occupational therapy personal statement uk

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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.

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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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• Personal Statements
• Occupational Therapy personal statement

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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Tips for your occupational therapy application

Applying for an occupational therapy programme is an exciting time as you are taking the first steps towards becoming a qualified occupational therapist.

Before submitting your application to become an occupational therapy student:

Selecting where you would like to study occupational therapy

Take some time to consider which occupational therapy programme is right for you. Things to consider include the location of the university, the campus facilities and the learning structure of the programme, for example,

• Does the university deliver some of the programme online? 
• Is there a part-time route available to facilitate those who have child-care, other caring roles or other needs?
• Does the university offer the apprenticeship route to occupational therapy (available in England only at present)?
• Is there an accelerated Masters programme available for people who already have an undergraduate degree in a related subject?
• Is the campus easy to reach by public transport and to assist you when on placements?
• What accommodation is available for students?
• Are there opportunities to undertake placement or some of the learning overseas?
• Where might the practice placement elements take place?
• What equality, diversity and inclusion policies does the university have in place?
• What resources staffing and support does the occupational therapy programme offer?

Think about how you like to learn, and research which occupational therapy programme accommodates that the most. The admissions team at your selected university will be able to give you much more information when you make contact with them, and it’s a good idea to check out the university campus websites too.

Attending open days are also a great opportunity to meet the teaching team and talk to current occupational therapy students at the university.  Nowadays as a result of the COVID pandemic, some of these open days will have been held as online events but should still allow you to ‘meet’ the teaching teams and some fellow student applicants, as well as take a virtual tour of the university.

Also, it is important to check to see if the occupational therapy programme is accredited by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.  This means that the programme meets the educational quality standards set by the UK professional body as well as (via delegated authority) the World Federation of Occupational Therapists   and that you could work abroad in most countries of the world with the degree that you attain in the UK.

Obtaining work experience

Most universities also request that for you to be eligible to apply onto an occupational therapy programme, you need to have obtained work experience shadowing an occupational therapist in practice.  It’s the start of a lifelong journey into good practice if you appear to be well prepared at the time of your application, and have a good understanding of what occupational therapy is about. You might consider contacting local hospitals, trusts, charities and your local council where an occupational therapist is based to seek more about their experiences.  

During the aftermath of COVID-19, we realise that it will be difficult to gain access to hospitals and other organisations as a result of the restrictions, however, arranging a telephone or a video call with an occupational therapist and having a list of questions to ask them is a very good alternative.  You might also have been taking part in some sort of volunteering to help out with vulnerable groups or societies (or even befriending an individual) which would be an excellent way of demonstrating your interest in the allied health professions and supporting people to have a better life-quality.

Remember that occupational therapists will be extra- busy just now, so do plan contacts in advance if you can.

Completing your university application

Now that you have selected the university you want to apply to, the next step is completing the application. When applying for an occupational therapy programme, either through UCAS or directly to the universities you have chosen, you will be asked to write a personal statement. Make sure that you spend time on constructing this, a good idea is to brainstorm ideas first so that as you start writing the application you have a clear direction and focus.

Your personal statement is an opportunity to:

• Show your understanding of the role of an occupational therapist
• Explain how you have set out to gain a depth of experience, by examples of volunteering work and/or speaking to a range of people who work in different settings
• Demonstrate how the experience you have gained in preparation would help you to become engaged with your studies from the very start of your course

To help inform your understanding also consider taking a look at the videos we have produced, as these offer useful examples of practice. Have a really good think about why you want to be an occupational therapist and what attracts you to this career.

Demonstrate you have the skills of an occupational therapist

Take the opportunity to highlight to the admissions tutors that you already are beginning to show the skills, attributes and qualities of an occupational therapist. Think about occasions when you have used effective team working skills, empathy and good interpersonal skills and consider how you can draw upon these whilst you are a student occupational therapist. Consider how your own life experience and past studies, if you have already been a student, will support you in a career in occupational therapy.

Finally – the very best of good luck in your application.  If you choose to study occupational therapy, you will never regret it!

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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.

Related Personal Statements

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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Occupational Therapy

Back to all Personal Statement Examples

Excellent interpersonal skills, self-management and capacity to work with a variety of people and challenges, are qualities which I believe make me an ideal candidate to study BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy. I have education, training and work experience alongside my motivation and ambition to succeed on this course, to become a fully qualified and practicing Occupational Therapist.

From a young age, I have been involved in caring for adults with various occupational stresses. Through work experience and training, I have become adept at solving problems with practicality and understanding. I find it very rewarding helping people optimise their quality of life. This experience has fuelled my desire to further my knowledge of occupational therapy techniques and skills.

I am currently studying Access to Occupational Therapy, where I have increased my knowledge in mental health, stress management, communication and diversity. I have learnt and used various techniques to help people overcome or manage their health issues.

