Retraining to become an Occupational Therapist?

[Sarah557]

Hello
I am seriously considering going back to university to study to become an OT. I was just wondering if there are any OTs out there who can share their experiences of the role. Am I mad to do this? I wouldn’t finish my degree until I’m mid 30s. I am hoping to do some shadowing. Thanks in advance 🙏🏼

Hey I’m an OT. I qualified late 30s. It’s not unusual. I’d say about half our uni cohort were straight from school/ early 20s then the rest were older.

Definitely shadow as much as you can. maybe in a couple of different settings?. I shadowed the local hospital trust and worked as a therapy assistant for a short time before retraining.

Since qualifying I have worked in hospital and now in social care adapting homes.

There are lots of different OT jobs out there in different fields.

You’re definitely not mad. I did it. I like working with people annd it’s generally a positive role. health a social care are pretty stretched, caseload heavy but I think most places are like that nowadays?