Take learning into your own hands with an apprenticeship
Along with some other health and social care careers, occupational therapy shows that university is no longer the only entry route into the career. Occupational therapy apprenticeships are available to aspiring applicants with a variety of previous experience. Apprenticeships can provide an attractive alternative by offering the best of both worlds, in addition to providing financial support throughout the training.
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Occupational therapy apprenticeships - an alternative way of learning
For those wanting to pursue a career in occupational therapy, the apprenticeship pathway is an appealing entry route into the career. Also approved by HCPC, apprenticeships in this area of health and social care provide an alternative training pathway that allows students to study for the same qualification as the university pathway.
What’s it really like?
Traditional university degrees and apprenticeships have some similarities - primarily in the qualification that you’ll receive. Apprenticeships in health and social care are often referred to as degree apprenticeships - this just means that although the format of the education may be different, students would still obtain the same qualification.
Apprenticeships are hosted by universities, but this is done collaboratively with partner organisations such as the NHS, private care providers, or social care organisations. Often, they will be the organisations that will have details of opportunities.
There are some similarities between typical university degrees and degree apprenticeships. Students undertaking a degree apprenticeship will spend approximately 80% of their time in clinical settings, with the rest in a learning environment. As the time at university will be less than some other students, the time to complete an apprenticeship can take longer - this can be between two and four years.
As students undertaking a degree apprenticeship, the curriculum won’t differ drastically from the curriculum that is studied by those undertaking the traditional route. An important thing to note is that nursing degree apprenticeships aren’t currently available at every university. So, it’s important to do your research, and check for the apprenticeships online, and which university they’re connected to.
If you’re an aspiring occupational therapy student who is interested in spending more time in clinical practice, the degree apprenticeship could be the route for you.
FAQS
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Occupational therapy apprenticeships - training that suits you
Did you know that occupational therapy apprenticeships are fully funded? This means that you won’t have to pay back any tuition fees or loans, and you’ll even be paid whilst you’re working with your employer! Occupational therapy apprenticeships provide a fantastic opportunity to develop all of the required skills and characteristics to be an amazing occupational therapist.