msc occupational therapy personal statement

Occupational therapy personal statement example

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Have you ever had a moment where you thought to yourself, “This is exactly where I am supposed to be”? This exact thought runs through my mind as I work toward my goal of changing career paths, from healthcare administration to a career as an Occupational therapist. My interest in the profession began in high school while working at a home health and rehabilitation company. Occupational therapy attracted my attention because not only does the discipline address physical needs, but it addresses the psychological and emotional needs of individuals. I have always wanted to work in healthcare , to work and interact with people, and the opportunity to assist others in leading healthy and fulfilling lives; which makes Occupational therapy the perfect fit for me.

Initially, when I began my undergraduate studies at Slippery Rock University, I was an exercise science major with every intention to pursue a career in Occupational therapy. Unfortunately, during my first semester I dealt with difficult personal issues that caused me to struggle to adjust to the college environment and focus on my coursework, therefore negatively impacting my academic performance. Being new to the university, I was unaware of the resources available for emotional support nor the option to withdrawal from the courses in which I fell behind. This experience left me with a lack of confidence and confusion in regards to my capability of succeeding as an exercise science major. Despite the challenges that I was facing, my fervor for helping others persisted and I was lead to my major in Healthcare Administration and Management, where I found my work could still benefit others while working behind the scenes in administration.

While I had once believed that a career in administration was right for me, after graduation I decided to pursue Occupational therapy based on my experiences with my grandfather who has Parkinson’s Disease. While other members of my family are living with Parkinson’s, it was not until my grandfather was diagnosed in 2016 that I fully understood it’s effects. This diagnosis has a rippling effect, radiating onto the individual as well as their loved ones. It has been incredibly difficult to watch as Parkinson’s disease attempts to strip my grandfather of his self-reliance and ability to do the things that give him fulfillment. Occupational therapy allows him to hold onto his independence and to remain living safely in his home. His occupational therapists have provided him with intervention such as the special pencil grips that enable him to complete his nightly crossword puzzles, an exercise plan that allows him to maintain his strength, and education on safety in the home and safety during transfers. The positive impact that occupational therapy has on my grandfather’s quality of life is the reason that I have chosen to pursue this path again. I too, want to be someone who enhances and enables others to participate in the everyday activities that give their lives meaning.

I believe that my undergraduate degree in Healthcare Administration and Management is my strength and makes me a unique applicant. My degree provided me with the knowledge in the principles behind healthcare leadership , healthcare quality improvement processes, motivation, teamwork processes, healthcare information systems, the legal and regulatory environment, as well as managed care and healthcare reimbursement. I have had the opportunity to gain insight and experience by working in a variety of settings such as home health, long-term care, and adult day health care. By working in administration, I have seen firsthand how Occupational therapists work cohesively with different departments in order to ensure that patients receive the best quality of care. I have grown professionally through my experiences in healthcare, by developing a strong work ethic along with key skills such as communication, team work, social perceptiveness, problem solving, and organization – all which are skills that I will carry with me into a career in Occupational therapy. I possess knowledge not only in the science and anatomical requirements necessary to pursue a graduate degree in Occupational therapy, but also in the skills needed to become a leader in the field. As the healthcare industry evolves, Occupational therapists are being asked to take on leadership roles which include a greater understanding of the business of healthcare. My degree in healthcare administration and management has provided me with the assets needed to successfully take on these roles.

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Occupational Therapy Personal Statement Example

Sample statement.

Occupational Therapy is a highly rewarding career that allows you to meet a range of people from different backgrounds and get real job satisfaction. If you’re planning on applying to study Occupational Therapy at university, and you’re struggling with your personal statement, here is an example to help you out:

I have been interested in a career within the care industry for a long time and after completing various work experience placements I have decided that Occupational Therapy is the correct career path for me.

At school I spent time at a paediatric ward as part of my work experience placement and was able to shadow various members of staff, including the paediatric occupational therapists.

I got to see first-hand how different therapy techniques, such as art therapy, can be combined with an individual’s care plan to give them as normal a life as possible. This placement gave me a valuable insight into the daily life of an occupational therapist and convinced me that I was making the right career choice.

During my time at college I was employed part time in a care home for the elderly as a kitchen assistant. This allowed me to become familiar with one of the environments that an occupational therapist could find themself in. My time at the care home also allowed me to see how different kinds of specialist equipment and therapy can be used to make a real difference to a patient’s life.

My time at school and college, as well as my part time work, has helped me to develop my communication and teamwork skills. I enjoy interacting with other people and meeting new people. I also enjoy learning about how the human brain works, which is why I studied Psychology and Sociology at A Level.

I hope that my time at university will enable to me to further understand how people interact with each other and develop the vital skills I need to become a good occupational therapist. I look forward to the new challenges life at university will bring.

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Occupational Therapy Tips & Resources

OT School: How to Write a Personal Statement

Check out the OT Latina Personal Statement Guide for Occupational Therapy School! Follow the OT Latina Blog for more content.

Applying to OT school can get a little overwhelming. On top of the list of pre-admission requirements, you are also probably required to provide a personal statement.

If you need help to get the ball rolling on your essay, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s my guide on how to write an occupational therapy school personal statement, hope it helps!

What is a personal statement?

It’s an essay. Your standard essay style with paragraphs, double-spaced, and brief. Try to keep it at about 1-2 pages, but no more than 2 pages.

What should be included in a personal statement?

The personal statement is your chance to tell the admissions board about yourself, who you are, what occupational therapy means to you, and why they should admit you into their program.

Introduction

Briefly introduce yourself with a bold and captivating intro statement. For example, in my personal statement, I began with “As a first-generation Latina who was raised by a strong and empathetic woman, it came naturally that I wanted to pursue a career in occupational therapy.” Start building a short introduction.

