Occupational Therapy Career Scope: Jobs, Placements, Salary, Top Recruiters

Updated on Dec 23, 2024 11:08 IST
Parul Thapa

Parul ThapaSenior Executive Content

Occupational Therapy career is rewarding in India, focusing on helping individuals improve their ability to perform daily tasks and lead an independent life. With increasing awareness about rehabilitation and the role of OT in healthcare, the demand for skilled professionals is rising. 

An Occupational Therapy career provides various job opportunities, such as occupational therapists, occupational therapist assistants, rehabilitation therapists, clinical assistants, etc. The Occupational Therapy salary offered at entry-level positions ranges between INR 2.5, for mid-level profiles INR 5 LPA and for senior-level profiles INR 8 LPA. 

Occupational Therapy course graduates can either go for jobs or pursue further options such as an MBA in Hospital Management, Clinical Research and Public Health courses, etc. The top recruiters where candidates can kickstart their Occupational Therapy career are Max Healthcare Group, Apollo Hospital Group, Tickles India, Fortis Healthcare Group, etc.

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Occupational Therapy Career Scope: Quick Facts

  • The most preferred treatment for occupational therapists is neuro-muscular education and re-education, with 32.1% of occupational therapists ranking it as their first choice.
  • 39% of research in occupational therapy in India focuses on clinical research related to occupational therapy interventions.
  • Occupational Therapist salary in India ranges between INR 0.3 Lakh to INR 8 Lakhs with an average annual salary of INR 3.9 LPA for less than 1 year of experience to 10 years of experience. 

Top Career Profiles in Occupational Therapy 

Occupational Therapy offers diverse and rewarding career profiles, focusing on enhancing the quality of life for individuals with physical, mental, or developmental challenges. With growing awareness of mental and physical well-being, these roles offer promising opportunities across hospitals, clinics, schools, and private practice.

Candidates can check the job options they have after pursuing from Occupational Therapy course:

Job Profiles

Description

Average Salary (in INR)

Healthcare Administrators

The prime responsibility of this job seeker is to oversee the administrative operations of hospitals or healthcare facilities.

6 LPA

Epidemiologists

An epidemiologist is responsible for planning, directing and working out ways to prevent and treat problems/diseases. 

5.7 LPA

Public Health Educators

The principal job of a public health educator is to ensure large groups of people receive awareness of community health areas.

1 LPA

Environmental Scientists

A relatively new area of interest, an environmental scientist is involved in a variety of tasks surrounding the environment and its impact on public health.

2.8 LPA

Biosecurity Specialists

These professionals develop and implement different safety measures related to biosecurity by creating plans and new procedures.

15.3 LPA

Note: The average salary is taken from Ambitionbox.com.

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Emerging Trends in Occupational Therapy

Here are some emerging trends that candidates will get to witness in their Occupational Therapy careers:

  • Teletherapy: Increased use of virtual platforms to provide remote therapy sessions.
  • Technological Integration: Adoption of wearable devices, virtual reality (VR), and assistive robotics to enhance therapy outcomes.
  • Focus on Mental Health: Greater involvement in managing conditions like stress, anxiety, and trauma through therapeutic interventions.
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Enhanced partnerships with other healthcare professionals for comprehensive patient care.
  • Preventive Occupational Therapy: Proactive strategies to address potential challenges before they escalate.
  • Cultural Competency in Therapy: Personalized interventions that respect diverse cultural backgrounds and lifestyles.

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Occupational Therapy Scope in India: Jobs, Salary and Further Education

Occupational Therapy career in India offers promising career opportunities as healthcare awareness and rehabilitation services continue to grow. Occupational therapists play a crucial role in assisting individuals with physical, mental, or developmental conditions to regain independence in daily activities. 

They are in demand in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, mental health institutions, schools for children with special needs, and even private practice. With the increasing prevalence of lifestyle diseases, ageing populations, and awareness about holistic treatment approaches, the scope for Occupational Therapy professionals is expanding. 

