Emma is an occupational therapist at Priory Middleton St George, where she supports patients to build independence and move towards the right discharge pathway for them. In this blog, she shares her journey from occupational therapy assistant to qualified therapist, and how the support of her team helped shape her career.   

1. What is your role at Priory, and what do you enjoy most about it?

I am an occupational therapist at Priory MSG and some of the things I enjoy most are supporting our patients to engage in activities that they enjoy as well as supporting them in reaching the most appropriate discharge pathway for them to allow them as much independence as possible. Being able to see the change and development in my patients from their admission to them being discharged and knowing I played a part in their journey is so fulfilling and makes every day worthwhile. As well as this, I enjoy working with such an incredible OT team who work hard to support their patients and each other.

2. How has your career progressed since joining Priory?

I joined Priory MSG as an Occupational therapy assistant for 2 years before asking about the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship with Sunderland University to become an occupational therapist. I then completed a 2 year accelerated occupational therapy degree apprenticeship and graduated in December 2025, taking on a role as a newly qualified occupational therapist with MSG.

Priory allowed me to complete the degree apprenticeship to become a qualified occupational therapist and the support of the OT team has helped develop my knowledge and experience from simple advice to shadowing opportunities.  

3. What advice would you give to someone considering a career at Priory?

Research what opportunities would be available to you and the career progression that the role would offer. Also, it is important to know what you want to achieve out of the role, and know whether those opportunities will be available. 

Ready to take the next step in your career and explore a rewarding role in mental health? Explore our latest opportunities at jobs.priorygroup.com today.