You can mention a few hobbies you enjoy, and what degree you earned in your undergraduate work. You can tie it all together in relation to occupational therapy. Example: I earned my degree in Exercise Science because I found interest in the way the human body functions. I hope to couple my passion for learning about anatomy and exercise with holistic occupational therapy methods to provide the best quality of care to others.

Focus on a theme.

You can choose to write about what inspired you to pursue a career in occupational therapy, write about what potential you have in this career, what new ideas or interests in research you can bring to occupational therapy, etc. In my personal statement, I decided to focus on writing about my potential in the career and how my experiences (research, volunteer, education, personality traits) will help maximize the potential in others.

Describe what traits, extracurricular activities, and/or leadership opportunities you had in the past that would transfer well into the occupational therapy career. I participated in many research groups and labs within my undergraduate major in exercise science, so I decided to include those experiences. Since occupational therapy is advancing toward more areas of research within the profession, admission committees may find it appealing to have a student who already has experience in research methods.

Why occupational therapy?

• Why did you decide to pursue a career in OT?
• How have you helped others in the past and how does it translate to OT?
• How has your volunteer experience helped you choose a career in OT?
• How will you help engage others in occupational therapy?
• What attributes or traits do have that will make you a great therapist?

Make sure you research what occupational therapy is and that you have a clear understanding of the field. The OT field has so many career pathways, definitions, and niche subjects embedded within, it’s your job to describe your understanding of occupational therapy, what it means to you, and how you will contribute to the profession.

Feel free to explore different writing styles and themes. One piece of advice I was given was to write freely on a piece of paper or on your laptop. Let the words flow with no limitations. Once you have a good chunk of information, you can sculpt your essay the way you want it to look.

Keep it clear, brief, and professional. Admission committees want to see how well you can express yourself in a professional manner and how you articulate yourself in a brief essay.

Have someone proofread your essay before submitting it. You can ask peers, previous mentors, professors, or OTs you’ve shadowed in the past to proofread your essay. Make sure there are no spelling or grammar errors, and that the person proofreading is able to understand your themes, ideas, and content.

Lastly, don’t stress too much. I get it, I’ve been there, but you will get through it. I hope these tips help you craft your personal essay. I wish you luck on your journey to becoming an occupational therapist!

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Share this:, published by brianda karina cortez.

I am a licensed pediatric occupational therapist currently practicing in Texas. I am originally from Harlingen, Texas, a Bordertown in the Rio Grande Valley. I have a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy. A few things I enjoy are exercising, reading, writing, exploring my spirituality, meditating, outdoor adventures, and dancing. View more posts

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Occupational Therapy Personal Statement

Read our real example of Occupational Therapy personal statement to be able to work on your application for university.

Occupational Therapy Personal Statement Example

To me, occupational therapy’s guiding principles – above all, equipping individuals with the skills and confidence to lead full, rewarding lives – strike a chord as the best way to restore health. It would be a privilege and an enriching experience to be part of a profession based on these ideals that could improve the lives of others.

As a result of my diverse upbringing, I have excellent communication and empathy skills. After living in various countries throughout my childhood, my family and I finally settled in the United Kingdom. Living temporarily in several different places, often overcoming language barriers, has helped me to appreciate communication and to strive to improve it. I have also encountered people from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds by living in such a diverse range of places.

My experience completing the first year of a BSc in Biomedical Sciences, which I believed did not suit my career goals or academic interests, demonstrated my aptitude for higher education and suitability to work as an occupational therapist. I left the course after feeling that course did not suit my interests or career goals. The position I held as a course representative required me to communicate effectively with fellow students and assist in formulating proposals that would improve the quality of the course for them. These skills are relevant to the work of occupational therapists, in my opinion. In addition, the experience of taking an unsuitable course has taught me not to make big decisions lightly and to pursue a career I am genuinely interested in. I feel confident that occupational therapy is the right course for me, and I look forward to completing it with full enthusiasm.

As a result of shadowing an occupational therapist, I have gained a deeper understanding of this fascinating field. The experience of eyeing the work of the therapist and seeing how the central goal of everything that they did was orchestrated at helping people to lead fulfilling lives, whether through coaching people on techniques to control problems such as anxiety or assisting individuals to develop plans for themselves, was inspirational. I was positively impressed with the therapist’s ability to understand people’s conditions through a combination of talking to them and keeping an eye on them as they went about their business, not to mention the importance that the therapist attached to assessing each individual thoroughly to ensure that the help that they offered would benefit the individual and their circumstances.

I recently spent four weeks volunteering at a local school, where I worked daily with the children. I spent a considerable amount of the time on the placement working with a disabled girl, in the form of helping her and keeping her company during breaks and lunchtimes. Being able to help children in this way was a great pleasure, and working with kids from a variety of backgrounds made me realise the significance of the role that occupational therapists can play in helping children who come from troubled families. Indeed, the rewarding experience of working with children has made me develop an interest in working as a paediatric occupational therapist one day. I was inspired to carry out this work experience through the sense of accomplishment I derived from helping to organise a Christmas party for a group of disabled children whilst I was at college. The experience made me realise that helping people was something that drives me to make the most of my skills and abilities. I believe that qualifying as an occupational therapist would be an ideal profession for me to be able to do this.

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Occupational Therapy Personal Statement Examples

• 1 Personal Statement Examples & Course Overview
• 2 Career Opportunities
• 3 UK Admission Requirements
• 4 UK Earnings Potential For Occupational Therapists
• 5 Similar Courses in UK
• 6 UK Curriculum
• 7 Alumni Network

Personal Statement Examples & Course Overview

• Personal Statement Example 1
• Personal Statement Example 2
• Personal Statement Example 3
• Personal Statement Example 4
• Personal Statement Example 5

Ever been intrigued by the idea of helping individuals live fulfilling and productive lives despite physical, mental, or social challenges? Inspired by the prospect of empowering people to engage fully in daily activities, through therapeutic practices?

If so, a career in Occupational Therapy could be your ideal journey. This rewarding field equips you with the knowledge and skills to devise personalised therapy programmes, aimed at enhancing individuals’ ability to participate in everyday tasks.

