how to become an occupational therapist In 2023
- Naief Khatri
- Updated Date: August 22, 2023
An occupational therapist is responsible for providing medical help and/or rehabilitation to individuals suffering from functional disabilities that prevent them from leading fully functional and healthy, independent lives, in the workplace and/or at home. These patients’ disabilities generally stem from physical or mental illness, aging, developmental problems, and/or emotional problems. Occupational therapy employs various exercises and physical and mental activities meant to challenge and thereby further improve and develop motor and sensory perception, judgment and problem-solving skills, cognition, hand functions and hand-eye coordination. Patients with physical limitations that cannot be healed or cured are taught how to circumvent those limitations in order to manage everyday activities and work-specific tasks independently, sometimes through physical or mental exercises, and sometimes by using specially designed devices. Check Top Medical Colleges In India
Similar to physiotherapy, occupational therapy career may require that you be skilled at working with other people, especially patients who are disabled. Also like physiotherapists, occupational therapists use physical contact with their patients in helping them do stretches and exercises properly and safely. A key personality trait for those seeking to pursue occupational therapy might be being comfortable with using professional/medical physical contact with patients, and feeling at ease demonstrating various exercises and activities. Also, since an occupational therapist works with his/her patients as well as the patients’ families, it’s helpful to be friendly, compassionate, understanding, patient, and motivational. Strong communication skills are also important, since occupational therapists explain how and why to do exercises, how to accomplish certain tasks and how to manage mental tasks. Click here to know How to become a veterinary doctor in India In 2023
how to become an occupational therapist
Here are the steps on how to become an occupational therapist in India:
- Complete your 10+2 education with a focus on science subjects such as physics, chemistry, and biology.
- Take the Common Entrance Test (CET) for admission to a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) program.
- Earn a BOT degree from a recognized university. The BOT program typically takes four years to complete, including six months of internship.
- Acquire a master’s degree in occupational therapy (MOT). This is not mandatory, but it can help you advance your career and get better job opportunities. Click here to check best radiography courses in India
- Register with the Academic Council of Occupational Therapy (ACOT) to obtain a license to practice occupational therapy in India.
Here are some of the universities in India that offer BOT programs:
- All India Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AIIPMR), Nashik
- National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research (NIRTAR), Cuttack
- National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH), Ahmedabad
- Pondicherry University, Puducherry
- Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai.Â
occupational therapy courses In India
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (B.O.T.): This is a 4-year undergraduate degree program that is accredited by the Indian Association of Occupational Therapists (IAOT). The curriculum covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, psychology, occupational therapy theory and practice, and research methods.
Master of Occupational Therapy (M.O.T.): This is a 2-year postgraduate degree program that is offered by some universities and colleges. The curriculum covers topics such as advanced occupational therapy theory and practice, research methods, and clinical specializations.
Occupational Therapy Eligibility Criteria 2023
The eligibility criteria to become an occupational therapist in India are as follows:
- Educational qualification: Occupational therapist qualifications for bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited university or college.
- Age:Â Minimum of 18 years of age.
- Nationality:Â Indian citizen.
- Language proficiency:Â Fluency in English.
- Physical fitness:Â Must be physically and mentally fit to practice occupational therapy.
- Character: Must have good moral character and be of good health. Also Read: career in Pharmacy
- Experience:Â Some employers may require previous work experience in a healthcare setting.
Occupation Therapy Career Options In 2023
Scope of occupational therapy in India can be very rewarding. Occupational therapists help people of all ages to live their lives to the fullest, regardless of their physical or mental challenges. They work with people who have a wide range of conditions, including:
- Acquired brain injuries
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Developmental delays
- Mental health disorders
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Neurological disorders
- Orthopedic conditions
- Pain
- Stroke
- Traumatic injuries
Occupational therapists use a variety of techniques to help their patients, including:
- Exercise therapy
- Assistive technology
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Education and counseling
- Environmental modification
- Functional training
- Hand therapy
- Play therapy
- Sensory integration therapy
Occupational therapists work in a variety of settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Schools
- Nursing homes
- Home health agencies
- Private practices
- Community organizations
The job outlook for occupational therapists is good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of occupational therapists will grow 22% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, injuries, and disabilities, as well as the aging population. The average occupational therapy salary per month in India is INR 23,000.
