What Is an Occupational Therapy Degree?
Occupational therapists work with patients of all backgrounds to improve their daily lives when they are living with long-term health conditions. An occupational therapist’s goal is to enable each patient to fully participate in the activities he or she wants to, for example; work, education or sport. A degree in occupational therapy qualifies successful graduates to apply for registration with the healthcare professions council and work in a healthcare setting. Occupational therapists are highly sought after and consequently attract good salaries.
What will I study?
You will learn in depth anatomy and physiology, with particular focus on the musculoskeletal system. You will also study psychology and mental health. Students develop confident knowledge in occupational health practice, as well as professional skills such as communication and leadership. During placements, students develop confident patient care skills that enable them to create healthcare plans bespoke to each patient.
See more details:
In your first year you will focus on learning anatomy, physiology and psychology. You will begin to explore occupational health as a discipline, and the tools it can offer to improve patient lives. You will learn about reflective practice: a method of continuous professional development which will continue to underpin your learning throughout your career. Students learn patient assessment techniques and, towards the end of the first year, undertake their first clinical placement.
Second year students take modules advanced anatomy alongside mental health and psychology. You will learn more about occupational therapy theory and how this translates into practice. You will learn how to work with patients to develop goals and treatment plans. This learning will be supported by a longer clinical placement at the end of the year.
In the final year you will undertake two placements. One will be within a clinical setting such as a hospital, another will be in a community setting such as a prison or nursing home. Third year students are required to submit a piece of individual research into an area of practice which interests them. Students undertake a final professional skills module which prepares them for registration as a qualified occupation therapist.
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