Occupational therapy is a health profession that focuses on helping people with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities to develop skills to participate in everyday activities.

Students in the occupational therapy course will learn how to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. They will also learn how to design and implement interventions to help individuals achieve their goals.

Occupational therapy is a dynamic and growing field, and students will gain an understanding of the latest trends and research in the field.

Additionally, students will gain an understanding of the ethical and legal aspects of the profession, as well as the social and cultural implications of providing services to people with disabilities.

The course will also provide students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through clinical placements, giving them the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings.

👍 When writing a personal statement : Highlight your passion for the course, demonstrating your understanding of it. Use relevant personal experiences, coursework, or work history to showcase how these have fostered your interest and readiness for the course.

Career Opportunities

A person with an occupational therapy degree can pursue a wide range of careers and professions. These include:

1. Occupational Therapist: Occupational therapists help people with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities to perform everyday activities. They evaluate their clients’ needs and create individualized treatment plans to help them reach their goals. They may work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practices, schools, and other settings.

2. Occupational Therapy Assistant: Occupational therapy assistants work under the supervision of an occupational therapist to help clients perform activities of daily living. They may provide direct patient care, assist with therapeutic exercises, and help with other tasks related to the client’s treatment plan.

3. Occupational Therapy Aide: Occupational therapy aides provide support to occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. They may help with administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records. They may also provide direct patient care, such as helping with therapeutic exercises.

4. Rehabilitation Counselor: Rehabilitation counselors work with individuals who have physical, mental, or developmental disabilities. They help them develop the skills needed to live independently and find meaningful employment. They may also provide mental health counseling and other support services.

5. Research and Development: Occupational therapists may pursue research and development roles in the medical field. They may be involved in developing new treatments and therapies, as well as conducting research to improve existing treatments.

UK Admission Requirements

In order to be accepted into the Occupational Therapy course at a UK university, applicants must have a minimum of three A-Levels, or equivalent qualifications, at grade C or above.

These A-Levels must include at least one science subject, such as Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. Additionally, applicants must have a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English Language, Mathematics, and Science.

The entry criteria for this course is similar to other health-related courses at UK universities, such as Nursing or Physiotherapy. The main difference is that the Occupational Therapy course requires applicants to have at least one science A-Level , whereas other health-related courses may not. Additionally, some universities may require a minimum of two science A-Levels for the Occupational Therapy course.

UK Earnings Potential For Occupational Therapists

The average earnings for someone with a degree in Occupational Therapy in the UK is £34,000 per year. This figure is expected to increase in the coming years due to the growing demand for occupational therapists in the UK.

The demand for occupational therapists is expected to increase due to the aging population and the need for more health and social care services. Additionally, the UK government is investing heavily in the NHS, which is likely to lead to an increase in the number of jobs available for occupational therapists.

The job market for occupational therapists is also expected to benefit from the increasing number of people with disabilities and chronic illnesses, as well as the growing demand for mental health services.

Similar Courses in UK

Other related university courses to Occupational Therapy include Physiotherapy, Speech and Language Therapy, and Social Work.

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession that focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of physical impairments, disabilities, and pain. It is a hands-on approach to helping people improve their physical functioning and quality of life.

It is focused on the physical body and its movement, whereas Occupational Therapy is focused on the person as a whole, including their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Speech and Language Therapy is a healthcare profession that focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders. It is focused on helping people improve their communication skills and swallowing abilities.

It is focused on communication, whereas Occupational Therapy is focused on helping people achieve their goals in life, such as being able to perform activities of daily living.

Social Work is a profession dedicated to helping people improve their lives and well-being. It is focused on helping people overcome their challenges and achieve their goals. Social Work is focused on helping people develop their social skills, whereas Occupational Therapy is focused on helping people improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

UK Curriculum

Occupational Therapy covers a range of topics, including anatomy and physiology, neuroscience, psychology, sociology, and research methods. It also covers a range of clinical topics, such as musculoskeletal, neurological, and mental health conditions, as well as paediatrics and geriatrics.

In addition to the theoretical components of the course, students will also gain hands-on experience in the form of placements. These placements will involve working with clients in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, schools, and community centres. During the placements, students will be able to observe and practice a range of occupational therapy skills, such as assessment, intervention, and evaluation.

The course also includes a range of practical activities, such as role-play, group work, and problem-solving exercises. These activities are designed to give students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world context.

Finally, the course also includes a range of modules on professional practice, such as ethics, communication, and legal and professional issues. These modules are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to practice as an occupational therapist.

Alumni Network

Notable alumni from the occupational therapy course include Dr. Jeanette M. Taira, who is a professor at the University of Southern California’s Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy.

She is a leader in the field of occupational therapy, having published numerous articles on the subject and having served as a mentor to many occupational therapy students. Dr. Taira has also been involved in numerous research projects, including a study on the use of virtual reality in the treatment of children with autism.

In addition to Dr. Taira, other notable alumni from the occupational therapy course include Dr. Mary Vining Radomski, who is the director of the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research at the National Institutes of Health. She has been a leader in the field of occupational therapy for many years, having published numerous articles on the subject and having served as a mentor to many occupational therapy students.

Alumni events and networking opportunities for occupational therapy students are available through the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). The AOTA hosts an annual conference, which provides a platform for alumni to network and share their experiences. Additionally, the AOTA offers online networking opportunities, such as webinars, to help alumni stay connected with one another and to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.

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Consider These Occupational Therapy Personal Statements

Table of Contents

Personal statements are a standard encounter in professional and student life. They give recruiters a glimpse into our personalities and help them understand our goals. While an  occupational therapist personal statement  might seem like a daunting task, there are tips and examples you can use as a guide. Read til the end to learn more about them.

But first, we need to establish a few fundamentals.

What is an Occupational Therapist?