Candidates can check the table below to see the industries where an Occupational Therapy graduate can find employment:

Sectors

Description

Healthcare

Hospitals, rehabilitation centres, orthopaedic clinics, and nursing homes.

Education

Special schools, inclusive education institutions, and early intervention centres.

Mental Health

Psychiatric hospitals, mental health clinics, and community mental health programs.

Sports

Sports rehabilitation centres and teams focusing on injury recovery and performance optimization.

NGOs

Organizations working with individuals with disabilities, developmental delays, or social challenges.

Private Practice

Offering personalized therapy and rehabilitation services.

Courses After Occupational Therapy

Here are some advanced courses and certifications candidates can pursue after completing an Occupational Therapy to specialize further:

Courses

Description

MBA in Hospital Management

A 2-year PG course that provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage healthcare organizations, particularly hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Public Health Management

A Public Health and Management course in India typically refers to a program of study that combines elements of Public Health and Management to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to address public health challenges from a managerial and administrative perspective. 

Clinical Research courses

Clinical Research courses are educational programs designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct and manage clinical research studies.

Recommended Resources for Occupational Therapy Career Scope:

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Learn more about Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy Top Recruiters in India

The top recruiting companies that employ the Occupational Therapy graduates are mentioned in the table given below:

Occupational Therapy Top Recruiters

Max Healthcare Group

Apollo Hospital Group

Tickles India

Fortis Healthcare Group

The Wings Learning Centre

Nirmala Hospital, New Delhi

Best Occupational Therapy Colleges for Placements

Here are some of the best Occupational Therapy colleges in India known for their placement opportunities:

College Name

Median Salary

JSS Medical College

13.55 LPA

Manipal College of Health Professions

6.8 - 11.75 LPA

Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences

10.3 LPA

Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University

6.75 LPA

Padmashree Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Navi Mumbai

6.4 LPA

College of Occupational Therapy, SRM IST, Chennai

5.95 LPA

Chettinad Academy of Research and Education

5.8 LPA

Jamia Hamdard

4.87 - 5.72 LPA

SJJTU 

5.3 LPA

Note: This information is sourced from the official website/media reports/NIRF website and may vary.

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Occupational Therapy Carer Scope: FAQs

Q. Who is an Occupational Therapist?

A. Occupational therapists are healthcare professionals who play a vital role in helping individuals overcome challenges and improve their ability to participate in everyday activities. They work with people of all ages and assist them in regaining or developing skills necessary for independent functioning, productivity, and overall well-being.

Occupational therapists focus on enhancing a person's physical, cognitive, psychological, and social abilities to enhance their quality of life.

Q. What are the pros of a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy course?

A. Pros of a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) Course:

  • Growing Demand: Increasing need for occupational therapists in various healthcare settings.
  • Diverse Career Opportunities: Work in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centres, and private practice.
  • Impactful Work: Help individuals improve their ability to perform daily activities and enhance their quality of life.
  • Holistic Approach: Focus on both physical and mental aspects of recovery.
  • Job Satisfaction: Rewarding career with the ability to make a significant difference in patients' lives.
  • Flexible Work Environments: Opportunities to work in diverse settings, including community and home-based care.
  • Career Advancement: Potential for specialisation and further education, such as a Master’s degree.

Q. How can I become an Occupational Therapist in India?

A. To become an occupational therapist in India, follow these steps:

  • Complete 12th Grade: Focus on Science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology).
  • Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree: Enroll in a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) program, which typically lasts 4.5 years including a mandatory internship.
  • Gain Practical Experience: Complete the required internship to gain hands-on experience in various settings.
  • Obtain Licensure: Register with the All India Occupational Therapists' Association (AIOTA) or the respective state council to practice legally.
  • Consider Advanced Education: Optionally, pursue a Master’s degree (MOT) for specialisation and better career opportunities.

Continue Professional Development: Attend workshops, and seminars, and stay updated with the latest advancements in the field.

Q. Where do Occupational Therapists work?

A. One common setting where occupational therapists work is hospitals. In hospitals, they collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide rehabilitation services to patients recovering from surgeries, injuries, or illnesses.

