If you’re someone who wishes to help others get better, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too, then occupational therapy might be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s a career where you directly shape how someone recovers, adapts and finds meaning in their life.
The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy is a 4.5-year undergraduate programme designed to train students in guiding individuals through recovery after injuries, illnesses or developmental conditions. It’s built around the idea that healing extends beyond medicine, helping individuals adjust, grow and live life fully again. The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics predicts an 11% rise in occupational therapy jobs globally by 2032 and the trend is now observable in India as healthcare improves and more people become aware of the profession.
This guide covers all the BSc Occupational Therapy course details you need to know about before enrolling in the programme, including eligibility, cost, admission process, course curriculum and the possible jobs you can do following completion of the course.
A Bachelor of Occupational Therapy is an undergraduate course that focuses on helping patients recover and improve their daily lives. It enables you to identify and address the physical or emotional issues of patients. Students learn to support patients by adjusting their surroundings, teaching them and encouraging them to lead a normal life.
Paediatrics, Hand Therapy and Adult Rehabilitation are among the specialisations offered in Occupational Therapy. People graduating from this programme often assist those with disabilities or injuries by providing rehabilitation support.
| Feature | Details |
| Course Name | Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) |
| Course Type | Full-time Degree |
| Course Level | Undergraduate |
| Duration | 4.5 Years (4 Years Academic + 6 Months Internship) |
| Admission Process | Based on merit or entrance exams. Varies by college. |
| Entrance Exams | AIIMS, NEET |
| Average Course Fees | ₹50,000 – ₹2,00,000 per annum (varies by institution). |
| Average Salary | ₹3-5 LPA for freshers; higher with experience and specialisation |
| Higher Education Paths | Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT), M.Sc. in Occupational Therapy, Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy |
Here’s a general fee structure that gives you a fair idea of the costs during this course:
| Admission Fee + Annual Recurring | One-time fee – ₹ 7,000 |
| 1st Year | ₹ 1,30,000 + ₹ 13,000 |
| 2nd Year | ₹ 1,30,000 + ₹ 13,000 |
| 3rd Year | ₹ 1,30,000 + ₹ 13,000 |
| 4th Year | ₹ 1,30,000 + ₹ 13,000 |
| Final semester (internship) | ₹ 35,000 |
| Total Course Fee | ₹ 6,14,000 |
The BSc Occupational Therapy fee can vary from college to college. On average, the course fees range from INR 50,000 to 2,00,000 per annum.
This programme offers several benefits, both professionally and personally. Some main reasons to pursue this course are:
Most universities conduct entrance exams for applicants to enrol in the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy programme. There are several well-known entrance exams, among them are:
After getting a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, you can find job opportunities in India as well as abroad. People can find employment at rehabilitation centres, private clinics, schools or in NGOs. Others become involved in special education programmes or universities, helping students with various needs.
You also have the opportunity to run your clinic, provide consultations, participate in community health initiatives or care for older people. If you wish to practise overseas, countries with effective healthcare setups tend to have many great jobs for occupational therapists.
After proper training and experience, this course can lead to a stable and rewarding global career.
After completing the BSc Occupational Therapy programme, the following opportunities open up:
Work Settings:
Job Roles:
| Experience Level | Job Role Examples | Average Monthly Salary | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
| Entry-Level (0-2 years) | Junior Occupational Therapist, Hospital Assistant | ₹25,000 – ₹35,000 | ₹3 – ₹4.2 LPA |
| Mid-Level (2-5 years) | Senior Therapist, Clinical Co-ordinator | ₹35,000 – ₹50,000 | ₹4.2 – ₹6 LPA |
| Experienced (5+ years) | Consultant OT, Private Practice Owner | ₹50,000 – ₹80,000+ | ₹6 – ₹10 LPA |
| Specialised/Abroad Roles | Rehab Director, International Healthcare OT | ₹1,00,000+ (₹ based on role) | ₹12 LPA and above |
The Apollo University’s School of Health Sciences runs a Bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy that focuses on the way healthcare is changing, giving students the skills to work with real people in real situations. Below are the key highlights of the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy programme offered at The Apollo University:
Students learn how to work in places they’ll likely end up, clinics, rehab centres or hospitals, by doing more than just classroom work. The university encourages learning across various subjects and assists students in developing the skills required to thrive in a rapidly evolving healthcare system and society.
Some people find meaning in helping others regain their ability, such as walking, eating independently and returning to work. That’s really what occupational therapy is about. It’s not just science or medicine; it’s deeper and more personal than that.
If you take up the BSc Occupational Therapy course at The Apollo University, you won’t just be in classrooms all day. There’s time to spend with real patients, under guidance, slowly building your confidence in what you do. It takes patience, but it’s the kind of learning that sticks. Apply now and fuel your passion for helping patients recover and improve their lives.
Not always. While some colleges consider the NEET for admission, many others admit students based on merit or specific entrance exams.
Some topics included in your studies will be anatomy, physiology, psychiatry, neurology, rehabilitation strategies and others, all focused on meeting your patients’ needs for care and recovery.
Yes! You can consider opening your clinic after gaining some hands-on experience and obtaining the necessary licences and certifications.