 An occupational therapist is a healthcare specialist who works with patients of all ages to help them develop, recover and maintain daily living skills. Through creative activities and purposeful engagements, the OT helps people overcome physical or mental limitations in order to lead satisfying and productive lives.

An OT’s clients include any person whose mobility and mental faculties have been impaired by birth defects, accidents, and developmental issues. 

OTs strive to enhance the quality of life for clients across numerous settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, rehabilitation centers, and private practice. 

The Importance of Personal Statements

Personal statements are standard requirements for job applications and special course applications. They are special essays that allow candidates to introduce themselves and highlight the key aspects of their professional and educational background .

Personal statements outline an applicant’s experience, skills, values, and commitments relevant to their intended venture and give a holistic view of their character. They focus on demonstrating an individual’s ability to be a productive member of an organization and show how they are suitable for a role. 

The true value of personal statements lies in their ability to create impressions. They influence a recruiter’s perception of an applicant, allowing candidates to showcase their individuality.

Tips for Writing an Occupational Therapist Personal Statement

Writing an  occupational therapist personal statement  is a straightforward task that relies heavily on your exposition and word choice. You can simplify your task by following these tips: 

1. Highlight your unique qualifications and experiences relevant to occupational therapy – this could include any related work experience, internships, research, or other special interests. 

2. Utilize storytelling techniques to describe how you became interested in the field of occupational therapy and what drove you to pursue it. 

3. Focus on conveying your passion for helping people with physical disabilities while demonstrating knowledge of evidence-based practices and modalities. 

4. Incorporate specific examples that illustrate your strong communication skills and empathy when working with patients. 

5. Be concise and make sure every sentence contains a vivid image, descriptive word, or phrase that sets it apart from others.

If you need a bit more help applying these tips, check out the examples from our Hey INK tool in the following section.

Occupational Therapist Personal Statement Examples

As a seasoned occupational therapist, I am passionate about empowering my clients to reach their full potential. Through evidence-based practices and experiential interventions, I strive to enhance the lives of individuals in need by providing meaningful and impactful care. 

My collaborative approach helps me foster trusting relationships with clients, enabling them to build confidence and resilience as they navigate life’s challenges. I devise innovative solutions tailored to each individual and combine treatment with entertainment to maximize their effectiveness. 

By leveraging my expertise in neurodiversity, disability studies, and cognitive rehabilitation, I ensure all participants receive holistic treatments and personalized support throughout the journey.

I have been working in occupational therapy for several years and am passionate about helping those in need. During my career, I have had the privilege to shadow some of the top therapists and observe their techniques first-hand. 

This experience gave me a greater appreciation for how important quality care is when it comes to treating patients. Additionally, through college courses and seminars, I learned different ways to apply my knowledge to help people heal. 

I believe that my education, volunteer experiences, and personal dedication make me an ideal candidate for any position related to occupational therapy. It is my great pride to be part of a profession that offers so many rewarding and meaningful benefits. 

I feel fortunate to be part of such a respected and meaningful profession. I am confident that I can bring a lot to the table when it comes to providing high-quality healthcare. My goal is to use my skills and knowledge to offer a level of service that exceeds expectations. Ultimately, I want to continue pursuing my career aspirations in this exciting and ever-changing industry!

I have always enjoyed being able to help others. When I decided on a career path as an Occupational Therapist, it felt like a natural fit. I am committed to providing the best care available to assist patients and their families through the process of reclaiming health and well-being. 

On any given day, I’m looking for ways to read a patient’s progress. I teach them how to use different resources and look at how the family can work together to create contentment in life. 

It is truly rewarding to be able to think back on all the people I’ve been able to assist and complete this journey with. Working as an occupational therapist has been one of the most satisfying experiences I have ever had.

An occupational therapist personal statement is a descriptive essay that shows recruiters and admissions board representatives who you are . They can affect how recruiters perceive you and your suitability for a job or course.

Take the time to practice writing your personal statements, and remember to apply our tips. They can help you crystallize good habits that will serve you in every aspect of writing.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Personal Statement

I am applying for the masters in Occupational therapy. I am in my final year at York St John University, studying Drama: Education and Community and in my three years of studying this course, what I have enjoyed most is working with community groups and noticing the impact that drama and theatre can have on people’s lives. I have worked with various community groups, including but not limited to, people who have experienced mental health problems, children from ages ten to eighteen and women in prison. I currently hold three volunteering jobs and have also been a student ambassador for eighteen months. Having worked with these community groups, I have realised the importance of occupations as therapy.                  

This course is well suited to my style of working as it geared towards the ‘person-centred’ approach, of which I am very much in favour of. Having already seen the relationship between health, well-being, participation and occupation, more specifically in the field of drama and theatre, I am well attuned to the possibilities of occupational therapy. I am aware of the ever-changing systems put in place to facilitate those in care and am more than prepared to adapt and cater to whatever challenges may arise. At the end of this course, I wish to take up a career as an occupational therapist.

In the second year of my studies, myself and seven of my course colleagues carried out an eight-week drama club project at Park Grove Primary School for key stage two pupils. Our objectives were to encourage pupils to consider the challenges but also benefits of growing up and becoming independent. Drama was an effective tool to achieve these objectives as it created an osmosis between myself, my co-facilitators and the participants. The pupils became active in their learning and this created a dialogue between themselves and the facilitators. This project also became a turning point in my capability to adapt workshops according to ability, for example, one of the pupils in the group was not fully mobile. Therefore, we adapted games such as ‘stuck in the mud’, as instead of travelling between people’s legs to ‘free’ other participants, they passed under people’s arms. This is turn was no major alteration and it enabled full participation, which as a facilitator is crucial as it ensures that no one is targeted and the whole group can be involved.