Another setting where occupational therapists can be found is rehabilitation centres. In these centres, they work with individuals who are recovering from strokes, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries.

Q. How does a Physical Therapist become a Physician Assistant?

A. For a variety of reasons, a physical therapist may wish to progress to the position of physician assistant. To become a physician assistant, a physical therapist must either fulfil or complete the prerequisites and higher education criteria required to apply to a physician assistant programme.

They will need to become qualified as a physician assistant after completing a two-year physician assistant programme.

Q. Can I become a doctor after Occupational Therapy?

A. After completing a degree in Occupational Therapy, becoming a doctor in the traditional sense, such as an MBBS or MD, requires starting a new medical education pathway.

A degree in Occupational Therapy does not qualify you to practice as a doctor, as it focuses on rehabilitation and therapy rather than medicine and surgery.

However, if you wish to pursue a medical degree, you would need to meet the eligibility criteria, including clearing the NEET exam, and then completing an MBBS programme followed by specialisation if desired. 

Q. Which has a better salary, a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy or a Bachelor of Physiotherapy?

A. In India, the salary for a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) and a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) can be quite similar, but some differences exist depending on various factors like location, experience, and the specific healthcare facility. Generally:

  • Entry-Level: Both BOT and BPT graduates often start with similar salaries, ranging from INR 2.5 to  INR 4.5 Lacs per annum. 
  • Mid-Level: As they gain experience, physiotherapists may see a slightly higher salary range ( INR 4.5 to  INR 7 Lacs per annum) compared to occupational therapists ( INR 4.5 to  INR 6.5 Lacs per annum), particularly if they work in private clinics or specialised areas.
  • Senior-Level: At senior levels, both fields can offer competitive salaries, but physiotherapists may have more opportunities for higher earnings, especially if they establish their practice or work with sports teams. 

Q. What is the scope of Occupational Therapists in hospitals?

A. The scope of Occupational Therapists in a hospital setting is extensive and crucial in facilitating the recovery and rehabilitation of patients. Occupational therapists play a vital role in helping patients regain skills and abilities necessary for daily living activities. 

Their primary objective is to enhance the quality of life and promote independence for individuals who may be experiencing physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges.

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Occupational Therapy Courses. Students interested in pursuing a career on Occupational Therapy Courses, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

Mar '25

NEET 2025 Application Process

TENTATIVE

Apr '25

NEET 2025 Application Correction

TENTATIVE

26 Dec ' 24 - 22 Jan ' 25

NEET PG 2024 round-3 counselling registration

12 Jan ' 25 - 23 Jan ' 25

NEET PG 2024 round-3 choice filling

13 Jan ' 25

INI CET 2025 round-2 reporting

8 Jan ' 25

INI CET 2025 round-2 seat allotment result

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Counselling Start

TENTATIVE

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Result

TENTATIVE

Most Popular Courses

Following are the most popular Occupational Therapy Courses courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in Occupational Therapy Courses.

Popular Occupational Therapy Courses Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Occupational Therapy Courses Colleges in India. Learn more about these Occupational Therapy Courses colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
3 Courses
3 L
4.87 - 5.72 LPA

#37 NIRF

2 L - 4 L
4.0

Occupational Therapy Applications open. Apply Now

Top 15 in Tamil Nadu

1 Course
5 L
4.5 LPA

#20 NIRF

1 Course
8.8 L
13.55 LPA

#39 NIRF

1 Course
2.43 L
4.5

#11 India Today

Popular Private Occupational Therapy Courses Colleges in India

5.08 L

Top 15 in Bangalore

2 L - 4 L
4.0

Occupational Therapy Applications open. Apply Now

3 Courses
3 L
4.87 - 5.72 LPA

#37 NIRF

Top 15 in Tamil Nadu

1 Course
5 L
4.5 LPA

#20 NIRF

1 Course
8.8 L
13.55 LPA

#39 NIRF

Popular Occupational Therapy Courses UG Courses

Following are the most popular Occupational Therapy Courses UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Occupational Therapy Courses PG Courses

Following are the most popular Occupational Therapy Courses PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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Answered 2 weeks ago

The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy is one of the most sought-after undergraduate courses in the medical stream. In India, admission to this program generally requires candidates to qualify for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG);

NEET-UG Qualifying Marks for General Category (2024)

...more

63687039
Ujjwal Gupta

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

To be eligible for admission to a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) program, you must meet the following criteria:

Class 12: You must have passed 10+2 with a Science stream background, typically with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects. 

