Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (M.Sc Occupational Therapy) is a 2-year post-bachelor's program and advanced qualification in the field of rehabilitative healthcare and support to patients. It is an inpatient course that targets individuals who have already finished a Bachelor's Occupational Therapy to enhance their knowledge of evidence-based practice and assistive skills. Students are prepared to develop rehabilitation programs to make the patient self-dependent again concerning his independence on daily tasks and to enhance the quality of his life affected by any injury, disease, or developmental retardation.
The M.Sc Occupational Therapy course is open to candidates who have cleared a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) degree from a recognised university with at least 50% aggregate marks. Most students gain admission through either an institutional entrance examination or a direct merit entrance. Other colleges might ask that you have a personal interview or previous internship experience in a clinical setting. The state or central registration certificate can also be required when joining the university.
The course is an average of INR 70,000-INR 250,000 per year,and the government colleges are cheaper when compared to the privately run institutions. Some of the best colleges that provide this program are Manipal Academy of Higher Education, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Jamia Hamdard, NIMS University, Amity University, and Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore. Such educational institutions offer the highest clinical practice, research, and internship facilities and opportunities in rehabilitation hospitals and community centers.
Upon graduation with an M.Sc in Occupational Therapy, graduates will be in a position to work as Occupational Therapists at hospitals, rehabilitation centers, special schools, mental institutions, Red Cross organizations, and privately owned treatment units. They can also become Pediatric Therapists, Geriatric Care Specialists, Vocational Trainers, Ergonomics Consultants, and Therapy Coordinators. One can also do a higher course (such as a Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy or specialization in Neurological or Orthopedic Rehabilitation). Freshers are being paid off with landmark salaries of INR 4-6 LPA, whereas the experienced professionals can negotiate up to INR 10-15 LPA, particularly in private hospitals, research companies, or international organizations.
Table of Contents
- M.Sc Occupational Therapy Course Highlights
- What is M.Sc Occupational Therapy?
- Why Study M.Sc Occupational Therapy?
- Who Should Study M.Sc Occupational Therapy?
- M.Sc Occupational Therapy Eligibility Criteria
- M.Sc Occupational Therapy Entrance Exams
- M.Sc Occupational Therapy Colleges in India
- M.Sc Occupational Therapy Admission Process 2025
- M.Sc Occupational Therapy Syllabus
- Semester III
- Semester IV
- M.Sc Occupational Therapy Job Opportunities in India
- M.Sc Occupational Therapy FAQs
M.Sc Occupational Therapy Course Highlights
Given below are the basic key highlights for the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy:
What is M.Sc Occupational Therapy?
The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (M.Sc OT) is a 2-year postgraduate program, and it aims to treat and heal people in troubled physical, mental, or developmental aspects. It is designed for students who show an interest in assisting people in enhancing their everyday functions and life quality by means of intervention at an occupational level.
The course offers a comprehensive overview of advanced occupational therapy practice, such as neurological rehabilitation, pediatric therapy, training in using assistive devices, geriatrics, ergonomics, and mental health therapy. It is a combination of classroom lessons with clinical rotations and research regarding planning, designing, and applying individualized therapy programs and appraising them. The students learn to practice in various medical establishments and enable patients to become independent and productive in life and at the workplace.
Why Study M.Sc Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy is a life-changing occupation. By attaining an M.Sc in Occupational Therapy, you can make a significant impact and difference in the lives of people by ensuring that, regardless of injury, illness, or disability, they can become stable and more active in performing activities of daily life. Below mentioned are the reasons why going after an M.Sc in Occupational Therapy is a great decision:
- Helps you enable lives: During the training, you will learn to work with diverse people of all ages (children with developmental challenges, adults after recovery due to strokes or injuries, and aged citizens with age-related challenges).
- Integrates medical practice and compassion into the field: You create customized therapeutic plans based on the everyday actions, assistive instruments, and adjustments used to provide clients with the opportunities to live happy lives. It comes down to a mixture of scientific knowledge, solving problems, and human touch.
- Varying career choices: This course makes you ready to be integrated into multidisciplinary health teams, regardless of your choice of a work environment, be it hospitals, special schools, rehabilitation centers, or even an NGO.
- Possibilities of specialization and research: The degree enables you to excel in your clinical, research, and analytical work. It also opens up a path to a Ph.D., global practice, or work as an ergonomics, assistive technology, and policy development consultant.
Who Should Study M.Sc Occupational Therapy?
Listed below are some of the types of students who are most suited to pursue an M.Sc in Occupational Therapy. Let’s explore:
- Students with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) love to take care of the patients and provide therapy and rehabilitation.
- People who like to help others to get back on their feet after an accident, disease, or developmental difficulties, and derive their satisfaction from healing activities.
- The ability to treat people with extreme sensitivity and empathy and understanding; the ability to be flexible, patient, and sensitive in clinical surroundings; the aptitude to observe and solve problems; interpersonal skills.