I am currently a volunteer for two theatre companies based in York, named ‘In the Moment’ and ‘Out of Character’, which comprise of mental health service users. Having worked with Out of Character for two years and In the Moment for almost a year, I have heard of many negative experiences with the current mental health services. The main point being that in review meetings based on the patients, there has been situations where neither the patient nor their family have had an active role in helping to decide the best treatment, as matters had already been decided before they even entered the meetings. There has also been points where they have not been allowed in at all and this is turn has caused a negative view of those in health care. This is one of the most prominent reasons why I would like to pursue a career in occupational therapy, as a large part of its execution is participation and in doing that, the individual in question is involved in their care. To me, it makes sense that the person-centred approach is most appropriate, unless there are extreme circumstances that prevent that individual from being able to make rational decisions that are safe.

Finally, I have been a student ambassador for eighteen months and we have many different schools come to the university to learn more about higher education. Recently we had what we call an ‘aspirations day’, which is centred on getting younger people to think about university and we had a group of twenty-one year eight students who were visiting us for the day. At lunch time, there was one student who got upset because she had been told not to bring a packed lunch, despite the school knowing that she is not keen on certain foods. In this situation, there was an issue with the teacher who ended up treating this student like she was a problem, in addition to this, none of the students had met this teacher before so they were not comfortable interacting with her. This in turn meant that the student was refusing to speak and did not co-operate and some of the staff became concerned that she was not going to stay on task. However, as a student with a shorter age gap, I waited for an opportune moment to calmly interact with her and look for something else to talk about that might interest her, in this case, it was the fact that she was a twin. Within twenty-five minutes, I had her talking to me about her interests and she started to become more engaged with the day. For me, the most crucial aspects to this situation, was patience and understanding, there is no point in trying to fight a losing battle. In a person-centred setting, it is the individual in question who is the most important as at the end of the day, it is them whom we are caring for. As long as they are safe, we should cater to their interests and needs in order to help them progress. In addition to this, the more you know, the more able you are to prepare and plan for new situations because you already have an idea of what that individuals needs and wants are.

Having had experience in facilitating drama workshops, two of the most crucial elements are reflection and feedback. At NHS Peppermill Court, an acute mental health facility, myself and my colleague conduct half-hour workshops on Mondays called ‘games and movement’, intended to help improve basic tool handling, social interaction and self-esteem. Each week we are required to write up a reflection on the session, thinking about what went well, what could be improved and what we could do next time. These prove useful for both myself and my colleague and the occupational therapy staff at the facility as we are always looking to improve and adapt future workshops. Sometimes this proves a challenge as we have different participants each week with different abilities, but it allows us to consider how we may deliver those workshops. This has also strengthened my recording skills as each week we are required to keep a record of how effective these workshops are. As an occupational therapist, it is crucial to keep record of individual’s progress and my own progress, as it then allows me to critically analyse the quality of my work and how that can be developed.

I am also confident in communicating with others as in both my job as a student ambassador and as a retail assistant at Primark, I meet numerous amounts of people every day. I am confident in approaching people who need help or may just want to chat, and this can often create a more comfortable and positive atmosphere, therefore improving their experience. In occupational therapy this is vital as you really need to have the drive to speak to people and be confident in communicating with anyone who may walk through the door. The more confident and friendly you are, the more likely patients will feel they able to trust you with their care.

I am applying for the occupational therapy masters as I already some of the crucial skills that are required of an occupation therapist: the adaptability to work with the changing system, the understanding of the importance of participation and the ability to reflect and critically analyse crucial information. In this course, I hope to strengthen these skills even further and get a better academic understanding of occupational therapy and discover more about the scientific aspect of occupational therapy. After the two-year course, I hope to pursue a career in occupational therapy and help to improve many individuals’ quality of life.

Thank you for taking the time to read this personal statement, I hope to hear from you soon.

Chlöe Timson

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What to write in personal statement

I am wanting to transfer from another BSc course to BSc OT and they have asked me to write a personal statement of my reasons for changing: “please forward full reasons for your request and a personal statement with details of your knowledge and experience of the Occupational Therapy profession” I don’t have any experience of the OT profession and could not get any voluntary or paid right now. I never had experience regarding my current health profession degree that I am on either yet I was accepted. I just learned about OT from YouTube and people from my college a course who went onto to study OT and I think that OT suits me much better than my previous health degree. To add: I don’t know if this will help me but I have a previous BSc Psychology and MSc Health Psychology.

Any help, thank you.

Occupational Therapy (MSc)

• Duration: 18 months
• Mode: Full time

Find out more about studying here as a postgraduate at our next Open Day .

Why study this course

This course, for practicing occupational therapists, aims to develop your knowledge and essential skills to help you progress your career.

Learning community

You will benefit from learning alongside a diverse group who are studying at various points in their career.

Student support

You will have academic support and be assigned a designated personal tutor throughout your studies with us.

High-quality teaching

You will be taught by experienced educational and clinical staff with considerable local, national and international reputations.

Join a School ranked 1 st in the UK for Occupational Therapy (BSc) by the Complete University Guide 2021. Our programme has close links with the College of Occupational Therapists which means that your learning is both current and relevant. It provides a sound grounding in the theory and occupation-focused practice whilst also building on your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.  You will develop the knowledge required to approach your practice innovatively, apply research and evidence to shape current and future practice in your home country and beyond.

This is a flexible course that allows you to tailor your own professional development to suit your needs, through a range of occupational therapy and interprofessional modules such as developing your skills in patient safety or transforming care systems and services through leadership. You will also cover core areas such as Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Theory and Application.

Your learning will be supported by experienced researchers and academics who are experts in their field. You will be designated a personal tutor who will support you throughout your studies.

In addition, you will be learning alongside a globally diverse group who are studying at various points in their career, sharing knowledge and gaining understanding of Occupational Therapy practice across the world.

Be part of something life-changing and take on a new challenge today.

Where you'll study

School of Healthcare Sciences

Our courses are designed to provide you with the knowledge and experience you need to embark on a professional healthcare career.

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• Marker University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN

Admissions criteria

In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.