Minimum score: You must have a minimum aggrega

...more

K

Kaushiki Mishra

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

Occupational therapy focuses on helping individuals of all ages overcome challenges in daily life due to physical, cognitive, emotional, or developmental issues. The goal is to enhance individuals' ability to participate in meaningful activities and improve their overall quality of life.

 

Program Hig

...more

K

Kaushiki Mishra

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

I do not believe that College of Occupational Therapy is the best in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu is home to several reputed colleges offering Occupational Therapy programs, each with unique strengths. Institutions like Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, are renowned for their excellent education a

...more

S

Shraddha Vinaykumar

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a month ago

As of 2023, the average salary for students in the MOT in Hand Rehabilitation programme at SRM College of Occupational Therapy was INR 7.10 lakh. The median salary was INR 5.10 lakh, and the highest salary was INR 1.00 crore. 95% of the batch was placed. Here are some other details about occupationa

...more

Y

Yash Goswami

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Candidates can check the steps below to become an Occupational Therapist after their Clas 12:

  • Choose the Right Stream in 12th
  • Appear for Entrance Exams
  • Pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy (BOT)
  • Complete the Mandatory Internship
  • Consider Higher Education (Optional)
  • Obtain Licensure (if requi

...more

K

Kanishk Shukla

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

An occupational therapist helps individuals of all ages regain, develop, or maintain skills needed for daily living and work. They work with people facing physical, mental, or developmental challenges due to injuries, illnesses, or disabilities. By using therapeutic techniques, adaptive tools, and p

...more

P

Parul Thapa

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The cost of the Master of Occupational Therapy course at the College of Occupational Therapy is in general INR 3.5 Lacs to INR 6.1 Lacs for the whole program, depending upon the institution and area of specialization. The students may have to bear one-time admission fee and hostel charges that incre

...more

A

Anjali Singh

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

Occupational therapy surface can help people by promoting mental health and premium and mental illness. Participate in health promoting occupations waste of developed copping studies. Marriage a symptoms and chronic conditions on disabilities. Occupational therapy certification you must have OT degr

...more

A

Anjali Singh

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

 

 

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (B.O.Th): An undergraduate professional course taking usually four years, which includes an internship year.

 

Master of Occupational Therapy: For students who complete a three-year Bachelor degree, two years of an advanced programme with specialisation in almost all

...more

A

Anjali Singh

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

Yes, you can pursue a Master's in Occupational Therapy (MOT) after completing a B.Sc in Physician Assistant, provided you meet the eligibility criteria set by the institutions offering the program.

Some universities may require you to have a background in specific healthcare courses, but many accept

...more

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Parul Thapa

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The strong academic foundation, relevantly experienced faculty, and a comprehensive curriculum make the College of Occupational Therapy a good option for pursuing a Master of Occupational Therapy. The college also usually offers specialised programs in different streams of occupational therapy, name

...more

K

KUMKUM BASWAL

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, specific subject requirements are usually needed for admission into a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy course in India. Candidates must have completed their 12th grade with a strong background in the Science stream, typically with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects. 

Most instituti

...more

P

Parul Thapa

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

In India, admission to Bachelor of Occupational Therapy programs is primarily based on merit in many institutions. Candidates are generally selected based on their performance in the Class 12 board exams, with a focus on subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. 

