Occupational therapy degree apprenticeships in England
As an apprentice you can study for a degree and have on-the-job training. This means you can earn an income as well as studying, so it is a popular option.
The first apprenticeships were launched in 2019. They are offered by over 20 universities across England working with hundreds of employers.
All degree level occupational therapist apprenticeships have RCOT accreditation. This means that they are meeting the education standards we set and as a graduate you hold a qualification recognised in any World Federation of Occupational Therapist (WFOT) member country.
Universities all work collaboratively with partner organisations, usually employers in health and social care settings and also in small and medium sized private employers (SME), to deliver on-the-job training and academic education to apprentices. This means that you work alongside experiences occupational therapists in practice, as well as undertaking degree level studies.
Successful completion of the apprenticeship programme will enable application to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for registration to practice using the protected title ‘Occupational Therapist’.
To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we've caught up with Helen, who shares what doing an apprenticeship involves and her top tips. Read more in her blog.
Quality monitoring of apprenticeships
As each employer/university relationship is unique, the pathway to delivering the apprenticeships will also be unique and varied. We offer accreditation to education providers using our Learning and development standards for pre-registration education to assess occupational therapy pre-registration programmes and ensure quality in their design and delivery.
FAQs about becoming an apprentice
What are the tuition fees to become an apprentice?
Will I be expected to attend university?
Do I have to move around different settings during my apprenticeship?
Are there exams? Which award is granted on successful completion of the apprenticeship?
I don’t live in England. Are apprenticeships still an option for me?
Are there other apprenticeships available?
Useful links to discover more about apprenticeships
RCOT membership is available for apprentices
To gain full benefit from the learning you will undertake during your apprenticeship journey, please consider becoming a member of RCOT. With our Associate Apprenticeship membership you will receive the same membership benefits as associate members (support workers), at the price of student membership. Our membership offer gives you excellent benefits to support you through your journey.