Oncology Occupational Therapist

Oncology Physiotherapist

Oncology Dietitian

Oncology Physiotherapist

Oncology Dietitian

Occupational therapists help people who find it difficult to complete day to day activities as a result of their cancer diagnosis and/or treatment. Their role is about finding ways to enable their patients to live as fully and independently as they can.

As an occupational therapist in a cancer care team, you are most likely to;

Work in a hospital or hospice setting;
Visit patients in the community or in their own homes;
Work alongside other healthcare professionals to support the patient;
Support patients to find new ways of doing things
Show patients how equipment or technology can enhance their environment
Finding strategies to meet your patient’s goals
Run groups and activities for patients to enhance their skills

Entry Requirements

You will need five GCSEs (five A-C/9-4 grade GCSE’s) including English Language, Maths and Science

Plus two or three A-Levels including a science or equivalent qualifications such as a science based access to Health Professionals course, BTEC or NVQ

To access an undergraduate degree in occupational therapy

Training Routes

You can complete a 3 year undergraduate degree in occupational therapy

There may also be the opportunity to apply for an apprenticeship degree

An alternative career would be to work as a therapy Assistant or Support Worker if you did not want to study at university.

Key Skills

You will be:

A good communicator;
Able to make people feel at ease;
Creative;
Patient;
A problem solver;
A Team player;
A Quick thinker

Pay and benefits

Occupational Therapists are paid on the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system roles starting at a Band 5, progressing with experience

Career Development

Once you’ve successfully completed your degree, you’ll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) before you can start practising

You’ll also be encouraged to join the Royal College of Occupational Therapists where you’ll be able to access training, development and support.

You can rotate through different areas to see what you enjoy, before choosing to specialise in a particular area such as cancer care.

You could go on to do further training in enhanced and advanced clinical practice or progress into a clinical team lead role to manage a team of dietitians.

You could also move into teaching or research.

FURTHER INFORMATION

NHS Careers – Occupational Therapy

Royal College of Occupational Therapists

Health and Care Professions Council