What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy is a branch of healthcare and science that deals with people of all ages who face cognitive, emotional, and sensory disorders. A person performing occupational therapy is called an occupational therapist. They help people recover from traumas and lead independent lives. A person enrolling for the course learns how to help the patient by giving them medical treatment and rehabilitation to improve their physical health. 

The course comprises biochemistry, clinical orthopedics, anatomy, pathology, general surgery, psychology, occupational therapy in rehabilitation, etc. Students can opt for this course after completing their 12th (Maths, Physics, Chemistry, English, and Biology) with a minimum of 50% marks. In this blog, one can check out detailed insights into the course program, colleges, eligibility criteria, and more. 

Popular Occupational Therapy courses

Students can pursue occupational therapy courses either in bachelor's or master's. Also, one can take either a diploma or a certificate program. Here is a breakdown of various levels of occupational degree programs -

Bachelor's in occupational therapy (BOT)

It is an undergraduate program with a five-year duration and one-year practice that requires a 12th qualification with physics, chemistry, maths, and biology as the core subjects. The minimum qualifying mark for the course is 50%. 

The bachelor of occupational therapy degree focuses on preventing, treating, and rehabilitating people suffering from certain physical and mental health conditions. 

Master's in occupational therapy (MOT)

It is a full-time, two-year postgraduate program to familiarize students with practical and theoretical knowledge, including occupational therapy practice. 

Students applying for the course must have completed their bachelor's in occupational therapy with an excellent academic record. Admissions are made based on the merit score or through an entrance test, such as NEET, MET, IPU-CET, etc. 

Candidates applying abroad must have completed 12th education and must have passed the English proficiency test (IELTS) with a minimum of 6.5 scores. 

Certificate Occupational Therapy Programs

It is a short-term or a crash course of one year requiring 10th class qualification or equivalent with at least 50% marks from a recognized college or institution. The course covers a basic understanding of the subject, creating a pathway to a diploma or higher education. 

Diploma programs

It is a two-year course that requires 12th-class qualification or its equivalent in a science stream with 50% marks. The course aims to provide fundamental knowledge and skills about the therapies, covering the theoretical and practical aspects and how to deal with patients in a particular situation. 

Best Universities for Occupational Therapy Courses

Occupational therapy is one of the most demanding degrees worldwide after COVID-19. Applicants can check out the best universities for occupational therapy, their ranking, and the most popular program they offer.

Universities	QS Ranking 2024	Acceptance rate	Popular course
The University of Toronto	21	43%	MScOT
University of Queensland	43	40%	Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Hons)
University of Pittsburgh	222	67%	Master of science in occupational therapy
Harvard University	4	4%	MS in occupational therapy
University of Washington- Seattle	63	53%	UW MOT degree
University of Sydney	19	30%	Master of Occupational Therapy
Karolinska Institute	50	3.9%	European master of science in occupational therapy
McMaster University	189	59%	MSc Occupational Therapy
Boston University	93	19%	Bachelor of science in behavior and health (BSBH)
La Trobe University	242	100%	Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Hons)