NHS workers - which degree would be preferable?

[Januarybringstheblues]

I'm (hopefully) going to university this year to do an OT degree. I've been offered an interview for both the BSc as well as the accelerated MSc. From an employer's perspective - would there be any preference between the two? Would one be more limiting than the other?

They are exactly the same in terms that you finish with the ability to practice. Placement hours are the same for both.

Remember with OT you are not just limited to the NHS.

My only other concern is that, if in the future I wanted to do a further qualification - I would have already used the fumding for the MSc so wouldn't be able to gain any further funding to do a PgDip for example - so would the BSc be better in this case?

Sorry, a bit clearer. There is no preference for one or the other. The only essential criteria when it comes to a job is that you are registered as an OT with the HCPC.

Good luck with your interviews.

Generally in the NHS, it is now difficult to progress beyond a band 7 without a MSc. All other things being equal, I would do the MSc.

Are you in England? OT courses now have to be paid for (I believe so anyway)

really I am not sure that would apply to OT. The MSc is one route to get the qualification to practice, it doesn't offer any additional knowledge base than what is taught on the BSc. If I was told I couldn't have a Band 8 and yet someone with less experience but a MSc could I don't think it would stand up to scrutiny. In the OP's case I would do the MSc though, just because 2 Vs 3 years.

I am not going for a band 8 though nor do I work in the NHS

I would get the Masters done now. Harder to do once you accelerate up the ranks.

The MSc is more appealing as it's shorter, and therefore a cheaper. I'd be more than happy at band 6 (I think) so not too worried about that. I suppose I like the idea of, in the future, maybe taking a CBT course to become a therapist which I wouldn't be able to afford to pay for without student loans.

Hi OP. Congratulations on your uni place. I
am an OT and I enjoy my job.
I don't know the full ins and outs but some of my work colleagues did CBT training through the trust. I think they just had to put approx £1000 towards the cost themselves. They were band 6 practitioners ( both nurses and OTs) working in mental health and they are now band 7 CBT practitioners.
I am interested in going down that route myself In the future. Though it wouldn't be feasible for me at present with a young baby.