With your online application you will need to provide:

• A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:2 honours degree in Occupational Therapy (with or without post registration clinical experience), or an equivalent international degree. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates. Or, a copy of your certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a Diploma in Occupational Therapy, or an equivalent international qualification, and a reference from your current employer to confirm that you have two years' practice experience. References should be signed, dated and less than six months old at the time you submit your application.
•  A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.
• A personal statement which must address the following points:
• Why have you selected this programme?
• What interests you about this programme?
• Any relevant experience related to the programme or module content.
• How you plan to use the qualification in your career.
• How you and your profession will benefit from your studies.
• Why you feel you should be given a place on the programme.

Application Deadline

We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of July but may close sooner if all places are filled. 

Selection process

We will review your application and if you meet all of the entry requirements, including an assessment of suitability through the personal statement, we will make you an offer.

Find out more about English language requirements .

Criminal convictions

You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.

If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:

• access to computers or devices that can store images
• use of internet and communication tools/devices
• freedom of movement
• contact with people related to Cardiff University.

Course structure

The MSc Occupational Therapy programme is modular, and students must complete 120 credits in the taught component of the programme and a further 60 credits in the dissertation component. 90 credits are core modules and must be undertaken, and 30 credits are optional. Taught modules are arranged in block format and run throughout the semester.

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2024/25 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2024.

In Year One you will complete three core modules (90 credits) and one optional module (30 credits) which equates to 120 credits of the taught component of the programme.

In Year Two you will complete your dissertation from a choice of three options (60 Credits).

The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.

Learning and assessment

How will i be taught.

Teaching is mainly through discussions, lecturer-led sessions, student-led seminars, presentations and individual tutorials. There are also some lectures.

Self-directed study forms an important part of the course, and you will be guided in the areas for study.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through written assignments and oral presentations. This enables you to demonstrate your ability to analyse and evaluate situations and to use different ways to present your ideas and abilities. The research project is a culmination of the development of these skills.

How will I be supported?

The University offers a wide range of services and activities designed to support you. These include a student counselling service, a student advisory service, crèche and day facilities, sport and exercise facilities, as well as campus information, library and IT services.

This programme gives you the opportunity to share ideas with health professionals. As well as developing your own intellectual abilities, this sharing of ideas enables you to learn and benefit from the experiences of others. Opportunity is given for this sort of discussion and exchange of ideas through seminars and tutorials.

You are given a named personal tutor following registration onto the programme, who is able to assist with any pastoral care as well as advice on writing style, grammar and academic mentoring.

All modules within the programme make extensive use of Cardiff University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Learning Central, on which students will find programme materials, links to related materials and assessment exemplars.

We will provide you with feedback on your work in a variety of formats. These will include oral feedback during lectures, written feedback provided through online module discussion forums, and electronic written feedback on assessed coursework through GradeMark.  You can discuss your overall performance with your personal tutor.

The University offers a wide range of services and activities designed to support you. These include a student counselling service, a student advisory service, day care facilities, sport and exercise facilities, as well as campus information, library and IT services.

Our student app allows you to access Cardiff University services and personalised information in one place in a simple and convenient way from a smartphone via the app store. 

Features include: 

• Campus maps
• Student library renewals, payments and available items
• Student timetable
• Find an available PC
• Access to help and student support
• Student news
• Receive important notifications
• Links to launch other University apps such as Outlook (for email) and Blackboard (for Learning Central).
• Links to recommended apps such as Nextbike to help make the most of their student experience.

What skills will I practise and develop?

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme can be found below:

Knowledge & Understanding:

• Develop an analytical and problem-solving approach and show advanced skills in implementing the occupational therapy process.
• Develop an in depth understanding of occupational therapy theory, the evidence behind it, and its application in practice.
• Confidence in initiating change and advancing the occupational therapy profession through scholarship and leadership.

Intellectual Skills:

• Evaluate practice and critically appraise advances or changes in professional practice.
• Ability to reflect on own practice and therapeutic use of self.
• Ability to engage in critical analysis, advanced scholarship, and research.

Professional Practical Skills:

• Develop standards of practice based on reflective thinking and problem-solving.
• Confidently link theory to practice.

Transferable/Key Skills:

• Critical appraisal skills and ability to manage a research-based project.
• Ability to initiate change and advance the profession through research and critical thinking.
• Ability to communicate clear and concisely in both speech and writing, presenting well-considered arguments.
• Ability to work to deadlines and prioritise workload.

Tuition fees for 2024 entry

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.

Learn how we decide your fee status

Fees for home status

Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland

If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, your tuition fees for 2024/25 be in line with the overseas fees for international students, unless you qualify for home fee status. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees .

Fees for island status

Learn more about the postgraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man .

Fees for overseas status

More information about tuition fees and deposits , including for part-time and continuing students.

Financial support

Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.

Additional costs

Will i need any specific equipment to study this course/programme, living costs.

We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff .

Master's Scholarships

An award open to UK students intending to study one of our taught master’s degrees.

Postgraduate loans

If you are starting your master’s degree in September 2024 or later, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study at Cardiff University.

Alumni Discount

The alumni discount is available for Cardiff University graduates who are planning to start an eligible master's in 2024/25.

Careers and placements

The MSc Occupational Therapy offers an opportunity to develop your evaluative, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and to increase your practical and theoretical knowledge of occupational therapy, so that you can apply these skills in the further advancement of your profession.

A professional postgraduate qualification can lead to opportunities to develop your career in a number of directions, from advanced practice in your clinical area, into management or leadership roles, or to positions in education. Postgraduate taught study is also an ideal stepping stone to undertaking further study or research.

Our graduates have gained roles including:

• Occupational therapy positions
• Occupational therapy management positions
• Educational positions such as lecturer
• Research Associate
• PhD studentship

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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.

Module information

Postgraduate

Be part of a thriving postgraduate community in a university known internationally for outstanding research and teaching.

