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What qualifications are required to work in occupational
therapy at Addenbrooke's?
An occupational therapist who is employed by Addenbrooke's
Trust must be qualified and state registered (see below). This
ensures that they are properly qualified, governed by a professional
code of conduct; and are covered by personal liability insurance.
What are the advantages of working as an occupational
therapist at Addenbrooke's?
Addenbrooke's Hospital has more than 1000 beds
and is a teaching hospital with close links to the University
of Cambridge and several occupational therapy schools.
The Department is team based and potential employees
can benefit from senior and clinical specialist support in all
teams (see below).
There is a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice
and continuous professional development (CPD) through an active
in-service training programme and a newly introduced CPD policy,
which involves all staff.
Courses are regularly organised, and accredited
post-registration education is encouraged. The Department is also
actively involved in research and development (see R&D
page).
How is the Department organised?
There are 31 occupational therapists and 14 assistant
staff, who are organised into 10 clinical teams based at Addenbrooke's:
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Adult Rehabilitation and Brain-Injury
Outreach,
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Care of the Elderly,
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Hand Service,
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Medical Services,
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Neurosciences (including oncology and
neuroscience),
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Orthopaedics,
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Rapid Response (in A&E and MAU),
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Rheumatology,
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Surgical Services and
- Stroke.
Each team is led by a senior occupational
therapist who, together with the Manager of Occupational Therapy
Services and the Clinical Governance Specialist, form the Occupational
Therapy Management Team.
What qualifications do I need for occupational
therapy?
The minimum academic entry requirements for occupational
therapy degree courses are:
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To be at least 18 years old and have five GCSE passes (or
equivalent eg O levels), including two at A level (or three
at Higher Grade if you studied in Scotland). At least one
science subject must be passed at one of these levels. A'
level Biology is particularly useful, and is required by
some universities.
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Alternatives to GCSEs: There are a number of alternatives
to GCSEs including validated Access courses, BTEC National
Diploma/Certificates, NVQs AND GNVQs. Contact The College
of Occupational Therapists for further information (see
below).
What qualifications do I need to be an occupational
therapy assistant?
You do not require any formal qualifications to
become an occupational therapy assistant. You do need to be aged
17 years or older - and some experience in healthcare is an advantage.
Is occupational therapy suitable for mature applicants?
Mature applicants are welcomed on all occupational
therapy courses, and will be considered by most universities,
even if they do not meet the academic entry requirements.
What personal qualities and experience do I need
for occupational therapy?
In addition to the academic qualifications, the
applicant will need to develop and demonstrate empathy and rapport
with different kinds of people. The role is demanding and occupational
therapists need to be resilient. Your place on a training course
might be dependent on a personal interview, which will assess
these qualities.
Which organisations are associated with occupational
therapy?
There are three main organisations for occupational
therapy in the UK, which can send you information about occupational
therapy as a career.
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The British Association of Occupational Therapists
is the professional association that members join, and to
which they pay an annual subscription. Tel: 0207 357 6480;
Website: www.baot.co.uk
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The College of Occupational Therapists is primarily
involved with the professional standards and educational
aspects of occupational therapy, together with the development
of research activity, evidence-based practice and the continuing
professional development (CPD) of its members. The College
also represents the profession on a local, national and
international level. The advisory role of the College is
crucial in influencing all governmental policies and procedures
that affect the practice of occupational therapy. Tel: 0207
357 6480; Website: www.cot.co.uk.
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Health Professions Council www.hpc-uk.org
- All therapists working in the UK must be registered with
the Health Professions Council. For occupational therapists
who have overseas qualifications, contact: Park House, 184
Kennington Park Road, London SE11 4BU; Tel (+44) 0207 840
9700
For further information about working in occupational
therapy at Addenbrooke's, or to find out more about our open days,
please contact The Manager of Occupational Therapy Services Tel:
01223 216 768.
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