Students who have achieved stron

...more

P

Parul Thapa

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Around 6 seats are offered currently for MOT in Hand Rehabilitation at College of Occupational Therapy. Every year, the actual student's intake into the hand rehabilitation Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) programme offered at the College of Occupational Therapy may differ owing to factors such

...more

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Arindam Modak

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

For instance, in the College of Occupational Therapy, a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (B.O.Th) degree programme of study obtained with at least 50% marks is generally a prerequisite for admission into the MOT (Master of Occupational Therapy) program. In addition, candidates should have previously

...more

A

Arindam Modak

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

Upon graduation, students who have concluded their MOT (Master of Occupational Therapy) studies from the College of Occupational Therapy are not limited to any specific field. They can work in general hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools or education centers, mental health clinics, or special

...more

A

Arindam Modak

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

The College of Occupational Therapy has maintained an impressive record for placements with almost all the students getting jobs in some of the top hospitals and rehabilitation centers. These placement opportunities are not only limited to the local but also include overseas placements.

The College o

...more

A

Arindam Modak

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

In the College of Occupational Therapy, it is common for a standard refund policy to be in place with respect to fees and this also depends on the withdrawal timing and the course too. Refunds may be permissible in certain situations, for instance, in the case of a student withdrawing prior to the c

...more

A

Arindam Modak

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

Generally, direct admission into the College of Occupational Therapy is subject to satisfying certain eligibility requirements including academic merit as well as an entrance examination. Certain management quota seats for direct admission may pertain to some institution but this largely depends on

...more

A

Arindam Modak

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

Costs incurred in pursuit of studies at the College of Occupational Therapy tend to vary with respect to different courses offered by different institutions. For instance, the annual tuition fees range from INR 25,000 to INR 1,00,000 for the B.Sc in Medicine and other medical-related courses. But, t

...more

A

Arindam Modak

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

The College of Occupational Therapy provides excellent support for placement, with a high level of success among graduates in taking up positions in hospitals, rehabilitation centres and the healthcare organizations. In addition, the training is heavily practical and the college has a robust health

...more

A

Arindam Modak

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

In general, applicants for a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) in Neurosciences at the College of Occupational Therapy are expected to possess a Bachelor in Occupational Therapy (BOT) degree and score at least 45 – 50% of the aggregate. Moreover, six-month internship training should be completed.

...more

A

Arindam Modak

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

The average salary for B.O.Th graduates from the College of Occupational Therapy is INR 3 to INR 5 Lacs per year with experience, set of skills, and health setting. Graduates expect an opportunity in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and private practice. Salary will increase if the gradua

...more

K

KUMKUM BASWAL

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 2 months ago

Admission to the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) in Mental Health at College of Occupational Therapy is moderately competitive. The candidates must have a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) with at least 50% marks and pass the CET. After CET, the counseling session is conducted that finaliz

...more

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Subhash Kumar Gupta

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The placements of the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at the College of Occupational Therapy are very strong; almost 80-88% of the students get placements after completion of the course. The college is very strong in its placement cell, and recruitment happens from all health care organizations and

...more

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Subhash Kumar Gupta

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, the college offers many scholarships for its undergraduate (UG) course. These include the scholarship programs provided by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation and all the state occupational therapy associations that support the students enrolled in an occupational therapy course. Other

...more

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Subhash Kumar Gupta

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

It has been rated as a sound option for a B.O.Th degree. The comprehensive course curriculum offered here is so designed that it provides knowledge with both theoretical and practical grounding, preparing the students very well for the workforce. Modern classrooms and laboratories are at its disposa

...more

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Subhash Kumar Gupta

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

In general, College of Occupational Therapy is too costly. The tuition price differs greatly among the programs. For instance, total cost of the programme may lie between about INR 2.5 Lacs and more than INR 7 Lacs per year. Books, supplies, and living expenses also fall in the category. Although th

...more

S

Subhash Kumar Gupta

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The highest package offered to students graduating from the College of Occupational Therapy goes as high as INR 7.2 Lacs per annum. This has much to do with the recent demand for occupational therapists in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. The average salary for graduates is as follows: INR 2.75

...more

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Subhash Kumar Gupta

Contributor-Level 10

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