Medicine & Healthcare

What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?

An Occupational Therapist helps people develop, recover or maintain skills needed for daily living and working.

Depending on the setting, an Occupational Therapist may work on:

Occupational Therapists work in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, schools, special education settings, community health, mental health facilities, nursing homes and independent practice.

What Subjects Should I Take After 10th?

For students interested in Occupational Therapy, the most relevant school pathway after Class 10 is Science with Biology.

Recommended subjects include:

Biology is especially important because Occupational Therapy involves understanding the human body, development, conditions and rehabilitation. Psychology is also valuable because the profession involves understanding behaviour, motivation and mental health.

Is NEET Required for Occupational Therapy?

NEET is not always compulsory for Occupational Therapy programmes in India. Some institutions admit students based on Class 12 marks, institution-specific entrance examinations or other eligibility criteria, while others may consider NEET scores depending on their admission policy. Because admission criteria vary by institution, students should check the latest requirements of the colleges they are targeting before applying.

Which Degree Should I Choose?

The standard entry-level qualification for Occupational Therapy in India is a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT).

Relevant programmes include:

A Bachelor of Occupational Therapy programme typically includes classroom learning, practical training, clinical internships and fieldwork in hospitals, rehabilitation centres and community settings.

Which Entrance Exams Should I Take?

The entrance examination depends on the institution and programme you choose.

Depending on the college, students may encounter:

Students should verify the latest admission requirements of the institutions they are applying to, because criteria can change.

Best Colleges for Occupational Therapy in India

Students should look for institutions with strong clinical exposure, recognised programmes, experienced faculty, good hospital or rehabilitation centre affiliations and practical training opportunities.

Some well-known institutions include:

Always check the latest programme structure, accreditation and admission requirements before applying.

Occupational Therapist Salary in India

The salary of an Occupational Therapist in India varies depending on qualification, experience, employer, location and specialisation.

Career progression can include:

Trainee / Junior Occupational Therapist → Occupational Therapist → Senior Occupational Therapist → Specialist / Team Lead → Head of Department / Independent Practitioner

Experienced Occupational Therapists may also work in rehabilitation management, teaching, research or start their own practice.

Future Scope of Occupational Therapy

The future scope of Occupational Therapy in India is growing because of increased awareness of rehabilitation, child development, mental health, geriatric care and community-based services.

Career opportunities exist in:

Emerging areas include paediatric occupational therapy, neurorehabilitation, mental health, geriatric care, community rehabilitation and assistive technology.

Skills Required to Become an Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapy requires a combination of medical, psychological, practical and interpersonal skills.

Clinical Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Is Occupational Therapy a Good Career for You?

Occupational Therapy could be a good career choice if you:

It may not be suitable if you are uncomfortable with clinical settings, long hours of standing or working with patients who have complex needs. It may be particularly suitable for students who want to work in healthcare but are looking beyond traditional careers such as MBBS, Dentistry or Nursing.