- The individuals who intend to further their clinical practice and wish to specialize in the field of neurological therapy, pediatrics, geriatrics, or mental health care.
- Individuals who are interested in a research or academic career in occupational therapy or desire to enter hospital management, consulting, or community health services.
- Individuals who would like to work abroad or in NGOs, schools, rehabilitation, or establish their private therapy clinic.
M.Sc Occupational Therapy Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for admission to the M.Sc Occupational Therapy courses are as outlined below. Specific requirements may vary across universities:
- It requires a Bachelor in Occupational Therapy (BOT) degree from a recognized university or institution.
- The candidate should have obtained not less than 50% aggregate marks (SC/ST/OBC relaxable as per government norms).
- Some institutions can insist that one has to go through a post-BOT internship of one year as part of the criterion.
- Candidates should be certified with an Occupational Therapy council or board, where applicable to the state/country.
- BOT students in their final year can also apply provisionally, but before enrollment, they complete their degree requirements.
M.Sc Occupational Therapy Entrance Exams
Admission to an M.Sc in Occupational Therapy may require clearing university-level or national-level entrance exams. Below are some of the key exams:
M.Sc Occupational Therapy Colleges in India
Provided below is the list of some of the Top M.Sc in Occupational Therapy Colleges in India. Students must be eligible to pursue an M.Sc in Occupational Therapy from these colleges.
Click to know about another similar course – Masters in Occupational Therapy
M.Sc Occupational Therapy Admission Process 2025
M.Sc Occupational Therapy institutions may be merit- or entrance exam-based. As an instance, in the Manipal College of Health Professions (MCHP), Manipal, admission is purely on a merit basis concerning the qualifying examination (BOT/BSc OT) and university counseling.
Step 1: You have to visit the official Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) admission portal and get registered, i.e., complete the online application form. Provide all the personal, academic, and contact information.
Step 2: The documents (academic transcripts) have to be uploaded, and an application fee has to be paid online.
Step 3: The University considers applications on the basis of the marks that were received in the qualifying degree (Bachelor of Occupational Therapy or equivalent).
Step 4: There is a list of merits issued with respect to a qualifying degree's marks. The shortlisted candidates will either be called in to engage in counseling or receive a direct admission depending on their ranking.
Step 5: Candidates who are chosen have to accept their admission by paying the amount of fee as set for the course fee.
Step 6: In case of a successful payment, the university sends a confirmation email, which includes (officially) the orientation schedule and the date of the course start.
Required Documents:
- Graduation Marksheet and 12th Marksheet
- Transfer Certificate (TC)
- Conduct/Character Certificate
- Proof of Identity (Aadhaar Card, Passport, etc.)
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Migration Certificate (if applicable)
M.Sc Occupational Therapy Syllabus
The M.Sc in Occupational Therapy is a 2-year postgraduate program divided into 4 semesters. The curriculum is designed to build advanced knowledge in therapeutic techniques, research, and patient care. The structure below reflects the curriculum of Manipal College of Health Professions (MCHP), Manipal.
M.Sc Occupational Therapy Job Opportunities in India
After completing the M.Sc in Occupational Therapy program, students can pursue various Job Profiles. Given below are some of the famous Job Roles you can pursue after completing the course. Along with the top recruiters and Average Pay.
M.Sc Occupational Therapy FAQs
What is the difference between occupational therapy and physiotherapy, and other rehabilitation sciences?
Although physiotherapy is essentially directed at restoring physical functions and movement and strength retraining, occupational therapy is referred to as allowing the patient to do his or her everyday activities and regain autonomy. The subject of OT is greatly concerned with mental, emotional, and social rehabilitation as well as physical therapy. OT specialists develop individual theoretical treatment programs involving adaptive mechanisms and cognitive-behavioral strategies.
What are the various areas of specialization or practice under Occupational Therapy?
Specializations in OT are pediatric OT (treatment of children with developmental disabilities), neurorehabilitation (stroke, spinal cord injury), geriatric OT, mental health OT, hand therapy, vocational rehabilitation, sensory integration therapy, and community-based rehabilitation. The professionals have the freedom to specialize in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation hospitals, and even privately.
Which type of research opportunities can be done during or after M.Sc OT?
Research can be performed on new methods of therapy, ergonomics, neuroplasticity, psychosocial treatment, assistive technologies, and technologies used in measuring outcomes. Students have an opportunity to enroll in clinical trials, work with departments of neuroscience or psychology, or write in foreign journals of OT.
What are the possibilities of international opportunities in Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy is a profession known in the whole world, and we need such a profession in countries such as the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada. There is an option of undertaking licensure exams in foreign countries, undertaking an exchange program, or employment with international NGOs. Most international health agencies need the assistance of OT specialists in community-based rehabilitation programs in underdeveloped nations.
Which personalities and skills are useful to an OT professional?
It requires compassion, patience, creativity in problem relevancy, outstanding interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and flexibility. Good observation, critical thinking, and patient motivating capacities enhance therapy results. OT professionals tend to act as advocates of the disabled and aging groups.
