Hong Kong is facing the challenge of an ageing population and a reduced labour force, with a decrease of up to 8%, resulting in an increasing demand for therapists. We introduced British physiotherapy courses to you earlier. Today, Cyclopes Education will introduce you to other popular therapy courses: occupational therapy, speech therapy, and radiotherapy.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a discipline that focuses on helping individuals overcome physical, psychological, and social challenges. Occupational therapists help patients restore or improve their daily living skills by evaluating and designing individualised treatment plans. This may include training in daily activities, exercise therapy, adaptation and use of assistive devices, etc. Occupational therapy degree courses in the UK provide extensive academic and 1000 hours of clinical training, enabling students to gain appropriate skills and knowledge and prepare them for their future career. When students complete a bachelor's degree and 1,000 hours of clinical training, they can complete the occupational therapist licence in the UK. If students later choose to return to Hong Kong to work, they only need to bring the British occupational therapist's certificate back to Hong Kong to register.
Source: Freepik
Salary benchmark
Occupational Therapist II (OT II)
Points 14 to 24 of the general salary scale (salary jump point: point 16)
($32,430 - $52,410)
Superintendent Occupational Therapist
Master Pay Scale Points 40 to 44
($98,810 - $116,165)
Entry requirements:
HKDSE 444-554 (Biology/related subjects required)
IELTS 6.5-7.0
Interview
Popular universities:
University of East Anglia
University of Southampton
University of Liverpool
Cardiff University
Northumbria University, Newcastle
Speech and Language Therapy
Speech therapy focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of speech and communication disorders. Speech therapists work with patients of all ages, including children and adults, and assist them in overcoming speech delays, articulation difficulties, speech fluency disorders, and problems with cognitive and language skills. Studying speech therapy in the UK requires completing a corresponding three-year degree course, which provides theoretical, practical, and clinical training to help students develop the necessary skills and expertise. Students only need to complete a British bachelor's degree program to register as a speech therapist in the UK. Students interested in practicing in Hong Kong only need to bring a British speech therapist's practice certificate back to Hong Kong to register. In addition, students need to complete a Cantonese speech therapy training program before becoming speech therapists in the future. The UK bachelor's degree courses and internships are in English, therefore Cantonese speech therapy training must be taken before starting the job. However, this will not affect the entry process.
Source: Freepik
Salary benchmark:
Speech Therapist
Hospital Authority General Grades Pay Scale Points 16 to 33
($35,775 - $79,135)
Senior Speech Therapist / Department Manager (Speech Therapy) I (Senior Speech Therapist)
Hospital Authority General Grades Pay Scale Points 34 to 44
($79,930 - $116,165)
Entry requirements:
HKDSE 444-554 (at least one science subject)
IELTS 8.0 (7.5)
Interview
Popular universities:
Newcastle University
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Manchester Metropolitan University
University of Manchester
Ulster University
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is a discipline focusing on the use of radiation technology to treat cancer and other diseases. Radiation therapists work with doctors and other medical professionals to develop and deliver radiation treatment plans for patients. This includes treatment using high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to destroy cancer cells or reduce their growth. In the UK, radiotherapy degree courses provide comprehensive training from basic science to clinical practice, ensuring students have the necessary skills and expertise through internships and practical experience.
Source: Unsplash
Salary level:
Radiation Therapist II (RT II)
Hospital Authority General Grades Pay Scale Points 14 to 24
($32,430 - $52,410)
Radiation Therapist I (RT I)
Hospital Authority General Grades Pay Scale Points 25 to 33A
($54,805 - $79,930)
Senior Radiation Therapist/Department Manager (Radiation Therapy) I (Senior Radiation Therapist)
Hospital Authority General Grades Pay Scale Points 34 to 39
($79,930 - $94,735)
Entry requirements:
HKDSE 444-554 (at least one science subject)
IELTS 6.5-7.0
Interview
Popular universities:
City University of London
University of Strathclyde
Loughborough University
University of Exeter
University of Surrey
Many universities in the UK have a good reputation in the field of therapy, providing high-quality courses and professional training, and offering students a good academic and clinical environment. After understanding the above information, it can help students choose the right university and course that best suits them when considering the best universities in the UK for therapy. In addition to considering your own interests and needs, remember to choose a recognized UK university course. This will make it easier to prepare and pave the way for your future practice, whether you choose to return to Hong Kong to practice or immigrate. If students want a more detailed study plan, please contact Cyclopes Education's professional consulting team.
