Retrain as an Occupational Therapist at 43?

[kick78]

I’ve always been interested in OT and I’m really considering applying for a MSc in Occupational Therapy. However I have some doubts based on the following:
-The chances of getting onto a course (I got my first degree more than 10 years ago in Marketing)
-My age (I will be even older when I finish), -Studying and doing the 1000hrs of placement (I have 2 DC),
-I’m only interested in paediatric (My understanding is that there are less opportunities than in other areas)
Even if I manage to study, what are my chances of finding a job? Also, what is the job like on the daily basis, therapy vs paperwork? Are flexible or part-time positions available? Thank you!

I've been an OT for the last 7 years, currently B7 specialising in Neurology. I say go for it, it is the best job in the world! Happy to answer any questions if you want to PM me! Always willing to recruit more people to the cause

If you are doing the masters then there will be people of all ages. Really don’t worry about that.

@beccaskylar this is such a quintessential OT response, I just love it 💚💚💚

Following with interest. I was actually successful in gaining an interview for an OT apprenticeship this time last year, but had to decline due to the very short notice and job I was in not being able to secure cover. I too am looking at the MA although local Uni wanting me to complete some study at L6 or L7 to as my degree is just outside of 10 years. It is difficult finding a module I can do at short notice (in next two terms), that is a stand alone module and that I don't need to already be in healthcare to do...also quite expensive too

I’m an OT in an acute trust. Fab job, love it. Certainly don’t do it for the money though 😂

I’m 37 and in my second term of my first year. I absolutely love it, even more than expected! Tuition fees are also now half what they normally are due to the new Learning Support Fund.

Can I ask the registered OT's what the worst parts of the job are?

And for those that are student OT's what is the worse / hardest part of the course?

@Hairyfairy01 at the moment the worst part for me is covid and the restrictions it's put on my practice. The patients are too unwell to require much OT in my setting (acute hospital) and discharge planning is increasingly difficult without face to face input from families, the risks of discharging to care homes, communication is hard in full PPE, and we're stretched thin with staff absences as are the services we need to refer patients into.

Apart from that, it's easy to get into a rut and pigeon hole yourself in one area of practice so you can become deskilled in others if you're not careful. But it is relatively easy to switch between fields at lower bands at least.

Student OT - worst part at the minute is online learning - all of it so far. There has been good online support with the other students but it’s nothing like face to face. Lack of connection and friendships. Fingers crossed for September.

Time - A lot more time is needed to study than I previously thought. Don’t underestimate this.

Cost - it’s expensive even with the LSF. A lot work part time as do I put finding it quite tiring.

There are a lot of positives though! Why focus on the negatives?

The negatives of my job are the chronic issues with the nhs rather than specific ot things eg lots of demand and not enough resources!

@kick78

I completed the care certificate online and then got NHS bank work as an Nursing Assistant before applying.

I looked into Open University as it’s also been 10 plus years since finishing uni and it’s £££. Maybe think about the BSc instead of MSc. Some universities do a foundation year.

@Tobebythesea

Student OT - worst part at the minute is online learning - all of it so far. There has been good online support with the other students but it’s nothing like face to face. Lack of connection and friendships. Fingers crossed for September.

Time - A lot more time is needed to study than I previously thought. Don’t underestimate this.

Cost - it’s expensive even with the LSF. A lot work part time as do I put finding it quite tiring.

There are a lot of positives though! Why focus on the negatives?

I guess I want to hear about the negatives as everyone has only been speaking about the good stuff. What you say about the online learning and the time needed to study is really useful.

I've worked in the NHS for 20 years now, different roles but all at band 3/4 level. I like to think my insight is quite good regarding its limitations. Currently I'm in an acute ward and totally agree about the increased discharge difficulties during COVID. The pressure to discharge early for us has been immense and it is so hard for families who are unable to visit.

I'm concerned about how much studying there is for the undergraduate degree. I'm concerned about where my placements may be eg - how far away, and how this would effect my ability to work part time. I guess deep down I'm worried I'm not academic enough, or I may find the course boring and not complete it.

Hello, I know this is an old post, but I was looking for some help/advice about the OT degree.
I am also looking to retrain, I will have a 3 year old and 1 year old. Worried about being able to afford it for 1, as I would have to rely mainly on my husbands wage.
2, how hard academic wise is the degree itself? I didn't go to uni when I was younger, bur have completed a foundation level 6 degree in the last few years.
I was just wondering if anyone could put my mind at rest x

@Bump2022

Hello, I know this is an old post, but I was looking for some help/advice about the OT degree. I am also looking to retrain, I will have a 3 year old and 1 year old. Worried about being able to afford it for 1, as I would have to rely mainly on my husbands wage. 2, how hard academic wise is the degree itself? I didn't go to uni when I was younger, bur have completed a foundation level 6 degree in the last few years. I was just wondering if anyone could put my mind at rest x

That’s a bit of a how long is a piece of string question really as it depends on individual ability to a degree (no pun intended) I found the academic side easy to understand and I liked writing assignments but it was a lot of hard work and time invested to get good grades. There were people that struggled with academic writing on the course but very few failed overall.

Thank you,
I guess I'm mainly concerned about the work load and being able to work and spend time with my children. I'm sure it would be worth it in the end x

@Bump2022

Thank you, I guess I'm mainly concerned about the work load and being able to work and spend time with my children. I'm sure it would be worth it in the end x

I'm starting an OT MSc in September and also have two small children. Re: affordability, you need to do the maths and work out what your household income and expenses would be for the course, particularly childcare costs. In our case, my income will be £13k (£6k student loan and £7k NHS Bursary). There are additional childcare grants and loans available but our household income was too high to qualify. From friends who have done the course before, it's do-able in terms of workload in that they mostly fit it in to Mon-Friday 9-5. However extra hours of study were needed when they were on placement with assignments also due. I would suggest the BSc rather than the MSc if you are worried about coping academically. Some courses will need proof of recent study (Essex wanted a level 3 module / A-level equivalent within the last 5 years). I applied in 2020 but finished my first MSc in 2015, so I did a level 3 Certificate in Mental Health online with Learn Direct and this was accepted. Good luck 😊