Delegates
Working in Nepal
General Information
Number of occupational therapists in Nepal
8
In Nepal , the term "occupational therapist" is also referred to as
No
Main language(s) spoken in Nepal
Nepali
Other languages commonly spoken in Nepal
Maithili, Bhojpuri
Registration
Occupational therapists are required to register with a federal/national organisation to practice
Required
Occupational therapists must be registered with the Nepal Health Professional Council and meet the Board's registration standards, in order to practice as registered therapist in Nepal.
https://webapp.nhpc.org.np (External) ↗
https://webapp.nhpc.org.np (External) ↗
Occupational therapists are required to register with a state/regional organisation to practice
Not Required
It is compulsory to join the Association of Nepal's Occupational Therapists in order to practice as an occupational therapist
No
Practicing Requirements
Graduation from a WFOT approved programme is required to register to practice
Yes
It is preferred to have been graduated from a WFOT recognized program but it is not a requirement.
Language(s) that are required for occupational therapists to practice
Nepali
We have 122 major languages however Nepali is spoken by 78% of the population either as first or second language and has official language status, depending upon which part of Nepal you are going to work ,it is better to consult with the organization you wish to come to.
Additional requirements for occupational therapists to practice
No
Employment Opportunities
Occupational therapy is recognised as a shortage occupation
Yes
Nepal has a shortage of occupational therapists driven by several key factors:
Nepal doesn't have it's own Occupational Therapy Program.
The Increasing population of children diagnosed with autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral palsy and other disabilities account to the need of more occupational Therapy practitioners.
The number of graduates isn't keeping pace with demand, leading to shortages and we are unable retain the graduate therapists who come back from their studies abroad.
Nepal doesn't have it's own Occupational Therapy Program.
The Increasing population of children diagnosed with autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral palsy and other disabilities account to the need of more occupational Therapy practitioners.
The number of graduates isn't keeping pace with demand, leading to shortages and we are unable retain the graduate therapists who come back from their studies abroad.
Sources of information for occupational therapist employment opportunities
Since we have very number of Occupational therapist it rarely happens that job postings occur.
Immigration
Immigration regulations or visa requirements to practice
To work as an occupational therapist in Nepal you have to apply to Nepal Health Professional Council for registration. Working Visa is issued by the Department of Immigration (Non Tourist Visa section) only upon the recommendation from line agency (concerned Ministry of Government of Nepal), Labour Permit from the Department of Labour and Work Agreement (excluding few exceptions) from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Applicants should go through various Government agencies and finally apply at Department of Immigration for the Visa.
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Occupational therapy assistants exist in Nepal
Yes
Number of occupational therapy assistants in Nepal
6
Association of Nepal's Occupational Therapists has a membership category for occupational therapy assistants
Yes
It is compulsory to join the Association of Nepal's Occupational Therapists in order to practice as an occupational therapy assistant
No
Occupational therapy assistants require formal training in occupational therapy to work as such in Nepal
No
We already have very scarce manpower, our Occupational Therapy Assistants are generally either someone who has 3 months PRT(physical rehabilitation training) or someone who has done a one year Rehabilitation Training Assistant program.
Occupational therapy assistants need to register with a federal/national organisation to practice in Nepal
No
Occupational therapy assistants need to register with a state/regional organisation to practice in Nepal
No
Disclaimer: This information was provided by Association of Nepal's Occupational Therapists and was last updated on 9th July 2025. WFOT is not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or changes in the information provided. This information is intended as a guide and should be independently verified before making any decisions.
Education Programmes
There are no WFOT Approved Programmes in Nepal at this time.