I believe this course is my next step to becoming a fully qualified Occupational Therapist. I understand the course involves theoretical and scientific modules, research and clinical placements, applying prior knowledge and experience to develop core and graduate occupational therapy methods. Understanding psychological and physiological aspects of the human body, I will be able to treat and prevent disability and promote independent function.

I enjoy maintaining a good level of fitness by running and playing table tennis. Keeping my mind and body in shape gives me a personal sense of wellbeing, so I can focus my efforts on providing quality care and attention at work.

With over three years experience in working within residential care environments, I have developed my communication and organisational skills, and gained a greater understanding and hands-on experience in occupational therapy.

As a Care Assistant, my key responsibilities include ensuring residents receive a high level of daily physical, mental and social support. By helping to develop and manage limitations or disabilities patients may have, requires commitment, patience and respect to help them fulfil their daily lives with greater satisfaction.

Assisting with activities such as country walks and games involved a high level of organisation to ensure all patients and staff were aware of where the activity was taking place. It also commanded excellent interpersonal skills such as listening, teaching and breaking down activities into achievable components. I have developed a great appreciation of safeguarding, diversity and protection of vulnerable adults gained through work experience and education.

Working in residential care homes allowed me the privilege of assisting and observing day-to-day duties of Occupational Therapists. I have developed an understanding of the assessment process, how equipment can assist elderly patients to become as independent as possible, and learnt different approaches to solving real problems faced by patients.

I have undertaken various training courses such as Manual Handling, Protection of Vulnerable Adults, Diversity and First Aid which have been invaluable to my daily working life. I regularly read various books and articles relating to occupational therapy, which expand my understanding of issues and useful techniques.

Studying BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, I hope to further my knowledge, clinical experience, values and professional strategies to be able to function effectively and autonomously in all spheres of occupational therapy.

On completing this course, I hope to practice in a health centre or care environments, where I can enable people to lead a full and satisfying life as independently as possible. I believe I have the patience, ingenuity, determination, common sense and enthusiasm to become a successful practicing Occupational Therapist.

Occupational Therapy Personal Statement Example

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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 do you want to do?

How to write a personal statement, the personal statement is a mandatory part of your ucas application and it is about your personal and educational achievements linked to what you want to study and why. .

The maximum length of a personal statement is around 47 lines, 4000 characters or one side of A4 typed up in size 12. It might seem long, but it needs to include a number of different points about you so you will have to think carefully about the key points to put across. The first draft you produce is unlikely to be the final draft. Make sure you type out the first draft on a document you can save and edit before uploading onto your UCAS application. 

Aspects to consider:

• Why are you interested in applying for the course?  Where did your passion start? How has it encouraged you to get to where you are now?
• Do your current or previous studies relate to the course you're applying for? If so, how?
• How can you demonstrate motivation and enthusiasm for a subject? If you have done for example any outside reading, field trips, work shadowing, visited lectures, masterclasses, taster days, do include these in your personal statement
• List any relevant skills you have gained from the studies that will help you on your course. What words describe you the most? How can you incorporate these into your personal statement?
• List any achievements you have gained in or out of school that help you to stand out compared others, e.g. prefect, head boy/girl, awards, competitions.
• Do you have any hobbies that have helped you to demonstrate any particular skills you can link to the course?
• Describe any work experience, part-time job or voluntary role you have undertaken and link any experiences or skills to the course
• What would you like to achieve once you have completed the course?
• How will the knowledge you have gained relate to what you want to do in the future? 

Practical advice

• be positive
• always link back to your course
• keep it neutral
• research the courses
• sell yourself
• make several drafts

Don’t…

• use fancy formatting
• repeat information elsewhere on the form
• use humour or jokes

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Occupational therapy personal statement example

• Reading time: 3 minutes
• Price: Free download
• Published: 22nd November 2021
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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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Personal statement for occupational therapy

• This personal statement shows that I believe this course is my next step to becoming a fully qualified Occupational Therapist . I understand the course involves theoretical and scientific modules, research and clinical placements, applying prior knowledge and experience to develop core and graduate occupational therapy methods.

Personal statement occupational therapy are the statement you write to share your experiences in looking for a job with an occupational therapist . In other words, personal statements are written to express your qualifications and skills that you have and use when looking for an occupation.

What should an occupational therapist personal statement include?

Your personal statement is an opportunity to: Show your understanding of the role of an occupational therapist . Explain how you have set out to gain a depth of experience, by examples of volunteering work and/or speaking to a range of people who work in different settings.

How do you begin a personal statement?

‘The best personal statements get to the point quickly. ‘ ‘ Start with a short sentence that captures the reason why you are interested in studying the area you are applying for and that communicates your enthusiasm for it. ‘

How do you write a personal statement for a podiatrist?

