Bachelor of Occupational Therapy: Admission 2023, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Career Scope
Parul ThapaSenior Executive Content
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy is a 5-year (with 1 year of practice) undergraduate allied medical course that focuses on the treatment of physically and mentally challenged patients. Bachelor of Occupational Therapy focuses on the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of people suffering from certain physical and mental health conditions. BOT course also focuses on the usage of alternative medicine methods and usage of speech-language therapy, audiology, physical therapy, etc.
To get enrolled in the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, candidates must have passed Class 12 in the Science stream with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) subjects with a minimum of 50 per cent. Mostly, the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy admission is based on the Class 12 scores. The popular colleges that offer Bachelor of Occupational Therapy are Christian Medical College, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, etc. The average Bachelor of Occupational Therapy course fee ranges between INR 2,400 and INR 12 Lakh.
Occupational Therapy professionals generally work for the rehabilitation of physical and mental health challenges, injuries and impairments. The average salary that a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy graduate earns ranges between INR 2.3 LPA and INR 6 LPA. Candidates can continue reading further to know more about the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy course details.
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Latest Updates
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Highlights
- All About Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
- 3.1 Why Study Bachelor of Occupational Therapy?
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Eligibility Criteria
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Syllabus
- 5.1 Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Specialisations
- Top Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Colleges
- Top Government Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Colleges
- Top Private Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Colleges
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
- 9.1 Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Salary
- 9.2 Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Top Recruiters
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Study Abroad
- Bachelor in Occupational Therapy FAQs
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Latest Updates
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Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Highlights
A Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) is an undergraduate degree program that focuses on training individuals to become occupational therapists. Candidates can check the table below to check the key highlights of Bachelor of Occupational Therapy.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Level | UG |
| Course Duration | 5 years |
| Course Fee | INR 2,400 - INR 12 Lakh |
| Admission Process | Merit-based |
| Popular Colleges | Christian Medical College, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, etc. |
| Job Profiles | Occupational Therapy Consultant, Occupational Therapy Technician, Occupational Therapy Supervisor, Occupational Therapy Nurse, etc. |
| Average Salary | INR 2.3 LPA - INR 6 LPA |
| Top Recruiters | Hospitals and clinics, Educational institutes and special schools, NGOs, Rehabilitation centres, etc. |
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All About Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy is a 5-year course with four years of study in college and one month of field training or internship. The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy curriculum includes medical subjects such as Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Psychology, and Microbiology, to name a few.
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy teaches students to take care of the physical and emotional well-being of their patients while integrating them within an environment that is conducive for them to lead a regular lifestyle. BOT also inculcates among the students different methods of creating awareness among people on prevention and dealing with people with special needs and abilities.
Why Study Bachelor of Occupational Therapy?
Studying Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) can offer numerous benefits for individuals interested in pursuing a career in healthcare and rehabilitation. Here are some compelling reasons to consider studying Bachelor of Occupational Therapy:
- Meaningful and Rewarding Career: Occupational therapists have the opportunity to make a significant positive impact on people's lives.
- Diverse Career Opportunities: Occupational therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, rehabilitation centres, community organizations, mental health facilities, and more.
- High Demand: As the population ages and the need for healthcare services grows, the demand for occupational therapists is also increasing.
- Work-Life Balance: Occupational therapists often have the flexibility to work in various settings and may have the ability to choose their work hours, leading to a better work-life balance.
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Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) program can vary depending on the university and country you're considering. However, a general overview of the typical eligibility requirements for a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy is outlined below.
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Candidates should pass the Class 12 Board exam in the Science stream with a minimum of 50 per cent aggregate.
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Candidates must have studied Physics, Chemistry and Biology as core subjects.
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Candidates appearing in the Class 12 Board exam are also eligible to pursue a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy provided he/she meets the eligibility criterion within the stipulated schedule.
