Menu Log in Search Search You are here HomeAbout occupational therapyHow to become an Occupational Therapist? In this section How to become an Occupational Therapist? Occupational therapy is a challenging and dynamic profession which makes a valuable difference in people's lives What qualifications do you need to become an Occupational Therapist? To become an occupational therapist you will need to study an approved pre-registration programme to gain the necessary occupational therapist qualifications. Pre-registration degree courses, accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, are recognised internationally and will enable you to work overseas. Most UK courses are BSc degrees, although postgraduate diplomas and master's degrees are also available. All pre-registration courses combine both practical placements and academic study. All programmes will leave you eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and they will get you to that point through a variety of methods and experiences. Academic course components include: Theories and models relating to occupation and occupational science The relationship between occupation, health and wellbeing, and how this can be used in interventions The core values and beliefs of occupational therapy Professional attitudes and behaviours Critical thinking and reasoning skills, including research skills Occupational therapy process skills Skills in the analysis and use of occupations as therapeutic media Entrepreneurial and leadership skills Placements A minimum of 1,000 hours is spent on practice placements. Students gain experience in occupational therapy services or in new settings where the occupational therapist role could be introduced. Placements vary in length and cover a range of different practice areas. Find out more Tips for your application Download the RCOT Career Handbook 2021-22 (PDF, 2.37MB) Become an occupational therapist brochure (PDF, 3.98MB) Share Occupational therapy jobs Website terms and conditions Privacy Policy RCOT and GDPR Compliments and complaints Get in touch Royal College of Occupational Therapists 106-114 Borough High Street London SE1 1LB T: 020 3141 4600 Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter YouTube The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (or 'RCOT') is a registered charity in England and Wales (275119) and in Scotland (SCO39573) and a company registered in England (No. 1347374). VAT Reg. No. 242 7829 47. © Copyright 2019 Royal College of Occupational Therapists. All rights reserved. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our privacy policy. You can change your cookies settings at any time through your browser settings. OK, I agree Share to Twitter Share to Facebook Share to Pinterest