Postgraduate prospectus 2024

Download a copy of our prospectus, school and subject brochures, and other guides.

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Get in touch if you have a question about studying with us.

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Entry-level occupational therapy doctorate faq, about the profession.

Occupational therapists help people to develop or adapt the skills they need for everyday living. A homemaker with rheumatoid arthritis learns to become more self-reliant using energy conservation and work simplification techniques. A high-school student with a spinal cord injury learns to navigate life from a wheelchair and to use technology to participate in the classroom. A child born with a developmental disability learns to play with other children. Occupational therapists work in many traditional and emerging settings. They may work as members of a health care team to provide needed rehabilitation services, or they may work with school systems or local agencies to help those in need to participate more fully in life.

Occupational therapy is a health profession dedicated to helping people participate fully in life. When people are faced with overcoming the effects of delay, deprivation, trauma, or stress, occupational therapists help them engage in occupations or everyday activities that are personally meaningful, socially satisfying, and culturally relevant. When occupational therapists focus on the pattern of occupations and the ways in which occupations shape people's lives, they act as agents of prevention, education, and restoration.

The most satisfying aspect of an occupational therapy career is making a positive impact on the way people live their lives. Occupational therapists must be excellent observers of human behavior, good problem-solvers, great listeners, and persistent advocates for their clients. They find the most effective means of collaborating with their clients to achieve meaningful solutions. Effective occupational therapists display a combination of creative and pragmatic approaches, along with excellent interpersonal communication skills.

There are many opportunities for specialization in occupational therapy once you have graduated, passed the certification exam, and begun entry level practice in the field. Probably the most frequently pursued specializations are in the area of adult rehabilitation, pediatrics, and hand therapy. Emerging areas of practice include ergonomics, vision rehabilitation, community consultation, driver rehabilitation, and working with elders in assisted living. Occupational therapists may also work in Native American health centers, prisons and detention centers, industrial and corporate settings, rural communities, and in school systems. The possibilities for working in different settings with unusual populations also abound. The education you receive as an occupational therapy student provides you with the professional skills and attitudes, and critical thinking tools to make a significant contribution in many settings for many people who have not traditionally been served by occupational therapy.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor lists occupational therapy in the top 20 professions for projected job growth. The uniqueness of occupational therapy, its focus, habilitation and rehabilitation, its contribution to wellness and its ability to serve a wide variety of clients/patients in multiple settings, all bring a variety of employment opportunities to graduates. The Department of Labor expects occupational therapy to grow much faster than average, which means a projected growth rate of over 27 percent between 2014 to 2024.

Salaries vary according to geographic region. In South Carolina, the average starting salary is currently $55,000. The average salary for an occupational therapist in the United States is $80,150 per year.

General Program Questions

The Division of Occupational Therapy expects to enroll the first cohort of students in the hybrid format Occupational Therapy Doctorate program in fall 2025. The hybrid format has been approved by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education and is being reviewed by ACOTE. Learn more about the hybrid format .

The primary difference between the two formats is how the curriculum is delivered. In the residential format, students will be expected to reside in or near Charleston, SC and attend classes on campus. In the hybrid format, students do not need to relocate and will complete their coursework online (synchronous and asynchronously) and attend intensive on-campus sessions each semester in Charleston, SC at MUSC. The curriculum for both formats is the same. Learn more about the hybrid format .

Beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year, the program will begin at the end of August each year, and last for 8 semesters or approximately 33 months. Students graduate in May. For students who entered the program in the 2024-2025 academic year or earlier, the program begins at the end of May and lasts for 9 semesters (3 years) or approximately 36 months.

The occupational therapy division is based in the College of Health Professions. Interprofessional course work is built into the curriculum of all colleges at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). This ensures interaction between the variety of health professions, and awareness of the roles of each discipline so they work together to provide quality health care to the client.

Program graduates are eligible to take the certification examination administered by: The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. 12 South Summit Avenue, Suite 100 Gaithersburg, MD 20877-4150 301-990-7979 301-869-8492 (Fax) The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Detailed information about our graduation and NBCOT exam pass rates can be found on our Program Outcomes page .

If you have a felony conviction on your record, this may affect your ability to sit for the certification examination administered by NBCOT after you graduate; this can subsequently affect your ability to attain state licensure. Before applying to the OT program, you can contact NBCOT for information on their early determination program to assess examination eligibility. Go to NBCOT and read the Early Review section for further details.

Most students do not work during their first semester, which is a very busy short semester. Many students work part-time as their schedules permit and some students may qualify for work-study on campus.

Shadowing or observing in clinical settings is only allowed under special circumstances. The occupational therapy program is designed to provide various clinical experiences. The special circumstances are course-related activities or therapist-initiated opportunities arranged through a faculty member.

Hybrid Program

The program is 8 semesters or about 33 months.

We anticipate accepting approximately 60 students into the first cohort (fall 2025) and 70 in each cohort beginning fall 2026.

Each format has a full team of dedicated faculty and staff to support our students. Although students will have access to all of our award-winning occupational faculty, students will be taught primarily by our hybrid program faculty.

No, you do not have to relocate to South Carolina for the program. However, you do need to plan to visit the MUSC campus multiple times each semester for immersive lab experiences.

For the first two years, you'll travel to Charleston, SC, twice a semester for 6-12 days (depending on the courses that semester).

During our engaging onsite clinical immersive lab experiences, under the guidance of our expert faculty and skilled lab instructors, you'll dive into hands-on activities, practicing assessment techniques, learning therapeutic exercises, and honing your problem-solving skills through simulated cases and patient encounters.

The program uses an innovative coaching model to help you feel connected and supported during your time at MUSC. You can learn more about it here .

Clinical Education & Fieldwork

Clinical and practical experiences take place throughout the program. During the first year, there are many opportunities to gain experience working in community-based organizations. These experiences are designed for you to engage in service learning with a variety of clients and health care professionals. During the second year, one-week intensive clinical experiences are arranged in a variety of health care facilities in and around Charleston. Finally, during the 7th and 8th semesters of the program, two full-time clinical experiences, spanning almost seven months, are arranged throughout the state and region.