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Syllabus
The syllabus for a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy can vary from one university to another, but a general overview of the subjects and topics commonly covered in such programs is mentioned below in the table. It must be noted that the order and specific content of courses might differ based on the institution.
| Semester | Syllabus |
|---|---|
| Year 1 |
|
| Year 2 |
|
| Year 3 |
|
| Year 4 |
|
Click here to see the detailed BOT syllabus
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Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Specialisations
During a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy program, specialization options might not be as extensive as in postgraduate programs. However, some universities might offer elective Bachelor of Occupational Therapy courses or opportunities to focus on certain areas of practice within the field of Occupational Therapy. The specialisation areas of the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy are as follows:
| Specialisations | Details |
|---|---|
| Paediatric | Within this specialisation, professionals work with specially-abled children |
| Geriatric | In this specialisation, Occupational Therapy professionals work with senior citizens who already suffer from a disability or impairment, or are developing physical difficulties on account of old age |
| Adult Rehabilitation | Within this, therapists work with adults to rehabilitate them from different alcoholic or substance addictions or other mental health issues |
| Neurological | This specialisation works with people suffering from neurological problems such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and paralysis caused due to cardiac attacks, among others |
| Sports and Industrial Injury | Occupational Therapy professionals trained in this particular field are qualified to treat physical injuries caused by sports or industrial accidents and aid them through physiotherapy as well as psychiatric counselling to help them recover from the trauma induced by the injury |
Top Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Colleges
There are several reputed colleges and universities in India that offer Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) programs. Keep in mind that rankings and reputations can change over time, so it's essential to verify the latest information. It must be noted that the admission processes, eligibility criteria, and program offerings can change, so it's recommended to visit the official websites of these institutions to get the most accurate and up-to-date information about Bachelor of Occupational Therapy.
Some of the top colleges offering BOT in India are as follows.
Top Government Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Colleges
There are 11 government colleges that provide Bachelor of Occupational Therapy. Jamia Hamdard, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, MUHS, and Topiwala National Medical College are some government colleges that provide Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in India. Candidates can check some other government colleges offering Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in the table below.
| College Name | Total Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
| Jamia Hamdard | 3 Lakh |
| Chettinad Academy of Research and Education | 12 Lakh |
| MUHS | 92,000 |
| Topiwala National Medical College | 1.6 Lakh |
| Government Medical College | 1 Lakh |
| Madhya Pradesh Medical Science University | 1.2 Lakh |
| Sardar Patel University | 30,300 |
Top Private Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Colleges
There are 27 private colleges that provide Bachelor of Occupational Therapy. Christian Medical College, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, and Padmashree Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth are some private colleges that provide Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in India. Candidates can check some other private colleges offering Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in the table below.
| College Name | Total Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
| Christian Medical College | 2,400 |
| Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research | 5.6 Lakh |
| Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences | 5 Lakh |
| Padmashree Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth | 8 Lakh |
| East Point Group of Institutions | 5.1 Lakh |
| Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal | 6.6 Lakh |
| Amity University, Noida | 3.4 Lakh |
| SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai | 3.6 Lakh |
| Mahatma Gandhi University of Medical Sciences and Technology | 2 Lakh |
Note: The above fee is collated from multiple sources and is likely to vary. For more details related to the fee, please visit the official website of affiliated colleges.
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Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
After completing a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, graduates can work as professionals in the Occupational Therapy industry. The key role of occupational therapists is to provide support through physical and cognitive treatments. Occupational Therapists work closely with professionals in Audiology, Speech-Language Therapy, Nursing, Social Work, Educationists, etc.
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy graduates help people with disabilities or differently-abled people participate in daily and regular activities and occupations. The Occupation Therapists or Occupation Therapy Assistants use treatment methods like counselling sessions, exercises, functional training, and ergonomic training, among others which help them integrate within regular lifestyle activities and environment.
