Last Updated on July 28, 2023 by Vishnu Nambiar
MOT stands for Master of Occupational Therapy. It is a 2 years long postgraduate academic program. In this article, you will be reading about MOT course details, eligibility criteria, admission process, syllabus, career prospects and job profiles.
Occupational Therapy deals with patients having physical, mental, emotional and neurological limitations. It aims at improving the life, condition and rehabilitation of such handicapped and limited people through different modes of treatments such as- exercises, functional training, aiding devices and equipment, ergonomic training and environmental restructuring & adaptation.
The reason behind the handicap/limitation/condition of the patient could be any of the following- accident, stroke, cardiac disease, paralysis, depression, autism etc. It is the task of the Occupational Therapist to analyze the condition, evaluate possibilities, create treatment plan and provide the best available treatment and support to the patient. In short, it is similar to rehabilitation of a patient.
Master of Occupational Therapy program trains students and helps them become skilled professional occupational therapists, capable of undertaking independent/supervised practice. Key skills drilled into students during BOT course are- observation, clinical reasoning, treatment planning and implementation of the plan. It is more advanced and practical training oriented than Bachelor of Occupational Therapy course. MOT course also lays emphasis on research skills as well as communication skills.
Course details
Master of Occupational Therapy is a 2 years long program. It is a postgraduate level Degree course. The program is divided into two academic years. Each academic year consists of classroom theory sessions as well as practical sessions.
Eligibility criteria
Graduates who have passed Bachelor of Occupational therapy (and internship)/B.Sc. in Occupational Therapy from a recognized University, with minimum aggregate marks of 50% marks are eligible to pursue this PG course. Note: The minimum aggregate marks may differ in case of certain institutes/universities.
Admission process
Most institutes follow the ‘direct admission’ process. Seats are allotted to deserving candidates based on the marks scored by them in undergraduate program (BOT/B.Sc. in OT).
Some institutes do have their own qualifying examination. Graduates seeking admission in such an institute must pass the qualifying examination to secure a seat in MOT program!
Syllabus
Going through course content will help us get a better idea about the course structure. Below, some important subjects present in MOT program have been listed-
- Use of Occupational Therapy in Rehabilitation
- Research Methodology and Biostatistics
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Role of OT in general conditions (paediatrics, mental health, neurology, cardio respiratory conditions etc)
- Occupational Therapy Education
- Elective subject (specialization)
The above mentioned subjects have regular classroom sessions and practical sessions associated with them. Availability of elective subject may vary from one institute to another. Elective subjects will help one specialize in a discipline within the field of occupational therapy. I’ve listed some well known areas of specializations below-
Specializations
- Paediatrics
- Cardio Respiratory problems
- Psychiatry
- Neurology
- Orthopaedics
- Hand/Leg rehabilitation
- Disability Management
Career prospects and job opportunities
Many possibilities and job opportunities exist, when it comes to the field of Occupational Therapy. After graduation and getting practice license, one may start working at Government or Private hospitals/clinics/community health centres.
You may also check –
Rehabilitation Science programs in India
Physiotherapy programs in India
Speech Therapy programs in India
MOT graduates may work as instructors/lecturers at colleges/training institutes. Rehabilitation clinics are also known to recruit MOT graduates. One may take on the role of rehabilitation specialist at such clinics. Patients who have been through trauma or a surgery are put through rehabilitation sessions. OT professionals may use their skills to aid the rehabilitation process of patients.
The ‘work abroad’ scope associated with this course is very promising! When it comes to developed countries such as the USA, the UK, Canada, New Zealand etc, healthcare system is very well developed. Governments there hire talented and skilled medical professionals from countries like India. Occupational Therapists are also in huge demand there.
International welfare associations as well as NGOs are also known to hire Occupational Therapists to help out needy people. Services offered OT professional is required by people hailing from diverse age groups- from kids to old aged people. The demand for OT professionals is on rise. This trend has been the result of modern lifestyle.
After completing this Master’s Degree course, one will be a step closer to the research field associated with the sector of occupational therapy. One may build a career in the R&D sector also, after completing MOT program.
Job profiles available in front of BOT graduates are-
- Occupational Therapist
- Rehabilitation Specialist
- OT Consultant
- Instructor/Lecturer
- Social Worker
- Marketer (supporting equipment/devices)
Places/areas where graduates may find job are-
- Government Hospitals
- Private Hospitals
- Mental Hospitals
- De addiction centres
- Rehabilitation Clinics
- NGOs
- Nursing Homes
- International Welfare Bodies
- Colleges/Training Institutes
- Supporting equipment/devices manufacturing companies
I am Vishnu Nambiar a career and educational blogger from India. I am also a full time educational consultant having more than 12 years of experience in the educational sector.
I share articles related to courses, colleges, careers, exam tips and more here.