How to become a Occupational Therapist

Registered AHP helping people do the everyday activities that matter to them — through practical adaptation, rehab and equipment.

Entry routes

From Therapy Assistant: BSc Occupational Therapy or OT degree apprenticeship (~3.5 yrs)

What you'll need

Certificates

Care Certificate (completed)

Aptitude

Interest in rehabilitation

Academic

Maths & English GCSE (grade 4/C) or equivalent

Qualifications

BSc Occupational Therapy (HCPC-approved)

Admin

UCAS / university application (degree route)

Funding

Funding or apprenticeship sponsorship

Registration

HCPC registration (allied health professional)

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Qualifications, cost & duration

Access to HE Diploma (Nursing/Health Professions)
Level 3 · ~12 months · ~£3,384
~£3,200–£4,000; via Advanced Learner Loan, WRITTEN OFF on completing an HE course. Free for some 19–23 without a Level 3.
BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
Level 6 · ~36 months · ~£9,535
Tuition via student finance + NHS Learning Support Fund.

A typical path

£25,272 now → £32,073 in ~5 yrs

Healthcare Assistant
Year 0 · Band 2 · entry
£25,272
Therapy Assistant
Year 1 · Band 3 · entry
£25,760
Therapy Assistant
Year 3 · Band 3 · top
£27,476
Occupational Therapist
Year 4.5 · Band 5 · entry
£32,073
Occupational Therapist
Year 6.5 · Band 5 · intermediate
£34,592
Occupational Therapist
Year 8.5 · Band 5 · top
£39,043

Common questions

How long does it take to become a Occupational Therapist?

3 years (degree) — see the step-by-step timeline above for a typical path.

See what you'd earn as a Occupational Therapist

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Indicative — England 2026/27 Agenda for Change basic pay, excludes High Cost Area Supplements, unsocial-hours and overtime. Typical timings are national averages, not guarantees. Not financial advice. See data sources.