Working in the United Kingdom
General Information
Number of occupational therapists in the United Kingdom
46,424
Main language(s) spoken in the United Kingdom
English
Registration
Occupational therapists are required to register with a federal/national organisation to practice
Required
Registration Department The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
Park House
184 Kennington Park Road
London SE11 4BU
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 845 300 4472 / +44 (0) 20 7582 5460
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7840 9801 Email: [email protected]
Application forms and guidance notes can be downloaded from the HCPC website:http://www.hcpc-uk.org/apply/international/ (External) ↗ Qualifications and English proficiency are taken into account. If you are from a European Economic Area (EEA) or a Swiss national applicant, specific information is also available for you. There is a processing fee.
Park House
184 Kennington Park Road
London SE11 4BU
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 845 300 4472 / +44 (0) 20 7582 5460
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7840 9801 Email: [email protected]
Application forms and guidance notes can be downloaded from the HCPC website:http://www.hcpc-uk.org/apply/international/ (External) ↗ Qualifications and English proficiency are taken into account. If you are from a European Economic Area (EEA) or a Swiss national applicant, specific information is also available for you. There is a processing fee.
Occupational therapists are required to register with a state/regional organisation to practice
Not Required
It is compulsory to join the Royal College of Occupational Therapists in order to practice as an occupational therapist
No
Practicing Requirements
Graduation from a WFOT approved programme is required to register to practice
Yes
Details here
Language(s) that are required for occupational therapists to practice
English
Additional requirements for occupational therapists to practice
International recruits require a Tier 2 general work visa once offered employment.
Employment Opportunities
Occupational therapy is recognised as a shortage occupation
Yes
Sources of information for occupational therapist employment opportunities
Vacancy listings are available on the RCOT website at www.rcot.co.uk/jobs-0 and in the RCOT member publication OTnews. Work is available in various settings in health and social care, e.g. hospitals and community settings, as well as in the independent sector, education, housing etc. International recruitment and locum agencies may also be helpful for work opporuntities. Health sector jobs are advertsied in the NHS jobs websites in each UK country: http://www.jobs.nhs.uk/ (External) ↗ (England and Wales) https://jobs.scot.nhs.uk/ (External) ↗ (Scotland) https://online.hscni.net/current-vacancies/ (External) ↗ (Northern Ireland).
Immigration
Immigration regulations or visa requirements to practice
UK Border Agency Lunar House 40 Wellesley Road Croydon Surrey CR9 2BY United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 870 606 7766 Occupational therapists are on the Home Office Shortage Occupations List (HOSOL) for fast tracking and reduced fees. Specific information can be found on the NHS Employers website : https://www.nhsemployers.org/your-workforce/recruit/employer-led-recruitment/international-recruitment (External) ↗. Or on : https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-immigration-system-what-you-need-to-know (External) ↗
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Occupational therapy assistants exist in the United Kingdom
Yes
Royal College of Occupational Therapists has a membership category for occupational therapy assistants
Yes
It is compulsory to join the Royal College of Occupational Therapists in order to practice as an occupational therapy assistant
No
Occupational therapy assistants require formal training in occupational therapy to work as such in the United Kingdom
No
Occupational therapy assistants need to register with a federal/national organisation to practice in the United Kingdom
No
Occupational therapy assistants need to register with a state/regional organisation to practice in the United Kingdom
No
Disclaimer: This information was provided by Royal College of Occupational Therapists and was last updated on 5th November 2024. WFOT is not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or changes in the information provided. This information is intended as a guide and should be independently verified before making any decisions.
Definition of Occupational Therapy in the United Kingdom
Royal College of Occupational Therapists's definition of occupational therapy in own language
‘Occupational Therapy enables people to achieve health, well being and life satisfaction through participation in occupation.’
Adopted by council at COT2 2003-04 (14th January 2004)
Definition of Occupation: daily activities that reflect cultural values, provide structure to living and meaning to individuals; these activities meet human needs for self care, enjoyment and participation in society.
Willard & Spackman 10th Edition 2003.
Adopted by council at COT2 2003-04 (14th January 2004)
Definition of Occupation: daily activities that reflect cultural values, provide structure to living and meaning to individuals; these activities meet human needs for self care, enjoyment and participation in society.
Willard & Spackman 10th Edition 2003.
Publications
British Journal of Occupational Therapy
The British Journal of Occupational Therapy (BJOT) publishes peer-reviewed articles with international relevance that advance knowledge in research, practice, education, and policy in occupational therapy. The journal’s international Editorial Board comprises leading figures in occupational therapy
OTnews
Occupational Therapy News (OTnews) is the official monthly magazine of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT).
Education Programmes
WFOT Approved Programmes in the United Kingdom
119