Sofia Rose

• Year of study: Third (in 2024/25)
• Length of course: Three years

I chose the University of Northampton because of its strong reputation in healthcare education, particularly in occupational therapy. The course offers a well-structured and practical curriculum that includes hands-on placements and a blended approach to learning, which ensures I gain real-world experience before graduating.

I was also drawn to the modern facilities, such as the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom used for practical sessions, supporting my professional growth and development. Also, the University’s commitment to social impact and innovation aligns with my passion for wanting to help others, which is a key aspect of occupational therapy.

The supportive learning environment also influenced my decision making, as I have dyslexia, which comes with some complexities whereby I need further support. The diverse and welcoming community made it the best place for me to pursue my studies whilst growing personally, as well as professionally.

My overall career goal is to become a skilled and compassionate occupational therapist to support individuals to improve their independence and quality of life. I aspire to work in a setting where I can make a real difference, whether that’s in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, mental health services, or community-based programmes. My aim is to specialise in an area that aligns with my interest in paediatrics, developing my skills in sensory integration, etc.

In the long term I hope to continue learning and developing my skills through further education, training and certificates. Ultimately, I hope to be in a role where I can empower individuals to overcome challenges, advocate for accessible healthcare, and potentially mentor future occupational therapists.

My journey at UON has not just been a journey of learning but one of understanding myself, and growing in confidence as a person, and as a professional. I’ve gained the knowledge and practical skills needed to assess, support and rehabilitate individuals with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges, which has allowed me to consider the impact that I can have when supporting an individual to regain independence and improve their quality of life. Personally, studying Occupational Therapy at UON has helped me to develop empathy, patience and problem-solving skills which will benefit my interactions with service users as well as my everyday life. It’s also taught me the importance of adaptability and continuous learning.

My degree has given me a wealth of knowledge as I step out into the world as a qualified professional. The ethic I’ve gained is that learning is lifelong, because we’re allied professionals with a diverse skillset which is transferrable depending on the setting we wish to pursue. The core theories, frameworks and outcome measures for care will be most integral to the holistic and client-centred practice I wish to carry out when I’m a Band 5 practitioner.

During the course, there are several opportunities to put your skills into practice with a work placement – I’ve had three placements (this has now changed to four). In my first year I was in an acute hospital, based in Oncology and Haematology, with engagement in Macmillan Cancer support. My duties included observing clinical based care, moving and handling, working within a range of multi-disciplinary teams, using a range of models and outcome measures and end of life care.

My second placement was in a Children and Young People’s Eating Disorder Service. My role consisted of arranging therapeutic sessions with outpatients, home visits, shadowing report writing, exploring other roles, physical health, psychology and family therapy, and using a range of different models and approaches to care linked with occupational therapy.

Finally, in my third year, I had experience in a Male Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service, crossing between acute care and long-term care. My role consisted of working alongside therapy assistants, nurses, social workers, support workers, psychologists, and many other professionals to provide meaning and independence for those with Acquired Brain Injuries. This can include physical hygiene, support when using the kitchen, accessing the community, or engaging with occupations that are meaningful to the resident.

These placements have enabled me to develop both professionally and personally, by applying my learning in real-world situations and gaining a deeper understanding of the role of an occupational therapist across different healthcare settings.

During my placements, I developed a variety of employability skills, including:

• communication and interpersonal skills
• engaging with patients, families, and multi-disciplinary teams
• adapting my communication style to suit different patients
• teamwork and collaboration
• working effectively within multi-disciplinary teams in different settings, such as hospitals, community services, and rehabilitation centres
• understanding the roles of other healthcare professionals and how OT integrates into holistic patient care
• contributing ideas and participating in case discussions to support patient-centered care
• problem-solving and critical thinking
• assessing patient needs and identifying appropriate interventions based on various models and frameworks
• adapting therapeutic activities to suit the abilities and preferences of each patient
• responding to unexpected challenges, such as changes in patient conditions or complex social situations
• professionalism and ethical practice
• adhering to professional standards, confidentiality, and ethical guidelines in all interactions
• demonstrating empathy, compassion, and respect when working with vulnerable individuals
• reflecting on my own practice and seeking feedback to improve my clinical skills.

Having hands-on placement experience on my CV will demonstrate to employers that I’m work-ready, capable of handling real patient cases, and able to integrate into a professional healthcare environment. These experiences have reinforced my passion for occupational therapy and given me a solid foundation to start my career with confidence.

When you’re about to being your placement, do your research – learn about the placement setting before you begin. Understand the patient population, common conditions treated, and the approaches used – this will give you a head start and help you feel more confident. Review your course material – brush up on relevant OT models, assessments, and interventions that you may need to use, as this can make transitioning to real-world practice smoother. Volunteer for tasks – whether it’s assisting with assessments, planning interventions, or preparing materials, taking the initiative shows you’re eager to learn and can handle responsibility. Ask questions – don’t hesitate to ask your supervisors and colleagues about their approaches, reasoning behind interventions, or how they approach complex situations, as this will help build your clinical reasoning skills.

My tips for getting the most benefit from your placement are to take every opportunity to ask your supervisors and team members about different approaches, interventions, and best practices, discuss your thought process with your supervisor to receive feedback and refine your decision-making skills, and observe how different professionals communicate and make joint decisions to provide holistic care. Also, volunteer to assist with assessments, intervention planning, and therapy sessions, reflect and evaluate on situations where you applied OT principles, and attend any extra training sessions, meetings, or case discussions available.

Aside from my studies, I supported the OT team as a Student Ambassador at Open Days. I also joined the Occupational Therapy Society and took part in many events. This allowed me to connect with like-minded peers, gain knowledge beyond the curriculum, and keep up to date with current trends and innovations. It also offered opportunities to network with professionals and guest speakers, which was an excellent way to gain further insight into potential career paths.

The advice I’d give to undergraduates interested in this career path is that occupational therapy can be emotionally and physically demanding, so it’s essential to prioritise your own wellbeing. You’ll be helping others manage their health, but it’s just as important to take care of yourself. Whether it’s exercising, socialising with friends, or simply taking time off when needed, make sure you’re in a good place to support your future clients.

So far, my UON experience has been challenging, inspiring, collaborative, supportive, and transforming – shaping me into an occupational therapist!