An occupational therapy apprenticeship allows you to train as a qualified occupational therapist while earning an apprenticeship wage. You’ll work in a healthcare setting while studying towards a degree.
After completing your occupational therapy apprenticeship, you can register as an occupational therapist.
What is an occupational therapy apprenticeship?
An occupational therapy apprenticeship is usually a Level 6 degree apprenticeship.
You are employed in a healthcare role while studying part time with a university. The programme leads to a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy.
After completing the apprenticeship, you can apply for professional registration.
What does an occupational therapist do?
Occupational therapists help people carry out daily activities.
This may include:
- Supporting people after injury or illness
- Helping children with developmental needs
- Adapting homes to improve safety and independence
- Supporting mental health recovery
- Helping people return to work
The aim is to improve independence and quality of life.
Where do occupational therapists work?
Occupational therapists work in a range of settings.
- NHS hospitals
- Community health services
- Local authority social care teams
- Mental health services
- Schools and specialist education settings
Some occupational therapists also work in private practice.
What is the difference between occupational therapy and physiotherapy?
Occupational therapists focus on helping people perform daily activities safely and independently.
Physiotherapists focus more on movement, strength and physical rehabilitation.
Both roles support recovery, but they approach it in different ways.
Is an occupational therapy apprenticeship suitable for you?
This career may suit you if you:
- Enjoy helping people
- Have strong communication skills
- Can stay calm in challenging situations
- Are interested in health and wellbeing
- Are comfortable working with vulnerable individuals
You must be able to work professionally and follow healthcare standards.
What qualifications do you need for an occupational therapy apprenticeship?
Occupational therapy apprenticeships are usually Level 6 degree apprenticeships.
Most employers require:
- GCSE English and maths at grade 4 (C) or above
- Level 3 qualifications such as A levels, BTEC or Access to HE
Exact entry requirements depend on the employer and university partner.
What A levels do you need for occupational therapy?
Many programmes require at least two or three A levels.
Commonly accepted subjects include:
- Biology
- Psychology
- Health and social care
- Sociology
Science subjects are often preferred but not always mandatory.
Can you do an occupational therapy apprenticeship with an Access to HE Diploma?
Yes, in many cases.
An Access to Higher Education Diploma in a health or science subject is often accepted as an alternative to A levels.
You should check specific university requirements before applying.
Do you need work experience?
Work experience is not always required, but it strengthens your application.
Relevant experience may include:
- Care work
- Support worker roles
- Volunteering in healthcare settings
- Experience with vulnerable individuals
Healthcare employers value evidence of empathy and communication skills.
Do you need to register as an occupational therapist?
Yes.
After completing the degree apprenticeship, you must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practise legally as an occupational therapist in the UK.
The apprenticeship programme must be approved for HCPC registration.
How do you apply for an occupational therapy apprenticeship?
You apply directly to employers offering degree apprenticeship vacancies.
The usual process includes:
- Searching for apprenticeship vacancies.
- Submitting an application form and supporting statement.
- Attending interviews and assessments.
- Meeting university entry requirements.
Some programmes include values-based interviews or group assessments.
Where can you find occupational therapy apprenticeship vacancies?
You can search through:
- Find an apprenticeship (GOV.UK)
- NHS Jobs
- Local authority recruitment pages
- University apprenticeship pages
Vacancies are less common than trade apprenticeships and may not be available in every region each year.
Can you find an occupational therapy apprenticeship near me?
Availability depends on local NHS trusts and partner universities.
Large cities and areas with major hospitals are more likely to offer vacancies.
You may need to be flexible about travel or relocation.
How competitive is an occupational therapy apprenticeship?
These apprenticeships are competitive.
Strong academic results, relevant experience and clear understanding of the role can improve your chances.
Occupational therapy apprenticeship entry FAQs
What GCSEs do you need for occupational therapy?
Most programmes require GCSE English and maths at grade 4 or above.
Do you need biology for occupational therapy?
Biology is often preferred but not always mandatory. Check individual programme requirements.
Can you become an occupational therapist through an apprenticeship?
Yes. A Level 6 degree apprenticeship allows you to qualify and apply for HCPC registration.
Is work experience required?
