What are the employment prospects like for OTs?
The outlook for Occupational Therapists from overseas countries is excellent. The current OT workforce in the UK is under huge pressure due to increasing demand and a shortage of qualified staff. OTs are a valuable resource within the wider healthcare system, and there is a strong demand for qualified and experienced practitioners to help meet this demand. You can begin looking for OT jobs here or get the ball rolling by contacting a few recruitment agencies.
Is Occupational Therapy regulated? Will my overseas OT qualifications be recognised?
Occupational Therapy is regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The title ‘Occupational Therapist’ is protected, meaning it is illegal to work as an OT in the UK unless you are registered with the HCPC.
To register with the HPC as an overseas qualified Occupational Therapist you will have to meet strict standards relating to your:
Qualifications
Professional experience
Personal registration and memberships
Language proficiency
Declarations
OTs are expected to possess an undergrad or post-grad degree in Occupational Therapy from an approved tertiary institution. (like the degrees offered in Australia, New Zealand and Canada)
Each registration application is reviewed individually, so it is in your best interests to ensure your application is accurate and complete before submitting it. The processing time is usually within 60 days from the date received by the HCPC. In case of incomplete applications, you will receive an email detailing what is missing. Make sure the details you provided are correct and current to avoid any delays in processing.
The cost to apply for the scrutiny fee is £639.98 for international applicants. This is a one-off, non-refundable fee, and your application won’t proceed unless it’s paid. The scrutiny fee is separate from the registration fee you’ll be charged if your application is successful.
As a guide, registration costs £116.36 per year or £232.72 for two years, and this amount can be claimed as a tax expense.
As part of your application, you need to declare your past conduct and health conditions or disability. You will also have to contact the university or institution where you achieved your qualification and have them provide a detailed overview of the course you studied. A comprehensive application guide for international applicants can be found on the HCPC website.
If you are interested in joining a professional body for Occupational Therapists, you can choose to join the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT). It is not mandatory to join RCOT but joining so will give some advantages like professional development, networking, insurance, and others.
What is expected of Occupational Therapists?
It is important to have a professional approach to your work when entering the healthcare service. Key skills that you should possess are:
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Problem-solving and teamwork skills
Professional demeanour: Demonstrating discretion and patience in challenging situations.
OTs are expected to be able to work with patients of all ages and cultures, and there are opportunities to work in a variety of specialities, such as learning disabilities, care management or mental health.
How much can you expect to earn and what are the working conditions like for Occupational Therapy jobs?
Your salary for an OT job will be affected by your experience, qualifications and responsibilities. Salary rates may vary from the public to the private sector, though they are usually fairly similar.
The following hierarchy can be used as a general guide for Occupational Therapy jobs:
| Position Title | Pay Band (NHS) | Salary Range (all sectors) |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | 2-3 | £23,000K — £25,000K per annum |
| Occupational Therapist | 5 | £28,000 — £36,000 per annum |
| OT Technical Instructor Higher level | 5 | £32,000 — £39,000 per annum |
| OT Specialist | 6 | £37,000 — £44,000 per annum |
| OT Team Manager | 7 | £46,000K — £52,000K per annum |
| OT Advanced | 7 | £46,000K — £52,000K per annum |
Many positions are contract due to visa restrictions however you can use the permanent salaries as a guide. Your salary will also reflect the location in which you live. If you live in a high-cost area, such as Inner London, then your employer will consider this.
The work hours for an OT in the UK are around 37.5 hours a week on a flexible schedule, which includes availability across the entire seven-day week. Part-time work is also available. Depending on where you live, having a driver’s license may be necessary for you to travel between appointments.
How should you go about finding the right OT position?
Whether you are applying for a specific Occupational Therapy job or simply looking for anything which matches your skills and experience, your first point of contact will probably be a UK Allied Health recruiter. Recruitment agencies play a significant role in the UK job market—they specialize in finding quality candidates for employers while also helping you advance and develop your career.
It’s a good idea to register with recruitment agencies before your arrival. This allows your recruitment consultant to start finding a suitable position for you, giving you a great head start in your working life. If your travel plans or arrival date change, be sure to inform your recruitment consultant right away.
For tips on making the most of your job search, check out our FAQs.
Table of Contents
Master the Art of Job Hunting in the UK
Your Essential Guide to Navigating and Succeeding in the Competitive UK Job Market
Unlock the secrets to landing your dream job. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or an international job seeker, this book provides the tools you need to craft standout applications, ace interviews, and secure the perfect position. Don’t let the competitive job market hold you back—equip yourself with the knowledge and confidence to succeed with this indispensable resource.