Occupational Therapist Scope In India
The scope of occupational therapy in India is growing rapidly. The aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases are driving the demand for occupational therapists. Occupational therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and rehabilitation centers. They also work in private practice. Also check: career as medical professor
Here are some of the areas where occupational therapists work in India:
- Pediatric occupational therapy:Â Pediatric occupational therapists work with children who have disabilities or developmental delays. They help children develop the skills they need to participate in everyday activities, such as eating, dressing, and playing.
- Adult occupational therapy: Adult occupational therapists work with adults who have disabilities or chronic health conditions. They help adults improve their functional skills, such as self-care, mobility, and work skills.
- Gerontology occupational therapy: Gerontology occupational therapists work with older adults who have disabilities or age-related health conditions. They help older adults maintain their independence and quality of life.
- Mental health occupational therapy: Mental health occupational therapists work with people who have mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. They help people develop coping skills and improve their quality of life.
- Hand therapy: Hand therapists work with people who have injuries or conditions that affect their hands and arms. They help people regain their function and independence.
- Occupational therapy in education: Occupational therapist education work in schools to help children with disabilities or learning difficulties. They help children develop the skills they need to succeed in school.
- Occupational therapy in rehabilitation:Â Occupational therapists work in rehabilitation centers to help people who have been injured or had surgery regain their function and independence.
Occupational Therapist Salary In India
The average occupational therapy salary in India is INR 3.6 lakhs per year (approximately US\$45,000). The salary may vary depending on your experience, skills, and the location of your job. The average salary for an occupational therapist in Tamil Nadu is INR 2.8 lakhs per year.
Here are some of the factors that can affect the salary of an occupational therapist in India:
- Experience:Â Occupational therapists with more experience typically earn higher salaries.
- Skills:Â Occupational therapists with specialized skills, such as pediatric occupational therapy or hand therapy, typically earn higher salaries.
- Location:Â Occupational therapists in urban areas typically earn higher salaries than those in rural areas.
- Employer:Â Occupational therapists working in private hospitals or clinics typically earn higher salaries than those working in government hospitals or clinics.
Occupational Therapy Best Institutes
National Institute for the Orthopaedically Handicapped
(Under Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India)
B.T. Road, Bon-Hoogly,
Calcutta – 700 090, India
E-Mail:Â [email protected]
Course Offered: Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Pt. Deen Dayal Institute for Physically Handicapped
4, Vishnu Digamber Marg,
New Delhi-110 002
Phone: 23232403
Fax: 23239690
Course Offered: B.Sc. (Hons) Occupational Therapy
All India Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Haji Ali, K. Khadye Marg, Mahalaxmi,
Mumbai, Maharashtra,
India – 400034
Telephone: 91-22-24964331 / 32 / 40 / 41
Fax: 91-22-24962737
GRAM: REHABCENTRE
Email: [email protected] , [email protected]
Website:Â http://aiipmr.gov.in/
Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital
Acharya Donde Marg, Parel
Mumbai – 400012, India
Phone 91-22-2413 6051
Fax: 91-22-2414 3435
Email:Â [email protected]
Website:Â http://www.kem.edu/
Course: B.Sc. – Occupational Therapy
Christian Medical College, Thorapudi P.O, Vellore (Tamil Nadu)
Course: Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT)
Manipal College of Allied Health Sciences
Manipal University, Manipal – 576104
Fax: (0820) – 2571915
Phone: 0820-2571201 (ext) 22704 (Dean), 22705 (Office)
Email:Â [email protected]
Website:Â http://www.manipal.edu
Course: Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT), Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
K.M.C.H. College of Occupational Therapy
Post Box No.3209, Avanashi Road,
Coimbatore – 641014
Tamilnadu., India.
Phone: 091 – 422 – 8270196, 827784 – 90 (7 – lines) Extn: 721
Fax: 091 – 422 – 827196, 827782.
