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At TTM we have a special team, recruiting Occupational Therapists across the country, in many different healthcare settings. Best of all – we have been awarded Tier One status by the HSE for recruiting Occupational Therapists, so our healthcare workers enjoy first choice on all Agency HSE shifts. But what exactly do Occupational Therapists do and why should you pursue this career pathway?

What is an Occupational Therapist?

The Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland (AOTI) defines the profession as specific healthcare designed to support people with physical, psychological and social problems, so that they can live life to the fullest. The focus is on a person’s ‘occupation’ which refers to all the things people must do to look after themselves and others: the activities that shape our daily life and give us a sense of purpose and meaning.

Occupational Therapists work with people who are faced with illness, injury, disability or challenging life circumstances. They provide support to children with mental and physical disabilities, people who are recovering from an accident, and older people who are experiencing physical and mental changes.

The therapeutic approach of an Occupational Therapist is tailored and client-centred and supports can include helping patients with getting dressed, taking medication, grocery shopping, caring for their home, using a computer or other technology, returning to work, cooking, driving and using public transport. The support provided focuses on optimising a person’s independence and autonomy, emphasises their strengths and is guided by their preferences.

How Can I Become an Occupational Therapist in Ireland?

To pursue Occupational Therapy as a career you need to earn a four-year undergraduate degree in Occupational Therapy. The following courses are available:

Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) at University of Galway

Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) at Trinity College

Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) at University College Cork

As a student, your course work will include human anatomy, neurophysiology, clinical psychology and social policy. You will also learn about the different theories within Occupational Therapy, grow your research skills and explore the analysis and reporting of case findings.

All programmes are accredited by AOTI and are approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists and CORU which is Ireland’s multi-profession health regulator.

How Does Practice Education Work?

Practice Education forms a fundamental part of your course so that you can integrate and apply the knowledge, skills and attitudes you’ve learned in your course modules. You will go on Clinical Placement within Occupational Therapy services and will need to complete 1000 hours of practical work. At least 250 hours must be within a mental health and/or psychosocial setting and a minimum of 250 hours must be within a physical/sensory disability practice setting.

Is Postgraduate Training Necessary?

You do not need to complete Postgraduate Training, but typically a master’s degree will prove your advanced understanding and skills within your chosen field. Courses available are:

Occupational Therapy - Professional Qualification MSc, University of Limerick

Occupational Health (Online) MSc, University College Cork

Occupational Health (Blended) MSc, University College Cork

How Do I Register as an Occupational Therapist?

You will need to register with CORU, which will allow you to work as an Occupational Therapist and means your name is included on the register of all approved members of the profession.

What Career Pathways are Open to Me?

You can work in hospitals, community services, businesses, schools, voluntary organisations, prisons and within clients’ homes. Within the HSE, you will work in different hospital departments such as Accident and Emergency, Mental Health Services and Social Services.

Occupational Therapists also pursue careers in education, management, research and private practice.

What Skills Do I Need to Work as an Occupational Therapist?

As you will work with people with complex needs it is essential that you have compassion and empathy. Patience is key here, as you will need to work at the pace of each individual patient. You will also be enthusiastic about your work to motivate and inspire your patients.

It is vital that you build sound therapeutic relationships with your patients, so you need strong communication and interpersonal skills. With a busy schedule and caseload involving arranging appointments, managing administration and forward-planning, being organised is imperative.

Occupational Therapists constantly liaise with other health professionals – so good team working skills are key, as is the ability to creatively problem-solve.

What are Some Typical Occupational Therapy Tasks?

A key part of your role will be to evaluate each patient’s ability to successfully manage their daily activities, and make sure their needs are met at work, within the home and in public places. For example, you will help ease a patient’s transition back into the home after being hospitalised and will assess and decide what equipment a patient may need in their daily life - such as stairlifts and wheelchairs for elderly people.

Patient advocacy will be an important part of your role and will include liaising with and advising schools on how they can help children overcome learning difficulties. You will also help patients and clients apply for and obtain any HSE appliances they need as well as certificates and grants.

As an Occupational Therapist you can play an important role in the planning and building of places and spaces – including coordinating with builders and relevant authorities to make sure homes, workplaces and public places are accessible to all people, including those with disabilities.

Get in Touch Today

As your partner in finding the best healthcare jobs, TTM offers Occupational Therapist opportunities across Ireland and in all healthcare settings. We offer the flexibility of temporary work and career-developing Permanent jobs too; the choice is yours. Search and apply here.