next?
Long-term prospects for Occupational Therapy Graduates
Where can I find out more?
Association
Website
Association of Occupational Therapists in Ireland
British Association of Occupational Therapists (BAOT)
BAOT Guide to Working in the UK
Council of Occupational Therapists in European Countries
World Federation of Occupational Therapists
ActiveLink Ireland - Job Vacancies
Community Care UK
Local Government Jobs UK
HSE Jobs
Healthcare Jobs
NHS Jobs
NHS Scotland Recruitment
Health Jobs UK
HSE Recruit (Northern Ireland)
Health Service Journal
Pulse UK
www.aoti.ie
www.baot.org.uk
www.baot.org.uk/work/working-uk
www.cotec-europe.org
www.wfot.org
www.activelink.ie/content/vacancies/list
www.communitycare.co.uk
www.lgjobs.com
www.hse.ie/eng/staff/jobs/job_search
www.healthcarejobs.ie
www.jobs.nhs.uk
www.jobs.scot.nhs.uk
www.healthjobsuk.com
www.hscrecruit.com
www.hsj.co.uk
www.pulsejobs.com/uk
8 ways to put your degree to work
Employers want graduates with a three-dimensional CV, who are able to demonstrate a healthy balance during their college years between
study, work and extra-curricular interests. CVs should provide evidence of maturity, life skills and active citizenship to inform a future employer
that they will be taking on a sociable, committed and reliable colleague.
•
•
•
•
•
Get involved in running the Students’ Union or a club/society that interests you.
Gain relevant paid/voluntary work experience during holidays or free days.
Sign up for training courses that will strengthen your skill set, e.g. languages, ECDL.
Set up a LinkedIn profile and start building your network.
Go to the UCC Career Services for careers advice and assistance with regard to CV and
interview preparation, job search strategies, and postgraduate options.
• Attend careers events organised on campus and advertised on www.ucc.ie/careers
• Use careers events to initiate relationships with potential employers.
• Check job vacancies regularly on www.ucc.ie/careers and www.gradireland.com
While this resource provides you with an overview of the career options available with your degree, each person carves
their own career path based on their personal values and interests. Your college years are an ideal time to explore career
options while gaining new experience and learning new skills. Why not speak to a careers adviser to help you get
started?
As a student of UCC, you are entitled to book a free personal consultation with a careers adviser at UCC Career
Services. You can return as many times as needed because we understand that it makes sense to begin planning your
career from first year onwards – don’t wait until final year! We look forward to meeting you, no matter what your
year of study. For your convenience, we now have a web-based booking system. Book your appointment online via
our website – www.ucc.ie/careers - in the Meet an Advisor section.