A Diploma in Occupational Therapy is typically a 2-year diploma for undergraduates. The most focused topics in Diploma Occupational Therapy courses are Psychology and Sociology. Eligibility criteria are met if they have passed class 12 or any other equivalent qualifying exam in any stream with a minimum 50% aggregate marks from any recognized board in the Science stream. Colleges in India offering a Diploma in Occupational Therapy are JNMC, Bihar, and Aligarh School of Nursing.
Most colleges offering a Diploma in Occupational Therapy give admission on merit, and no entrance exam is conducted. Course fees for a Diploma Occupational Therapy start from INR 30,000 and can go up to INR 50,000 annually. The job profiles after completion of a Diploma Occupational Therapy are Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Occupational Therapy Nurse, etc. The average annual salaries for freshers after the completion of a Diploma Occupational Therapy are INR 3 - 5 LPA, depending on skills and expertise.
- Diploma in Occupational Therapy Course Highlights
- What is a Diploma in Occupational Therapy?
- Why Pursue a Diploma in Occupational Therapy?
- Diploma in Occupational Therapy Eligibility
- Diploma in Occupational Therapy Admission Process 2025
- Diploma in Occupational Therapy Colleges in India
- Diploma in Occupational Therapy Syllabus
- Diploma in Occupational Therapy v/s Bachelor in Occupational Therapy Course Comparison
- Diploma in Occupational Therapy Job Profiles
- Diploma in Occupational Therapy Future Scope
- Diploma in Occupational Therapy FAQs
Diploma in Occupational Therapy Course Highlights
Provided below are the key highlights for the Graduate Diploma Occupational Therapy course:
Feature | Details |
Course Level | Undergraduate Diploma |
Duration | 2 Years |
Eligibility | Class 12 or equivalent with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks from a recognized board in the Science Stream |
Key Subjects | Psychology, Sociology |
Admission Process | Merit-based (No entrance exam) |
Top Colleges | JNMC, Bihar; Aligarh School of Nursing |
Course Fees | INR 30,000 - INR 50,000 per year |
Job Roles | Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Occupational Therapy Nurse, etc. |
Average Salary | INR 3 - 5 LPA (for freshers) |
What is a Diploma in Occupational Therapy?
A Diploma in Occupational Therapy is an undergraduate two-year program designed to equip students with the skills to enable patients to overcome physical, emotional, and mental disabilities. The program entails the major study of Psychology and Sociology, preparing students to make patients independent in daily life. Graduating students can work as Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, or Therapy Nurses in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private clinics.
Why Pursue a Diploma in Occupational Therapy?
Given below are the benefits of choosing a Diploma Occupational Therapy:
- High job opportunities as occupational therapists in private clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers.
- Opportunities in special education, community services, and health care industries.
- Course cost: INR 20,000 - INR 35,000 per year, which is a reasonable option.
- No entrance exams are required, making entry simple.
- Salary for the freshers can range from INR 3 - 5 LPA, subject to increment on the basis of skills.
Diploma in Occupational Therapy Eligibility
To pursue Occupational Therapy course, students must have completed class 12 or any other equivalent qualifying exam from a recognized board to be eligible with the Science stream. Additionally, some institutes may conduct personal interviews as part of the admission process. The selection criteria may vary depending on the institute and its specific requirements.
Diploma in Occupational Therapy Admission Process 2025
The admission process for the Occupational Therapy at Singhania University follows a structured set of steps as per the university's guidelines
- Step 1: Make sure you have completed the 12th grade with at least 50% of the PHB's score and a recognized board.
- Step 2: The candidate must be 17 years of age or older and should not exceed 35 years on the reception date.
- Step 3: Write an online application that can be used on the website of Singhaunia University. Provide accurate personal and academic details.
- Step 4: Download the scanned copy of the 12th-grade brand, age evidence, and other necessary documents as indicated in the application form.
- Step 5: Pay an irreversible fee to apply through an online portal for the university's online payment. Choose your preferred specialization and invite you to counseling that can clarify your doubts.
- Step 6: Upon successful application submission and fee payment, an admit card will be issued for the entrance examination.
- Step 7: Attend the entrance exam on the scheduled date. The exam will assess your knowledge in relevant subjects.
- Step 8: Results will be announced on the university's official website. Successful candidates will be shortlisted for the next stage.
- Step 9: Shortlisted candidates will be called for a counseling session where they can select their preferred specialization and clarify any doubts.
- Step 10: After counseling, selected candidates will receive an admission offer. Confirm your seat by paying the required admission fee.
