Be a part of the global healing process: Make a promising career in Occupational Therapy with a top Bachelor’s degree.

If you desire to help people improve their overall quality of life with research-based strategies and interventions, Occupational Therapy might be your calling. You can join the 4-year Bachelor's in Occupational Therapy study program offered at most top-ranked international colleges and universities in 6 countries - the US, the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The field is slowly but consistently gaining popularity as a highly coveted domain of study abroad, with several international students getting attracted to respectable job positions and handsome pay scales.

Not to forget, Occupational Therapists are highly in demand in several sectors of the healthcare industry, which also encourages students to pursue the degree program. The article below entails more details on the study program and its prospective career opportunities upon graduation.

Why Study Bachelor in Occupational Therapy?

Several international students are attracted to courses in OT overseas for the following prime reasons:

  • The field of Occupational Therapy (OT) always keeps creating lucrative and rewarding jobs for course graduates in all parts of the world. As per data from the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, the job demand created for Occupational Therapists is expected to rise by at least 17% between the 2020 and 2030 decade.

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  • Occupational Therapists are required in different sectors and industries, such as clinics and hospitals, schools, nursing, home healthcare facilities, etc.

  • Qualified course graduates in Occupational Therapy are likely to find jobs in the sector with an approximate annual pay scale of $86,280.

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Occupational Therapy Courses Offered to International Students Abroad

A Bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy is generally offered as a 4-year study program at most international universities . The program is an ideal fit for those eager to help people of all age groups connect with fitness and overall health and well-being. Occupational Therapists can play a significant role in assisting individuals and communities to perform their everyday tasks and activities better by helping improve their physical and mental health.

A professional course in Occupational Therapy or OT is thus designed to cater to the key areas of the client’s everyday lives that need more active participation or improvement for better performance. Given below are the course details of the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy offered at a recognised international university:

  • Health and Occupation

  • Infants and Children

  • Psychology for Allied Health

  • Physical Rehabilitation

  • Neurological Rehabilitation

  • Assistive Technology

  • Allied Health Management and Leadership

Cost of Studying Bachelor in Occupational Therapy for Indian Students

The average tuition fee estimated for pursuing a Bachelor’s in OT abroad may vary from one country to another. It is therefore recommended to check with the university you apply to overseas for its exact fee structure. For instance, the BSc OT fees at universities in the UK are likely to be around GBP 64,410.

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Disclaimer: The fee mentioned above is for indicative purposes only. Please make sure to check the exact course fee for the program at the university you apply to.

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements for Bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy

Different abroad universities that offer Bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy courses have different admission requirements for granting entry to international students. Some of the most commonly acceptable eligibility criteria for Bachelor of Occupational Therapy courses are listed as follows:

  1. Completed Grade 12 in a related or relevant field of study from a recognised study institution

  2. IELTS proficiency of a minimum of 6.5 in the IELTS Test Report Form

  3. Updated CV or Resume

  4. Academic transcripts of all completed courses

(Source: https://www.monash.edu/study/how-to-apply/international-student-applications/certifying-documents)

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Note: Each international university has its set criteria for eligibility for Bachelor’s in OT courses. Please check with the university you apply to for the exact admission requirements for your program).

Top Universities / Colleges for Occupational Therapy Abroad

There are several high-ranked overseas colleges and universities that offer top-class learning in Bachelor of Occupational Therapy. Listed below are some of the best Bachelor of Occupational Therapy colleges in different parts of the world as per QS World University Rankings 2023 :

Sources: topuniversities.com/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2023?&page=2

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Career Prospects Abroad After Pursuing a Bachelor in Occupational Therapy

Students completing a Bachelor's in Occupational Therapy can look forward to respectable and rewarding careers in the following roles:

  1. Occupational Therapy Assistant

  2. Paediatric Occupational Therapist

  3. Eating Disorder Practitioner - OT

  4. Mental Health Practitioner

  5. Occupational Therapist in Neurology

  6. Stroke Occupational Therapist

  7. Rotational Occupational Therapist

The estimated average salary of a graduate in Occupational Therapy is approximately $86,280.

( Source: https://www.idp.com/india/subject/occupational-therapy/ )

FAQs

Que: Is a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy a medical degree?

Ans: BO, or Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, is an undergraduate-level course related to the medical field, primarily focusing on treating physically and mentally challenged persons.

Que: Which are the top countries for studying BSc OT?

Ans: The US, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland are highly preferred among international students for pursuing a BSc in Occupational Therapy.

Que: Why should I study BSc Occupational Therapy abroad?

Ans: Some of the most popular reasons why Indian students prefer studying BSc Occupational Therapy abroad are:

  • The job prospects for Occupational Therapists are likely to grow by nearly 17% between 2020 and 2030.

    (Read here)

  • The average annual pay scale of an Occupational Therapist who has completed studies in the domain abroad is relatively higher and more rewarding.

  • Universities abroad present more promising opportunities to learn and grow, reflected by their top-scale infrastructure, research facilities, and quality of teaching and education.

Que: What is the scope of a Bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy?

Ans: Students who graduate with a Bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy are eligible to work in the following job roles:

  1. Occupational Therapist in hospitals and rehabilitation centres

  2. Paediatrics Occupational Therapists in schools, nursing institutes, and home healthcare facilities

  3. Occupational Therapy Assistant with speech therapists, physical therapists, and audiologists

  4. Geriatric Occupational Therapist

Que: How do I become an Occupational Therapist abroad?

Ans: You would need to complete at least a Bachelor’s qualification in Occupational Therapy to pursue professional practice as an Occupational Therapist. Alternatively, you can also choose to obtain a Master’s degree in the field for advanced knowledge and skills.

Que: Which countries pay the highest salary to Occupational Therapists?

Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, and the US are generally the highest-paying countries for Occupational Therapists abroad.

Que: Which stream is required to apply for BSc OT abroad?

Ans: You must have completed Grade 12 from a recognised school in the Science stream with Biology, Physics, and Chemistry as mandatory subjects.

Que: Does a Bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy need an NEET score?

Ans: Generally, an NEET score is not a mandate for Occupational Therapy courses. However, it is recommended to check with the specific university you apply to for its eligibility requirements at the time of admission.