Retraining as an OT?

[Questions1234]

I’m 43 and looking for a career change. I’m looking to combine my existing skills (people, communication, problem solving) with an interest in SEN. I started thinking widely, but keep coming back to OT - starting generally then eventually specialising (maybe private if needed) in ASD/ADHD/sensory stuff.

Any other similar careers I should consider? I’ve thought about physio, SLT and therapy/counselling.

I’m trying to decide between BSc and MSc conversion (which it looks like I can do even with an unrelated first degree and masters?). I’m leaning towards BSc as I can do it part time over 4 years and looks like I can get student finance and the extra NHS funding even though I already have a degree?

I think (for childcare reasons) it will be at least September 26 before I can start. Any thoughts on how to approach work experience/shadowing (or anything else I could do to help prepare) in the meantime.

Thanks!

I’d definitely recommend OT, I believe there’s a shortage of OTs in paeds. If you have a part-time course nearby that’s very good.
The MSc is very intense but if they’d take you onto that I’d try to find a childcare solution.
You’d get the NHS funding.
I’d email around for shadowing a day or two, some trusts are very helpful with that. Your skills and previous life experiences will count a lot.

Radiography could be another option?

i often recommend OT training,
great career i reckon

Following this -it's my dream career, although I haven't yet been able to figure out how I'd manage to retrain.

I do recommend OT happy to answer any questions. It can be difficult to find a first job which is part time. Be aware it's likely to take you a while to move into that specialist area, you would need to get a paeds post generally to do the sensory integration training. Occasionally there might be an opportunity in a adult learning disability role to do that training.

If you get into the masters course do that, you’ll need to do it anyway to get promoted past manager level so don’t go the long way if you don’t have to. I got funding in your situation but was already nhs employee in relevant department to my masters and also got study leave

Thanks.

I think I’m resigned to starting in a full time role then specialising/going part time when I have some experience. Is it fairly easy to move roles when you’re in? How long do you really need to be in a role before moving?

I’ve looked my and local trust seems to have an open/general advert for OT which suggests it’s a shortage/might be easy to find a job?

Anything else I should be thinking about?

Please could you explain to me (or tell me where I’d find info on) career paths? On the face of it, I’m coming from a managerial position and wanted to swap into something more practical so not sure I’d want to go back down that path?

I was thinking (and very grateful for views) of doing a variety of NHS role to get experience then specialising and going free lance if needed. From my home life I know sensory stuff is in demand and something I have a real passion for.

But very much at the thinking stage so very grateful for any advice!

I restrained in my 40s. Best thing I ever did.

I got a bursary and fees paid (Wales).

I contacted a couple of trusts before applying to get some experience and was offered 3 days in a secure MH facility which was fascinating. Paeds said for safeguarding they could only have students on registered courses but met me for a long chat.

I'd recommend going for a rotation post as a NQOT to get broad experience. Not sure where you are, but some children's hospitals offer a paediatric rotation.

I've been in paeds for 5 years and I love it.

Good luck!

It depends on your area really and whether you are close to a training school as to how easy it is to get an entry level post. Best to stay in a post about 2 years before switching but there are rotational posts. Paediatrics is usually really competitive to get that first post