It is not always mandatory but can strengthen your application.
How much does an occupational therapy apprentice get paid?
Occupational therapy apprentices are employed while training. Many are employed by the NHS or local authorities.
Pay depends on the employer and your previous experience.
Some apprentices are paid on NHS pay scales. You can view current NHS pay bands here: NHS pay bands (NHS website).
Occupational therapy apprenticeship salary example
Apprentices may be employed in support roles during training.
- Healthcare support roles: often aligned with lower NHS bands
- Apprentice salary: varies by employer
Pay usually increases after qualification.
How much does a qualified occupational therapist earn?
Newly qualified occupational therapists in the NHS usually start at Band 5.
Band 5 salaries typically increase with experience.
With further experience and responsibility, occupational therapists may progress to Band 6 or Band 7 roles.
Five-year earning progression example
- During apprenticeship: employer-based salary
- Newly qualified (Band 5): entry-level professional salary
- Experienced therapist (Band 6): higher responsibility and pay
- Senior roles (Band 7): specialist or leadership positions
Progression depends on experience, additional training and service needs.
How long does an occupational therapy apprenticeship take?
A Level 6 occupational therapy degree apprenticeship usually takes around 3 to 4 years.
You complete academic study alongside supervised clinical placements.
What qualification do you get?
You achieve a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy.
The programme must be approved for professional registration.
After completing the apprenticeship, you can apply for HCPC registration and practise legally as an occupational therapist.
Apprenticeship vs university route
The apprenticeship route allows you to earn while studying.
A traditional university route involves full-time study before employment.
Both routes lead to the same professional registration if completed successfully.
Is an occupational therapy apprenticeship worth it financially?
For many people, yes.
You gain a degree, earn a salary during training and enter a regulated healthcare profession with structured pay progression.
Occupational therapy apprenticeship salary FAQs
How much does an occupational therapist earn in the NHS?
Newly qualified occupational therapists usually start at Band 5, with progression to higher bands as experience increases.
How long is an occupational therapy apprenticeship?
Most Level 6 programmes last 3 to 4 years.
Do occupational therapy apprentices get paid?
Yes. Apprentices are employed and receive a salary during training.
Is the apprenticeship route different from university?
Both routes lead to the same professional qualification if the programme is approved for registration.
What can you specialise in as an occupational therapist?
After qualifying, occupational therapists can specialise in different areas of healthcare and social care.
Common specialist fields include:
- Mental health
- Paediatrics (working with children)
- Neurological rehabilitation
- Learning disabilities
- Older adult services
- Community rehabilitation
Specialist roles often involve additional training and greater responsibility.
Can you progress to senior occupational therapist roles?
Yes.
With experience, occupational therapists can progress to:
- Senior occupational therapist (often Band 6)
- Advanced practitioner (often Band 7)
- Team leader or service manager
Senior roles involve supervising staff, leading services and managing complex cases.
Can occupational therapists work in private practice?
Yes.
Some occupational therapists move into private practice after gaining experience.
Private work may include assessments, rehabilitation programmes and consultancy.
Income in private practice depends on client numbers and contracts.
What is the long-term earning potential?
Earnings depend on experience, banding and employment setting.
Senior NHS roles can progress beyond Band 7 in specialist or leadership positions.
Private sector and consultancy roles may offer different earning structures.
Is occupational therapy a stable long-term career?
Yes.
Occupational therapists are needed across hospitals, community services and social care.
Demand remains steady due to an ageing population and ongoing healthcare needs.
Occupational therapy apprenticeship FAQs
Is there a degree apprenticeship in occupational therapy?
Yes. Occupational therapy apprenticeships are usually Level 6 degree apprenticeships that lead to HCPC registration.
Can you become an occupational therapist without going to university full time?
Yes. A degree apprenticeship allows you to qualify while working.
What NHS band is an occupational therapist?
Newly qualified occupational therapists usually start at Band 5 and can progress to higher bands with experience.
Can occupational therapists specialise?
Yes. Many specialise in areas such as mental health, paediatrics or rehabilitation.
Is occupational therapy in demand in the UK?
Yes. Occupational therapists are required across healthcare and social care services nationwide.