Fieldwork education is an integral component of the occupational therapy course of study that provides students with opportunities to integrate didactic learning with clinical experience. The purpose of fieldwork education is to develop a cadre of competent, entry-level occupational therapy practitioners through guided observations and clinical interactions that combine critical thinking and the performance of clinical skills.

The Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and OT faculty consult with students to identify available fieldwork sites that best fit each student. Selecting sites requires careful consideration of many factors including personal attributes, clinical abilities, interest in areas of practice, financial resources, housing availability, and preferences for geographic location. Due to limited availability of fieldwork sites and fieldwork educators qualified to supervise students, there is no guarantee that students will receive their preferred choice of fieldwork placements, particularly in the state of South Carolina; therefore, students should be prepared to complete fieldwork in geographic locations other than South Carolina during both the didactic coursework (Level I Fieldwork) and clinical practicum (Level II Fieldwork) portions of the curriculum.

Applying to the Program

Volunteering or working in an occupational therapy setting is compulsory to ensure that you find out whether you are selecting the right career. Applicants must volunteer, shadow, observe or work in an occupational therapy setting for at least 15 hours.

Send three reference forms, one from the occupational therapy practitioner who supervised volunteer or work experience. The second and third references should be provided by major advisors or professors. References are submitted through OTCAS.

The minimum undergraduate GPA for entry into the program is 3.0. Recent incoming average cumulative GPA’s have been in the 3.6 range. The majority of successful applicants have a GPA between a 3.2 and a 4.0.

No. The GRE is no longer required for admission.

Yes, you need to have a bachelor's degree and complete the specific course prerequisites from an accredited college or university before you enter the program.

You need to complete a minimum of 12 hours of prerequisite coursework prior to the application deadline; however, all prerequisites must be completed prior to entering the program. See the form, "Plans for Remaining Academic Year", in the application supplemental forms section online. List courses currently in progress and ones you plan to complete prior to admission into the program.

No, the program does not accept advanced placement, transfer of credit, or credit for experiential learning.

Student Services

Yes. For enrolled full-time students, the MUSC Wellness Center  provides a weight room, aerobic gymnasium, racquetball and squash courts, swimming pool, indoor and outdoor track, and tennis courts.

Faculty teaching your classes will always help you. Individual and group tutoring sessions are available on campus through the Center of Academic Excellence  at no additional cost to the student.

There is no student housing on campus. The MUSC housing office can assist students looking for accommodations. Call 843-792-0394 or visit the MUSC Housing page .

If you did not find the information you were looking for, view the OTD Student Handbook or the OT Health Advisors Handbook (PDF) .

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Occupational therapy personal statement example 4.

My life has been overshadowed with caring for people and a healthy living. Ever since I was a child my mother always instilled in me the importance of health and caring for my younger sisters and brothers.

From a very young age I wanted to go into health care, as that is the one profession where I always believed I would excel, owing to my love of caring for people and the satisfaction of being able to help those in need.

There are many health professions in this world. Why then did I choose occupational therapy? Well firstly I love the one to one contact that you have with your patients. Were you must understand their needs and find their talents and then help them in doing their hardest to make it grow.

My main reason however is that I believe that you can not reach your maximum in life, live life to the fullest if you do not know your talents. Some people's talents may be more dominant than others, but in the end if we look hard enough, we can all find that hidden power inside ourselves, the thing that makes us unique from the billons of people on this earth and gives us the power to reach our goals in life.

I had experience with teaching two children that both had varying cases of attention deficit disorder. I would sit and talk to them and then devised two different ways of teaching Arabic to both of them that I found very effective. I got far with them and both their families and I were very happy with their progress.

I have faced a lot of discrimination trying to find work experience in a health institution, owing to the fact that I am not a local. My spirits were never dampened, quite the contrary it made me want to fight harder to get what I wanted to do.

After much searching doctor Anwar Jehan kindly allowed me to shadow her in her gynecologist clinic. She let me watch and help while she looked after her patients. I loved to watch the patients of varying ages and think of ways that I could help or talk to the doctor after about there various complications.

I am also excited because I found work in the institution for Down syndrome children in Riyadh which they told me I will be able to start in a couple weeks time.

I am an independent student and self taught myself, biology, English, Islamic studies, chemistry and English literature, with slight help with the two latter a month before the exam, as having a tutor to help me through all these subjects was financially impossible.

I also did my igcse's on a part time basis owing that I was studying full time in Arabic school, which graduated from at the end of last year. I therefore have a year to dedicate to my A levels which I hope will be fruitful. I have also been chosen as the exemplary student of the year for my last four years in school, and helped to translate the school magazine from Arabic to English.

I have a great many hobbies that included playing badminton, cooking, swimming and reading classic stories and poems in both Arabic and English. I also love different languages and hope to learn many more in the next few years.

I always try to keep my life balanced between my studies and recreation, as I believe that a good mind needs a good body and that can only be enhanced through a good life and healthy living.

Your skills and hobbies are one of the things that puts all the beauty in life. We must balance that scale so that we can reach our full potential and then we will be able to help others as well as ourselves.

I hope that I have balanced my scale well enough to be able to help myself and if honored by being chosen to study in your university I will do all in my power to help balance out the people who put their well being into my hand. To make them see the power that they own, this beautiful picture that they have been put into, that becomes more colorful and detailed every day, their lives.

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This personal statement was written by ace_justncase for application in 2006.

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I think the word.

Thu, 27/11/2008 - 20:36

I think the word 'overshadowed' in the 1st sentance is inappropriate - suggests the person who wrote this was forced to do the caring...!

..and it should be 'sentence'

Thu, 27/11/2008 - 20:39

..and it should be 'sentence'..oops!

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