Diploma in Occupational Therapy Colleges in India
Given below is a list of colleges that offer a Occupational Therapy, along with their location and course fees. All these colleges accept admissions on a merit basis for the Diploma course:
College Name | Location | Annual Fees (INR) |
ADN Institute of Paramedical Sciences and Hospitals | Nagpur, Maharashtra | 40,000 |
Aligarh School of Nursing | Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh | 47,000 |
Singhania University | Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan | 39,000 |
Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences | Bidar, Karnataka | 50,000 |
Aadarsh India Technical and Paramedical College | Muzaffarpur, Bihar | 45,000 |
CMJ University | Shillong, Meghalaya | 30,000 |
Shridhar University | Pilani, Rajasthan | 43,500 |
Diploma in Occupational Therapy Syllabus
Given below is the syllabus for the Occupational Therapy at CMJ University, Shillong:
Semester | Subjects |
Semester 1 | Basics of Human Anatomy |
Basics of Medical Physiology | |
Pathology | |
Basics of Computer Skills | |
Communication Skills | |
Semester 2 | Occupational Therapy I |
Occupational Therapy II | |
Semester 3 | Occupational Therapy III |
Occupational Therapy IV | |
Semester 4 | Occupational Therapy V |
Occupational Therapy VI | |
Occupational Therapy VII |
Diploma in Occupational Therapy v/s Bachelor in Occupational Therapy Course Comparison
Given below is a comparison between Diploma Occupational Therapy and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy for students to make a better informed decision:
Criteria | Diploma in Occupational Therapy | Bachelor of Occupational Therapy |
Duration | 2 years | 4 years + 6-month internship |
Focus | Practical training, basic therapy skills | In-depth theoretical and practical knowledge |
Course Level | Diploma (Entry-level) | Undergraduate (Advanced level) |
Subjects Covered | Basics of Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Occupational Therapy Techniques | Advanced Anatomy, Physiology, Neurology, Psychiatry, Assistive Technology, Research Methods |
Career Opportunities | Assistant roles in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers | Higher-level roles in hospitals, clinics, schools, and research |
Average Salary (India) | INR 3-5 LPA | INR 5-8 LPA |
Further Studies | Limited scope for higher education | Can pursue Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT), Ph.D. |
Diploma in Occupational Therapy Job Profiles
Given below is an overview of career opportunities and salary ranges for professionals post the completion of a Diploma:
Job Profile | Job Description | Annual Salary (INR) |
Occupational Therapist | Assists patients in developing, recovering, and improving skills needed for daily living and working. | 3,50,000 |
Occupational Therapy Assistant | Supports occupational therapists in implementing treatment plans and helping patients with therapeutic activities. | 3,00,000 |
Rehabilitation Therapist | Provides therapy to help patients regain physical functions and adapt to disabilities. | 4,50,000 |
Clinical Assistant | Assists in clinical tasks, patient documentation, and supports therapists during sessions. | 3,50,000 |
Pediatric Occupational Therapist | Specializes in helping children develop necessary skills for daily activities and school participation. | 5,00,000 |
Geriatric Occupational Therapist | Focuses on assisting elderly patients to maintain independence in daily activities. | 4,00,000 |
Diploma in Occupational Therapy Future Scope
Upon the completion of a course in Occupational Therapy, students can follow the below given career paths:
- One can pursue a Bachelor's in Occupational Therapy for further in-depth knowledge in this field.
- Certification courses such as COTA and NDT can also be done for upskilling.
- Some colleges offer an Advanced Diploma or a PG Diploma in Occupational Therapy and related fields that can help with specialisation.
Diploma in Occupational Therapy FAQs
Is there any minimum or maximum age requirement to join a Diploma in Occupational Therapy?
Most institutes require candidates to be at least 18 years old and have completed their 12th grade, preferably with a science background. There's usually no upper age limit, making it a flexible option for adult learners too.
What software or tools are commonly used for labor therapy diplomas?
Students are familiar with the generally used evaluation tools, such as cognitive evaluation of Bruininks-Social Motor (BOT-2) and Montreal (MOCA), and functional independence (FIM). This tool helps to evaluate the patient's physical, cognitive, and daily function.
Can you get a diploma full-time while working full-time?
Yes. It's possible. Many universities, such as IGNOU and TNOUs, offer flexible and incomplete working days and online learning options so that students can study and continue their work. This program is ideal for work experts or people interested.
Is the labor therapy diploma containing internships or industrial training?
Yes. Most diploma programs include practical training or experience in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or clinics as part of the curriculum. However, the duration and structure of the actual components may vary from institution to institution.