Podiatry School Personal Statement Writing Tips Talk about how the practice interests you. Some practitioners say that podiatry is not as exciting as other medical professions, but it is every bit as fulfilling. Maintain a professional tone. Express your dedication. Relate your career plans. Check and recheck.

What should I write in my personal statement for university?

How long should an OT personal statement be?

600-800 words

What does an occupational therapist do?

Occupational therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.

Do you introduce yourself in a personal statement?

Whatever approach you choose, start your personal statement by introducing yourself and show the school why you belong there. By telling a story that is personal , you can communicate something that could only have been written by you . In all of this, it is important to not focus only on the past.

How do you write a strong personal statement?

How do you end a personal statement?

How to end your personal statement : what to write Tie it back to what you’ve written earlier. Talk about the future. Your university experience. Take a break and come back to it. Read back what you’ve written. Don’t waffle. Make notes as you write. What do your UCAS choices have in common?

Do universities look at personal statements?

What do universities look for in a personal statement ? In cases where a decision is not clear cut, academics say a strong personal statement can tip the balance in the applicant’s favour. Students might get lower grade offers based on how good their personal statement is.

Do universities actually read personal statements?

“This gives you an opportunity to show that. There are some reports of unis not reading personal statements but by and large they will read it if they are considering your application”. “Every personal statement will be read by someone to check that the applicant is applying for the right course” explains PQ.

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Guide to a Better Personal Statement for Occupational Therapy

Table of Contents

Writing a personal statement is integral to the occupational therapy application process. This is your chance to introduce yourself to the admissions board and explain why you want to study occupational therapy. A strong personal statement will highlight what makes you unique and set you apart from other applicants.

With careful preparation, thoughtful writing, and self-reflection, you can create a compelling personal statement for occupational therapy . Keep reading to learn more!

Understanding Occupational Therapy

Before getting started with your statement, it is vital to understand what occupational therapy involves. Occupational therapists deal with people of all ages with physical, developmental, social, or emotional difficulties that limit their ability to lead active, independent lives.

They provide assessment, treatment, and consultation services to help people increase their skills and knowledge to manage daily tasks.

Reflect on Why You Are Pursuing This Career Path

Think about what motivates you to pursue a career in occupational therapy.

Ask yourself the following questions: What experiences have led me to this path? How has my background prepared me for the challenging work of an occupational therapist? What values or qualities do I have that will be beneficial when working with clients?

As you reflect on these questions, take note of any stories or unique insights that could be included in your personal statement .

Write Your Statement

When writing your personal statement, begin by introducing yourself. Provide an overview of why you are interested in pursuing a career in occupational therapy . Use this section to explain what you have learned about the field and why you are passionate about it.

Then, discuss your skills, experiences, qualities, and values that make you a good fit for this profession. Remember to keep the focus on how your background has prepared you to become an excellent occupational therapist. Finally, wrap up your statement by illustrating how becoming an occupational therapist will help you fulfill your professional goals and contribute positively to society.

Get Feedback

Solicit the opinions of those close to you before sending in your personal statement. Ask them if there is anything else they would add or take away from the statement. Additionally, consider asking someone in the field of occupational therapy to review your essay and provide feedback. This will help ensure that your statement is professional and conveys the message you want to present to admissions committee members.

Example of a Personal Statement for Occupational Therapy

I can’t wait to start my Occupational Therapy profession. I believe it is the perfect blend of my interpersonal skills, scientific knowledge, and passion for helping others. Having an autistic older brother gave me firsthand experience with the life-changing effects of occupational therapy. This experience inspired me to discover more about this field. I have a thirst to develop my own thoughts on what makes a good therapist.

I have worked with patients with physical disabilities at a local hospital and completing research projects related to child development. This makes me confident that I possess the necessary skills and qualities needed to become an excellent occupational therapist. My capacity for empathy and patience allows me to understand the unique needs of each individual patient. My problem-solving abilities help me find creative solutions to their challenges. In addition, I have developed excellent communication skills and an unwavering commitment to advocating for my clients.

Becoming an occupational therapist would enable me to fulfill my dream of improving the lives of those with physical, developmental, social or emotional difficulties. With thoughtful writing, self-reflection and dedication to the field, I am committed to creating a professional portfolio. One that reflects my qualifications and passion for this career path.

By taking the time to fully prepare for your personal statement, you can create a compelling narrative. Ensure it shows why occupational therapy is the right career path for you. Keep in mind that this document is an opportunity to showcase your unique qualities and experiences that set you apart from other applicants.

With careful planning and thoughtful writing, you can create a powerful personal statement that demonstrates your commitment to becoming an excellent occupational therapist . Good luck!

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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