Retraining and studying for MSc OT at 55 years old?

[OT55]

Hello,

I am 55 yo and thinking of embarking on an MSc OT (Pre-Reg) programme. Have been offered a few unconditional offers from a few Unis in the UK. Previously, I was an academic and for the last 10 years, I have been a full-time carer.
I like working with cancer patients and people with mental health issues especially older people. Currently, I am a volunteer with a credible charity organisation and very much enjoy working with the service users/clients. Appreciate if anyone can advise whether I am doing the right thing by pursuing this course and will I be employed once I qualify as an OT?

Not the same course but I retrained as a social worker via a masters route in my late 30s and was petrified id be the eldest on the course and I was nowhere near! There were several people who were in their 50s and went straight in to employment I think lots of vocational jobs people do so as a career change later in life.

Which is better to study and prospect:
MSc OT or MSc Podiatry?

I’m 51 and on year 1 of MSc OT and I love it! I’m not the oldest either, it’s been fantastic and I’m so looking forward to my first placement :) go for it!

Thank you for your support😉. Which Uni are you at, please? All the best!

I’m in the north east

Do you like feet? If so, you could consider podiatry. If you want to focus on other health aspects / body parts, then consider OT. I qualified as an OT in my early forties and wasn't the oldest one on my course. It's difficult getting an NHS role at present due to recruitment freezes so you might need to look at social services / charities, just something to bare in mind.

This is my perfect thread, these are the two options I’m considering. Late 30s, youngest starting school and need a new career.

OP, I have similar questions to you and having looked at local job postings, there aren’t many in my area, just a few within SEN schools. I wondered if podiatry would be easier to go private with too? Not that that is my preference, but in case there aren’t many jobs.

Am I right in thinking tuition fees aren’t fully covered? I believe you get a 5k grant for a
OT/podiatry but fees tend to be 9kpa?