Amelia Schofield is an BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy student, here Amelia tells us all about her training here at Sheffield Hallam University and why she chose to become an occupational therapist.

What made you choose a career in occupational therapy?

I chose a career in occupational therapy because I used to work as a care assistant in a nursing home, there was a lot of older people in this setting and they could not get the support they needed to stay in their own homes.

Occupational therapy can support by providing equipment and interventions to meet their needs. For me being an occupational therapist will make a difference in people’s lives, and provide them with choices and allow them to be involved in the decisions that inform their daily lives.

What support have you received whilst training?

I am a co-lead for the AHP minoritized group where I have felt empowered to achieve my degree. I have also had support from the disability support team at Hallam. This support has helped with my individual learning disability. They’ve had regular contact with me every week to see how I have progressed on the course and to see if I needed any further support. If this support was not in place, this may have impacted my success on the course, and provided barriers to me gaining my degree.

Where have you worked/are you working on placement?

My placements have been varied and interesting. I have learnt how to implement the process from theory to practice, and undertake independent assessments.

One of my placements was at UCTT in Barnsley Hospital, where I had the opportunity to work in the accident and emergency department. I assessed older people who came to A&E as a result of a fall or other health conditions. I learnt how patients could be cared for and what interventions and follow up care can be provided.

What has been the best moment in your role so far?

The best moment for me so far was providing equipment to a patient that was struggling to transfer on the toilet and shower. We assessed her and provided her with a Mowbray and a swivel bather, and her reaction was priceless, she was so delighted. This simple act of providing equipment, meant the world to her and it showed me the significant difference that an occupational therapist can have.

What would you say to anyone thinking of beginning a career in occupational therapy.

I would encourage anyone with a caring and compassionate nature to consider the role, as even though doing the degree and placement work can be challenging at times, it is worth it. The job carries job satisfaction about the difference that even simple interventions can have in helping patients to carry out their activities of daily living independently and achieve their goals. For me this is just the beginning, as I want to further my education as an Occupational Therapist in the future, to continue to help patients.