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Salary
The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy salary in India can vary based on several factors, including the type of employer, location, years of experience, specialization, and the demand for occupational therapists in that particular region. Generally, the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy salary in India is as follows.
| Job Profiles | Description | Average Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Consultant |
An Occupational Therapy Consultant is a highly experienced and knowledgeable occupational therapist who provides specialized expertise and guidance to individuals, organizations, or institutions seeking to enhance their understanding and implementation of occupational therapy principles and practices | 3.4 LPA |
| Occupational Therapy Supervisor | An Occupational Therapy Supervisor is a professional within the field of occupational therapy who holds a supervisory role overseeing the work of other occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and support staff | 3.8 LPA |
| Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant | A Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant is a healthcare professional who works under the supervision of licensed therapists to support the rehabilitation and treatment of individuals with various conditions or injuries | 6 LPA |
| Speech and Language Therapist | A Speech and Language Therapist is a healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing, assessing, and treating individuals with communication disorders and swallowing difficulties | 5.5 LPA |
| Medical Record Technician | A Medical Record Technician is a healthcare professional responsible for managing and organizing patient medical records and health information in a healthcare facility | 2.3 LPA |
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Top Recruiters
Graduates with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy degree can find job opportunities in various healthcare settings and organizations. While the specific recruiters can vary based on the region, here are some potential top recruiters for BOT graduates in India:
| Top Recruiters | |
|---|---|
| Hospitals and clinics | Educational institutes and special schools |
| NGOs | Rehabilitation centres |
| Sports and fitness centres | Old age homes |
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Study Abroad
Studying Bachelor of Occupational Therapy abroad can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to gain an international perspective on the field and expand your horizons. Here are some steps to consider if candidates are interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy abroad:
- Research Programs: Explore universities in countries that offer BOT programs to international students. Look for universities with strong reputations in healthcare and rehabilitation sciences.
- Check Eligibility: Review the admission requirements for each university to ensure you meet the academic and language proficiency criteria.
- Application Process: Prepare your application materials, which might include academic transcripts, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, and any required test scores.
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Bachelor in Occupational Therapy FAQs
Q. What is Bachelor in Occupational Therapy?
A. A Bachelor in Occupational Therapy is a 5-year undergraduate degree program that focuses on training individuals to become occupational therapists. Occupational therapists are healthcare professionals who work with people of all ages to help them engage in meaningful activities and tasks, often referred to as occupations, that are essential for their overall well-being, independence, and quality of life.
The BOT program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the principles of Occupational Therapy, Anatomy, Physiology, Psychology, Rehabilitation Techniques, and related healthcare subjects. Graduates of a BOT program are equipped to assess individuals' physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs and to develop and implement interventions that promote functional independence and improved quality of life.
Q. Is a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy a doctor?
A. No, a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy does not confer the title of doctor. A BOT degree is an undergraduate program that prepares individuals to become occupational therapists, but it does not grant them the title of doctor.
It's important to understand that the term "doctor" is commonly associated with individuals who hold doctoral degrees, which typically include research-focused doctorates (PhD) and professional doctorates (such as a Doctor of Medicine - MD or a Doctor of Physical Therapy - DPT).
Q. Does Occupational Therapy need NEET?
A. Occupational Therapy (OT) and other allied health professions like OT do not typically require students to appear for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).
NEET is a common entrance examination for admission to medical and dental courses in government and private medical colleges in India.
Occupational Therapy programs, including Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT), usually have their own admission processes that may involve criteria such as academic qualifications, performance in relevant subjects, and sometimes interviews or aptitude tests. However, admission requirements can vary among institutions, so it's essential to check the specific admission criteria of the universities or colleges you are interested in.
Q. What is the salary of a BSc Occupational Therapy in India?
A. The salary of a BSc Occupational Therapy graduate in India can vary based on factors such as the location of the job, the type of employer, the level of experience, and the demand for occupational therapists in that particular region.
Here's a general idea of the salary range BSc Occupational Therapy graduates might expect:
| Experience Level |
Average Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level |
INR 20,000 - INR 30,000 per month |
| Mid-Level |
INR 30,000 - INR 50,000 per month |
| Experienced Professionals |
INR 50,000 - INR 1,00,000 per month |
Q. Is Physiotherapy better than Occupational Therapy?
A. Occupational therapists focus on enabling individuals to engage in meaningful activities, while Physiotherapy professionals primarily concentrate on addressing physical impairments and promoting optimal movement and function.
