Tips for starting out as an independent OT
Thinking about going independent as an Occupational Therapist? Most OTs who make the move say the same thing afterwards: they wish they'd done it sooner.
That's not a guarantee it will be easy. Confidence in your clinical skills doesn't automatically translate into knowing how to run a business, price your time, chase late payments, or find your first clients. Those are things you generally work out as you go - unless someone tells you first.
This free guide pulls together practical advice from independent OTs who've been through it. It covers the decisions you'll face early on, the mistakes that cost people time and money, and the things that actually make a difference once you're up and running.
What the guide covers
The tips inside come from OTs working across a range of independent practice settings. Between them, they cover:
Getting the basics right before you start - insurance, T&Cs, data protection, and finances. The things that aren't exciting but will cause serious problems if you skip them.
Building a business plan. It sounds formal, but it's really just about knowing where you're headed before you're too busy to think clearly.
Finding work and getting known. Most independent OTs say their referrals come from recommendations. Networking, reputation, and knowing who to talk to matter more than advertising spend.
Staying supported. Working for yourself can feel isolated if you let it. Supervision, mentoring, and CPD all work differently once you're not part of a team - and the OTs in this guide have views on what actually helps.
Advice from OTs who've done it
Matthew Box, Director of Inclusion, put together the original guide from his own experience and contributions from over a dozen independent OTs across the UK.
His take: plan the journey properly before you start. Know what you're going to offer, think through the practicalities, and then give it a go. There are different ways into independent practice, and it might be the best thing you ever do professionally. It might not be for you. But you probably won't know until you try.
Other OTs in the guide cover everything from pricing your time correctly (factoring in travel, write-up, and admin, not just face-to-face hours) to what to do when a client doesn't pay, and why networking tends to outperform any advertising you'll spend money on.
Download the guide
The guide is free. Download your copy here.
If you're weighing up whether independent practice is right for you, or you've already taken the leap and want to talk about how Inclusion supports independent OTs, call us on 01892 704065 or email enquiries@inclusion.me.uk.
You can also find out more about working with Inclusion or search for independent OTs in your area.
Download your FREE copy today and if you find it helpful then please don't forget to let people know & shout about it a bit:
For an informal chat about opportunities with Inclusion or to see how we could help you in your journey as an independent OT then please call 01892 704065 or email enquiries@inclusion.me.uk.