Bachelor of Occupational Therapy is a 4-5 year long undergraduate course designed to produce efficient Occupational Therapists that can help the physically or mentally challenged people enjoy their life without any hindrance.
Occupational Therapy is the branch of science that deals with curing and rehabilitating the physically, emotionally and mentally disabled and challenged people. It focuses on adapting the environment according to the patient, and teaching and educating them in the necessary skills needed in performing daily activities. This was also known as ‘Moral Treatment’ in the past.The rise of occupational therapy happened around 100 BC, with a Greek physician by the name ‘Asclepiads. He treated the mentally impaired with the help of music, massage, exercise, and therapeutic bath. Since the onset of the 18th and 19th century, Occupational Therapy has been widely used in a number of countries as a measure of assessing and treating the mentally challenged. The 20th century formally named it as ‘Occupational Therapy’.
Occupational Therapists are professionals who:
There are around 25 institutes in India that offer the course. In India, this program is recognized by the All India Occupational Therapists Association (AIOTA) and the World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT).
Candidates aspiring for admission to the course are required to fulfill the following minimum eligibility criteria.
Most institutes offering the course in India admit students based on their performance in a relevant entrance test, followed by a subsequent round of counselling. The round of counseling consists of two additional rounds of group discussion and personal interview, wherein the candidate’s general aptitude for the course is examined.
Upon successful completion of the course, graduates apply for the National Certification Examination to get the license to practice Occupational Therapy officially.