Retrain as an Occupational Therapist at 43?

[kick78]

(Also posted on AIBU)
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? What are the differences between various settings (NHS, schools, etc...)? Thank you!

I qualified as an OT at 40 and went straight into paediatrics. I would say at least 50% of my cohort was 35 and above (a few in there 50’s) my first degree had been complete 18 years previous.
I work in the private sector so very flexible for me.

If you want to do paediatrics I would make sure your final placement practice is in this area as it’s the longest of the placements and as a final year student you will be more hands on so better experience ahead of looking for a job

@Imiss2019 Thank you so much for your reply, very helpful. I guess the issue now is whether I will be able to manage placements, 2 kids and a husband with random working hours 🙈 and if I’m still in time to apply for September! how long was each placement?

Apply. Work out the logistics after you have applied. Just do it. I donr mean to sound critical I just think that getting a place will force you to think in a different and more applied way about HOW you make it happen, not if you can. I retrained aged 40 and know others who did. Different challenges but it can be done.

Just do it. Each course will be different.. stop procrastinating and get your application in before you miss the deadline. 😁

There are always vacancies in OT paediatric mental health through CAMHS.

They find it hard to recruit and OT's are the few professions that are duel trained in physical and mental health.

[quote kick78]@Imiss2019 Thank you so much for your reply, very helpful. I guess the issue now is whether I will be able to manage placements, 2 kids and a husband with random working hours 🙈 and if I’m still in time to apply for September! how long was each placement?[/quote]
I managed with two primary school children. I was able to do part time placements but they were slightly extended so first year would have been 6 weeks but I did 8 weeks part time. Second one would have been 8 weeks full time but I did it over 10 weeks and final one was 12 weeks which I decided to do full time so I would have more time to get my final assessment in at the end of the academic year.
My uni were really good about placing me locally and I actually found my own placement for the final year as paediatric placements aren’t easy to find so I found my own.

As a profession we’re quite accommodating and flexible so I think you’ll find you’re well supported to make it work with your family.
OT can also now be done over 4 years as an apprenticeship

@Toohardtofindaproperusername I know, you’re absolutely right!! Just sent an email to the admissions office.

@Imiss2019 part-time placement would be amazing! Yes, I’m also looking at apprenticeship.

[quote kick78]@Toohardtofindaproperusername I know, you’re absolutely right!! Just sent an email to the admissions office.

@Imiss2019 part-time placement would be amazing! Yes, I’m also looking at apprenticeship. [/quote]
Brilliant!