A career offering help and support to those who need it most can be hugely rewarding!
With an estimated workforce of nearly 1.5 million and opportunities set to grow even further as the population ages, the care industry has a lot to offer if you are looking for a career helping others.
This profession isn’t just for those involved in hands-on, day-to-day care – there’s now an increasing demand for therapists. So if you’re qualified or training in art, music, drama or speech and language therapy, physiotherapy or occupational therapy, why not consider a highly rewarding career in care?
There are many options in this field – you could work with adults, children or the elderly. You may choose to work with people who have mental health issues, physical disabilities, learning disabilities or those with an alcohol or drug dependency. There are positions available in people’s homes or in a school, homeless shelter or community centre.
Drama therapy
Creativity, imagination, insight and growth are stimulated in students using drama. It helps them to develop their social skills and build trusting and healthy relationships with others.
What kind of work will I do?
You’ll bring together creative and therapeutic approaches to explore and develop the students’ thoughts and feelings. You will include storytelling, improvisation, role-play, mime, puppetry and masks to allow students to explore themselves and the world around them, and help them address and resolve troubling issues.
Your aim is to give them space to build self-confidence, increase resilience and improve self-esteem.
What qualifications do I need?
You will need a degree in drama or psychology. You’ll usually also have to have a master’s degree approved by the British Association of Dramatherapists and be a full member of the association. In addition, you’ll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
What can I expect to earn?
Salaries start at around £26,000, rising to £48,000 for more senior roles.
Music therapy
Sessions use live music to create a safe environment for people to explore their feelings. It is a psychological therapy that aims to bring about positive changes in emotional wellbeing through musical interaction between client and therapist.
It is particularly helpful when emotions are too difficult to express verbally.
What kind of work will I do?
You will help clients use instruments, including their voice, to create a language that reflects their emotional and physical wellbeing and helps them build connections with others.
What qualifications do I need?
You will need a postgraduate qualification accredited by the British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT). Some employers might also require one or two years’ work experience in mental health or education (paid or voluntary). Again, you will need to be a full member of BAMT and registered with the HCPC.
What can I expect to earn?
Salaries start at around £26,000. As you gain experience, this could rise to £48,000.
Occupational Therapy
Therapists provide practical support to people whose mental health or physical disability is hampering them.
What kind of work will I do?
You will identify the difficulties a patient has in everyday life, such as getting dressed, going shopping or operating a wheelchair, and work out practical solutions. You will also suggest enabling technologies, such as reading aids and ways to interact with their computer. The aim is to help the person regain their independence.
What qualifications do I need?
A degree or diploma in occupational therapy is required, and HCPC registration.
What can I expect to earn?
From Ј22,000, rising to £26,000 to £35,000. Consultants earn up to £56,000.
Speech and Language Therapy
Nearly 20% of the population may suffer communication difficulties at some point. This kind of therapy provides aid for those with difficulties eating, drinking, swallowing and communicating.
What kind of work will I do?
You’ll help individuals develop speech skills, so they can fully communicate with others.
What qualifications do I need?
A BSc degree in speech and language therapy and to be registered with the HCPC.
How much can I expect to earn?
Salaries start at £22,000. Specialists can earn between £26,000 and £40,500.
Physiotherapy
This work helps restore movement and function to someone who has been affected by injury, illness or disability.
What kind of work will I do?
You’ll work with a variety of patients with issues ranging from bones, joints and soft-tissue pain to those with problems with their brain or nervous system, resulting from a stroke, MS or Parkinson’s disease. During sessions you will offer manual therapy, tailored exercises and advice.
What qualifications do I need?
A BSc in physiotherapy and HCPC registration.
What can I expect to earn?
Salaries start at £22,000, but the highly experienced can earn from £31,000 to £41,000.
Art Therapy
These therapists use art to help learners address their emotional issues, which may be confusing and distressing and perhaps too difficult to express verbally.
What kind of work will I do?
You will help those with emotional, behavioural or mental-health problems express feelings through drawings and paintings.
What qualifications do I need?
A degree in art or relevant subject, a post-grad in art therapy and registered with the HCPC.
What can I expect to earn?
Beginning at around £26,000 to £35,000, Principal Art Therapists can earn up to £48,000.
