As part of Occupational Therapy Week 2020, the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) has launched a campaign to inspire people from all backgrounds to become occupational therapists.

Although there are over 3,500 occupational therapists in Scotland there is still a significant shortage, and the profession is included on the UK’s Shortage Occupations List. RCOT also wants to encourage people from a variety of backgrounds to qualify as occupational therapists and ensure that the profession reflects the diversity of the population it serves.

Through a social media campaign, #ChooseOT, RCOT is reaching out to school students and the people who support them to encourage more people to consider occupational therapy as a career.

RCOT Chief Executive, Julia Scott said:

“I’m sure I speak for our members in saying that being an occupational therapist is the best job in the world. It brings immense benefits and opportunities, and training to be an occupational therapist leads to a nationally and internationally recognised qualification.

“No two days are ever the same. You can change people’s lives on a daily basis working in the NHS, social care, schools, prisons, the emergency services and in the private and voluntary sector. The list is almost endless.

“The profession needs people from all backgrounds. So if you are a problem solver, people person, good at sizing up situations or enjoy helping people – now is the time to #ChooseOT.”

South Scotland MSP and Deputy Convener of Health & Sport Committee, Emma Harper, said;

“Occupational Therapy is a hugely rewarding career and I’m delighted to see opportunities in this valuable area of healthcare for anyone who wants a career as an Allied Healthcare Professional. The Royal College of Occupational Therapists are offering this great opportunity at a time when many people will be considering their employment in light of economic adversity and so I’d like to encourage anybody interested in training and supporting people’s physical health and well-being to apply to become an Occupational Therapist and join a great team of people with a rewarding career in healthcare.”

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Picture: Colin Mearns for Glasgow Times