How my MSc in Occupational Therapy Prepared me for Practice

I completed my undergraduate BSc degree in General Nursing, which provided me with skills and knowledge to build on during my masters. As part of the application to the Masters in Occupational Therapy in the University of Limerick, I had to complete the HPAT. I studied for this through using a self-study pack, and through practicing exam papers.

I was delighted when I was offered a place on this programme. This course has highly educated and experienced clinicians providing lectures, who were encouraging and supportive. The smaller class size facilitated my learning as you can ask the lecturers questions, take part in group discussions, and you also get to know all of your classmates well!

The lectures were all very interesting and covered many different areas, from anatomy and physiology to occupational science and preparation for practice. There are many opportunities for interdisciplinary working, completing modules and group projects with physiotherapists, speech and language therapists and dieticians. This allowed us to learn more about the roles of the team members we would be working with when on clinical practice.

Throughout the two years there are four clinical practice blocks, which were my favourite part of the course. This course trains you to work in many different clinical areas, some of which I had the opportunity to gain experience in. I had placements in the acute hospital, community physical setting, and in a pediatric mental health setting. I was supported by my practice educator who is a senior OT onsite, and by the practice education team in UL. I gained a broad experience of some of the different areas OTs may work in, which helped me to decide which area is my favourite.

I worked as a research assistant with UL for a number of months after graduating, and I am currently working in a community setting with people with intellectual disabilities as a staff grade occupational therapist.

I really enjoyed my two years in UL, and I highly recommend this programme for anyone who is considering joining the world of Occupational Therapy!