Candidates can check the table below to see the comparison between the two courses.
| Particulars |
Occupational Therapy |
Physiotherapy |
|---|---|---|
| Course Level |
UG, PG, Diploma and Certificate |
UG, PG, PhD & Diploma |
| Course Duration |
2-3 years |
2-3 years |
| Course Fee |
INR 30,300 - INR 8 Lakh |
INR 2,000 - INR 6 Lakh |
| Entrance Exam |
CUET, KCET, NEET, GPAT, etc. |
|
| Popular Colleges |
Jamia Hamdard, Annamalai University, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, MUHS |
Christian Medical College, Jamia Hamdard, St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, etc. |
| Job Profiles |
Occupational Therapist, Occupational Therapist Assistant, Rehabilitation Therapist, Clinical Assistant, Paediatrics, etc. |
Physiotherapist, Research Assistant, Lecturer, Home care physiotherapist, Sports physio rehabilitator, Therapy Manager, etc. |
| Average Salary |
INR 2.5 LPA - INR 5.6 LPA |
INR 2 LPA - INR 8 LPA |
| Top Recruiters |
Max Healthcare Group, Apollo Hospital Group, Tickles India, Fortis Healthcare Group, etc. |
Apollo Hospitals, Help Age India, Hosmat Hospital, Fortis Hospital, etc |
Q. Does occupational therapy have a scope?
A. Yes, Occupational Therapy has a well-defined scope of practice. The primary goal of Occupational Therapy is to enable people to engage in meaningful and purposeful activities that contribute to their overall health, well-being, and quality of life.
The scope of Occupational Therapy includes:
Overall, Occupational Therapy’s scope is diverse and adaptable, covering a wide range of settings, populations, and interventions aimed at improving individuals' overall quality of life through meaningful activities and participation.
Q. Which is better BPT or BOT?
A. While both BPT and BOT programs are healthcare-related and contribute to improving individuals' well-being, BPT primarily focuses on physical rehabilitation and mobility, while BOT centres on helping individuals engage in meaningful activities to promote overall well-being and independence.
Candidates can check the table below to see the comparison between the two courses.
| Particulars |
BOT |
BPT |
|---|---|---|
| Course Level |
UG |
UG |
| Course Duration |
5 years |
4 years |
| Course Fee |
INR 2,400 - INR 12 Lakh |
INR 1 Lakh - INR 5 Lakh |
| Entrance Exam |
Merit-based |
|
| Popular Colleges |
Christian Medical College, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, etc. |
AIIMS Delhi, King George's Medical University, JIPMER Puducherry, Banaras Hindu University |
| Job Profiles |
Occupational Therapy Consultant, Occupational Therapy Technician, Occupational Therapy Supervisor, Occupational Therapy Nurse, etc. |
Physiotherapists, Researchers, Lecturers, Home care physiotherapists, Sports physio rehabilitators, Medical coding analysts, etc. |
| Average Salary |
INR 2.3 LPA - INR 6 LPA |
INR 2 LPA - INR 8 LPA |
| Top Recruiters |
Hospitals and clinics, Educational institutes and special schools, NGOs, Rehabilitation centres, etc. |
HelpAge India, Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Hospital, Talwalkers Pantaloon Fitness Pvt Ltd, etc. |
Q. How can I become an occupational therapist in India?
A. To become an occupational therapist in India, you need to follow a specific educational and licensing process.
Here are the general steps:
- Educational Qualifications: Candidates need to complete a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) program from a recognized institution.
- Internship: After completing a bachelor's degree, candidates will need to complete a mandatory internship or practical training program.
- Registration: After completing the degree and internship, candidates need to register with the respective state's Occupational Therapy Council or the All India Occupational Therapists' Association (AIOTA).
- Licensing: Some states in India may require you to obtain a state-specific license to practice as an occupational therapist.
Q. Can I become a doctor after Occupational Therapy?
A. Yes, it is possible to pursue a medical career after completing a degree in Occupational Therapy (OT), but the process can be complex and may require additional education and training.
Here are a few pathways one could consider:
If candidates are interested in becoming a medical doctor (MBBS/MD), they will generally need to complete a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree program, which typically takes around five and a half years to complete in India. This involves medical education and training in various medical specialities.
However, admission to medical school is competitive, and the admission criteria can vary. Some medical schools might require a background in science and specific prerequisites.
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