NHS Occupational Therapist Application Guide
What OT panels look for, HCPC registration, and worked evidence for Band 5 through Band 7 occupational therapy roles.
**TL;DR.** NHS Occupational Therapists require HCPC registration. Panels look for evidence of clinical reasoning, person-centred goal-setting, MDT working, and outcome measurement. Band 5 is entry-level; Band 6 is specialist OT; Band 7 is Team Lead or Advanced OT.
What panels look for
- HCPC registration
- Clinical reasoning in assessment and intervention
- Use of outcome measures (Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Functional Independence Measure, relevant condition-specific measures)
- Person-centred goal-setting with service users
- MDT working and discharge planning
Worked paragraph (Band 6 Specialist OT, community rehab, 220 words)
*Clinical reasoning and outcome measurement (essential).* I hold a caseload of 25 community rehab patients, primarily post-stroke and post-orthopaedic. I use the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure at initial assessment and at discharge, with interim goal reviews every four weeks. For a recent patient (74-year-old, post right MCA stroke, moderate left hemiplegia) I identified through COPM that her three priority occupations were making tea, dressing her upper body independently, and attending her weekly bridge club. I designed a graded intervention over six weeks addressing upper limb re-education, equipment provision (kettle tipper, button hook), and confidence-building for community participation. Re-measured COPM scores at discharge showed clinically significant improvement on all three occupations (change of 2+ points). The patient returned to bridge club and self-reported improved mood and social engagement. I presented the case at the team clinical supervision meeting as an example of outcome-led practice.
Common OT application mistakes
- Missing HCPC registration
- Vague clinical reasoning
- Not naming outcome measures
- Missing MDT evidence
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Frequently asked questions
Do NHS OTs need HCPC registration?
Yes. HCPC registration is mandatory. Student OTs about to qualify can apply for posts with registration subject to successful completion.
What outcome measures are expected in OT applications?
Panels look for evidence of at least one recognised outcome measure used in practice — commonly the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), Goal Attainment Scaling, Functional Independence Measure, or condition-specific measures (e.g. Assessment of Motor and Process Skills). Naming the measure and describing the change is stronger evidence than generic "improved function".