Rehabilitation Specialist
Helps people recover from illness or injury, and helps disabled people live independently.
Overview
A Rehabilitation specialist is a healthcare professional who helps people recover from an illness or injury and return to daily life. They also assist people with mental or physical disabilities get used to living independently. The three main types of rehabilitation therapy are occupational, physical and speech, all having the same goal of allowing the patient to return to normal daily life.
Where they work
- Residential Care Facilities
- Outpatient Centers
- Nursing Homes
- Children's Hospitals
- Group Homes
Work environment
If you work in a hospital, the timings are 6 to 7 days a week for 8 to 9 hours per day. Shift system might be available. Entrepreneurship: you can also set up private practice.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You like to help others
- You are comfortable in communicating with others
- You pay attention to details while working
- You like to analyse problems/situations
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Biology)
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (B.R.Sc./B.Sc.) in Special Education and Rehabilitation.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree (M.R.Sc.) in the same field.
Alternative route 3
- 1Pursue a Diploma in Rehabilitation Therapy (D.R.T.) or a Diploma in Vocational Rehabilitation (D.V.R.)
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Science and Rehabilitation. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities, Muthukadu, Tamil Nadu
- All India Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, Manipur
- Composite Regional Centre, Patna, Bihar
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
- National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Jewels International's Chetana College of Special Education, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
- Faculty of Disability Management and Special Education, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
- Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, Institute of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, New Delhi
- North Bengal Handicapped Rehabilitation Society, Darjeeling, West Bengal
- Ayodhya Charitable Trust, College of Special Education, Pune, Maharashtra
- Sweekaar Academy of Rehabilitation Sciences, Secunderabad, Telangana
- Baby Memorial College of Allied Medical Sciences, Kozhikode, Kerala
- AWH College of Education, Calicut, Kerala
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Intern specialist
- 2Rehabilitation Specialist
- 3Senior Specialist
Related careers to explore
Occupational Therapist
Helps people of all ages rebuild the ability to take part in everyday tasks.
Physiotherapist
Treats injury and restores movement and function using massage, exercise and other techniques.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to helping people.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Dr. Anjali Gupta — A Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation consultant based out of Pune. She has completed her BPT and MPT degrees and currently works at Manipal Hospital in the city. For the past 7 years Dr. Gupta has worked as a physio doctor and has gained proficient knowledge and skills in the segments.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 419 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Skill=Rehabilitation/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.