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Help patients regain daily-living skills after injury, stroke, developmental disability.

What they actually do

Occupational therapists work with patients (especially children with autism + developmental delays, stroke survivors, post-injury) to regain daily-living skills. Combines clinical + creative work.

A typical day

• Patient assessments + treatment plans
• Therapy sessions (often with kids — sensory + motor)
• Adaptive equipment recommendations
• Family education + home programme design
• Documentation

How to become a Occupational Therapist

2 viable paths.

• Class 12 (PCB) → BOT (4.5 yr inc. internship)

  Bachelor of Occupational Therapy.

• BOT → MOT specialisation

  Paediatric / Neuro / Mental Health specialisation.

Salary bands by experience

Wide bands — real salary depends on city, employer, performance. Pick the midpoint for planning.

• Fresh₹2 - ₹5 LPA
• 5-10 yr₹5 - ₹12 LPA
• Senior + own practice₹10 - ₹25 LPA

Career growth + employers

Junior OT → Senior OT → Specialist (Paeds, Neuro) → Own Practice

Top employers (informational, not endorsement)

• Special schools + autism centres
• Hospitals (AIIMS, NIMHANS, private chains)
• Rehab centres
• Foreign — UK NHS, US, Australia hire Indian OTs

Honest pros + cons

Demand outlook

Strong. Special needs + elder care expanding.

Related careers

• Physiotherapist (BPT/MPT)

  Rehabilitation + injury recovery. Hospital, sports, home-visit, own practice routes.

• Psychologist + Counsellor

  Clinical, counselling, school, organisational psychology. Mental health awareness driving demand.

Relevant exams

• NEET UG