What Is Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a profession within healthcare. It is the use of assessment and intervention to develop, recover, or maintain the meaningful activities, or occupations, of individuals, groups, or communities.
Entry Requirements To Study Occupational Therapy In South Africa
This page has information on the entry requirements and training needed to become an occupational therapist.
To practise as an occupational therapist, you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). To register with the HCPC, you first need to successfully complete approved degree-level training in occupational therapy.
You can train through an approved full-time or part-time pre-registration university course in occupational therapy or a degree apprenticeship in occupational therapy.
Approved pre-registration university programmes
This is usually a BSc (Hons). Courses take three or four years .
There are also part-time/in-service courses if you are working in a relevant senior occupational therapy support role and your employer is willing to support you.
Courses differ but all involve a lot of practical work with patients.
To get onto a full-time occupational therapy degree course you usually need two or three A levels, along with five GCSEs (grades A-C), including English language, maths and science.
You may also be able to get onto a course with alternative qualifications, including:
BTEC, HND or HNC which includes biological science
relevant vocational qualifications
science-based access course
equivalent Scottish or Irish qualifications
If you already have a relevant degree and healthcare experience, you can take a postgraduate Masters in occupational therapy. These courses usually take two years.
Each institution sets its own entry requirements – whether you are applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate (accelerated, graduate-entry) programme, so it’s important to check carefully.
Financial support while studying at university
You’ll be entitled to receive at least £5,000 a year towards your studies while at university. Your personal circumstances may mean you could receive more. And the good news? You’ll never have to pay it back
Degree apprenticeship in occupational therapy
A degree apprenticeship standard in occupational therapy has been approved for delivery. To get onto a degree apprenticeship, you will need to apply for an apprentice position with a health care provider. You will usually need level 3 qualifications to get onto a degree apprenticeship.
You can search for vacancies on the NHS Jobs website and Find an Apprenticeship website.
Work experience
Wherever you study or train, you will need to show that you have an understanding of occupational therapy. It is a good idea to spend some time with a registered occupational therapist to see what the work is like.
Registration
Once you’ve successfully completed an approved programme, you are then eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC. Once registered as a practitioner, you’ll be required to retain your name on the register by keeping your knowledge and skills up to date and paying an annual retention fee.
Schools Offering Occupational Therapy In South Africa
University of Cape Town. Bachelor of Occupational Therapy.
University of KwaZulu-Natal. Bachelor of Occupational Therapy.
University of Limpopo. Bachelor of Occupational Therapy.
University of Stellenbosch.
University of the Free State.
University of the Western Cape.
University of the Witwatersrand.
How long do you study to become an occupational therapist in South Africa?
The course covers a period of four years of full-time study. It is designed so as to obtain active participation and learning from the student. Students perform clinical practical work at several clinics, bodies and hospitals as well as in the community.
What are the requirements for occupational therapy?
OTs must graduate from an accredited occupational therapy program, be licensed to practice and pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. This makes obtaining a master’s degree a vital part of launching a career in the field.
What subjects are needed for occupational therapy in high school?
First-year
Introduction to Medical Sciences.
Chemistry I.
Fundamentals of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy I.
Physics I.
Introduction to Psychology I.
Basic Principles of Group and Individual I.
Human Behavioral Sciences I.
Is it hard to become an occupational therapist?
The short answer is: YES, occupational therapy school is hard. These programs want to ensure you’re equipped to competently and safely work in the healthcare field, so you’re going to have a good amount of science classes involved in any of these programs, along with challenging clinical/fieldwork rotations.
Is occupational therapy in demand in South Africa?
In South Africa there is currently a great demand for occupational therapists to do medico legal work and the work is lucrative. Legislative changes increase the chances of all occupational therapists in practice to be held publically accountable for their work.
What does an occupational therapist earn in South Africa?
R 420 000 per year
The average occupational therapist salary in South Africa is R 420 000 per year or R 215 per hour. Entry-level positions start at R 288 000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to R 5 593 428 per year.