E-Mail:[email protected]
Website:Â http://www.kmcret.com/occupational/
Course: Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) – 4 ½ years course
Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road,
Sion, Mumbai – 400 022, India
Tel: 91-022-2407 6381
Fax: 91-022-2407 6100
Email:Â [email protected]
Website:Â http://www.ltmmc.org
Course: Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research (NIRTAR)
Olatpur, P.O.Bairoi, Cuttack-754010, (Orissa)
Phone: 0671-2805552
Fax No.0671-2805862
E-mail:Â [email protected]
Website:Â http://nirtar.nic.in/
Course: Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT)
Occupation Therapy Training School
Sir DB Orthopaedic Centre, Mumbai-400012, (Maharashtra)
S.M.S. Hospital
Jaipur 302004, (Rajasthan)
S.R.M. Institute of Medical Science and Research
Ashok Nagar, Chennai-600033, (Tamil Nadu)
Santosh College of Occupational Therapy
Chennai-600090, (Tamil Nadu)
Santosh World Medical Academy
No.1, Santosh Nagar, Pratap Vihar, Ghaziabad-201009, (Uttar Pradesh)
University of Madras
Century Building, Chepauk, (Tamil Nadu)
institute
Note :Â For your reference we are giving you a state-wise list of medical colleges in India. Please click on the links given below to find list of medical institutes in that particular state/UT/city.
Occupational Therapy Colleges in India
Occupational Therapy Colleges in Various States
- Uttar Pradesh
FAQS
To become an occupational therapist in India, you need to complete a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy (BOT) program, which typically takes four years to complete. You can also pursue a master’s degree in occupational therapy (MOT), which is not mandatory but can help you advance your career. After completing your degree, you need to complete a supervised fieldwork experience and pass the national certification exam to become a registered occupational therapist (OTR). You then need to apply for licensure in your state.
The average salary for a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) graduate in India is INR 3.6 lakhs per year (₹30.0k per month). This can vary depending on experience, location, and the type of setting in which the occupational therapist works.
To become an occupational therapist in India, you need to complete a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited university or college. You must also be an Indian citizen and fluent in English. Some employers may require previous work experience in a healthcare setting.
There are two main types of occupational therapy degree courses in India:
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (B.O.T.):Â This is a 4-year undergraduate degree program that is accredited by the Indian Association of Occupational Therapists (IAOT). The curriculum covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, psychology, occupational therapy theory and practice, and research methods.
- Master of Occupational Therapy (M.O.T.):Â This is a 2-year postgraduate degree program that is offered by some universities and colleges. The curriculum covers topics such as advanced occupational therapy theory and practice, research methods, and clinical specializations.
NEET is a national-level entrance exam for undergraduate medical courses in India, such as MBBS and BDS. Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession that focuses on helping people participate in the activities of their daily lives. To become an occupational therapist, you need to complete a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited university or college.
Physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) are both healthcare professions that help people improve their physical and functional abilities. However, there are some key differences between the two professions.
Physical therapy focuses on improving a person’s movement and function. PTs use exercises, stretches, and other techniques to help people regain or improve their range of motion, strength, and endurance. They also work with people to manage pain and improve their balance and coordination.
Occupational therapy focuses on helping people participate in the activities of daily living (ADLs). OTs use a variety of techniques, including assistive technology, environmental modifications, and counseling, to help people with disabilities or injuries live independently and participate in their desired activities.
OTs need communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, empathy, patience, resilience, observation, creativity, and technical skills. They also need to be able to work independently and as part of a team, manage their time, and be organized.
The salary ranges for occupational therapists vary depending on experience, location, and specialization. However, the average salary for an occupational therapist in India is INR 3.6 lakhs per year (approximately US\$45,000).
The continuing education requirements for occupational therapists vary by state. However, most states require occupational therapists to complete a certain number of continuing education credits every year to maintain their license.
Articles Updates:
21/08/2023: Content update, InterlinkingÂ
21/08/2023: Add Faq and infographic
