Physiotherapy/Occupational Therapy Internships
Gain hands-on physiotherapy and occupational therapy experience in Nepal. Work with children, elderly, and rehabilitation patients. Join TravAction Nepal's therapy internship program today.
Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy Internships – Heal Through Movement
Nepal faces a critical shortage of rehabilitation professionals. For every 100,000 people, there is just one physiotherapist. Millions live with disabilities, injuries, and chronic conditions, without access to the therapy they desperately need. Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Internships in Nepal with TravAction Nepal place you directly in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and disability care facilities. Whether you're a student or qualified professional, you'll gain invaluable clinical experience while restoring movement, independence, and dignity to those who need it most.
Clinical Experience
Work alongside licensed therapists in hospitals and rehabilitation centers.
Diverse Patient Population
Treat children with disabilities, elderly patients, and trauma survivors.
Rural Outreach
Join mobile health camps bringing therapy to remote communities.
Expert Mentorship
Learn from experienced local physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
Certificate
Receive verified documentation of your clinical internship hours.
Why Choose a Physiotherapy/Occupational Therapy Internship in Nepal?
Nepal has only 25 physiotherapists working across ten health institutions. Patients travel for hours, sometimes days, to receive basic rehabilitation. Many never make the journey at all. Children with cerebral palsy go without therapy. Accident survivors never regain mobility. Elderly patients lose their independence.
A physiotherapy or occupational therapy internship in Nepal with TravAction Nepal changes that. You'll work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and disability care facilities. You'll help patients regain strength, mobility, and confidence. You'll learn how therapy is practiced in resource-limited settings, adapting techniques with creativity and compassion.
Occupational therapy interns help patients relearn daily living skills, eating, dressing, working. Physiotherapy interns focus on movement, strength, and mobility. Together, you'll provide comprehensive rehabilitation that transforms lives.
What Does a Therapy Intern Actually Do?
Your daily tasks vary based on your qualifications, experience, and placement location. Whether you're a student or qualified professional, we tailor your role to match your learning goals.
Your responsibilities may include:
- Assist Licensed Therapists
Support physiotherapists and occupational therapists during treatment sessions. Learn local practices and gradually take on more responsibility.
- Conduct Individual Therapy
Work one-on-one with patients on exercises, stretches, and mobility training. Help them build strength and confidence.
- Support Rehabilitation Programs
Assist patients recovering from surgeries, accidents, or strokes. Guide them through their recovery journey.
- Work with Children with Disabilities
Provide therapy to children with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and other conditions at our disability center.
- Lead Group Exercise Sessions
Organize therapeutic activities for elderly patients or groups with similar rehabilitation needs.
- Teach Daily Living Skills
Help patients relearn eating, dressing, and other essential activities as an occupational therapy intern.
- Join Mobile Health Camps
Travel to remote villages and provide basic therapy to communities with no other access to care.
- Educate Families
Train family members on exercises and techniques they can use at home to support their loved ones' recovery.
Your Typical Daily Schedule (Mon–Fri)
- 7:00 AM
Morning Rounds
Arrive at the hospital or center. Review patient cases with local therapists. Plan the day's sessions.
- 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Therapy Sessions
Work with patients individually or in small groups. Assist with exercises, stretches, and mobility training.
- 12:00 PM
Lunch Break
Share a meal with colleagues. Discuss cases and build connections.
- 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Afternoon Sessions
Continue therapy work. Visit homebound patients or join outreach activities.
- 4:00 PM
Free Time
Explore local markets, prepare for the next day, or connect with fellow interns.
- 6:00 PM
Evening
Return to your accommodation. Reflect on the day's progress. Rest and recharge.
Where Your Therapy Internship Will Take You
Kathmandu Valley
Nepal's healthcare hub. Work in busy hospitals and specialized rehabilitation centers. Experience diverse cases and learn from experienced local therapists. Close to cultural sites like Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple.
Pokhara
A slower pace with stunning mountain views. Work in community hospitals and rehabilitation centers serving both locals and tourists. Enjoy the tranquility of Phewa Lake and the Annapurna range.
Disability Centers
Work at specialized centers caring for children with disabilities. Provide therapy, support, and love to those who need it most.
Rural Health Camps
For those seeking total immersion. Join mobile health camps bringing therapy to remote Himalayan villages. Experience healthcare at its most basic and most meaningful.
Living Conditions
Comfortable accommodation with host families or volunteer houses. Private rooms, clean facilities, and three daily meals of traditional Nepali cuisine.
What's Covered in Your Therapy Internship Fee?
Included
- Airport pickup and transfer
- Comprehensive orientation in Kathmandu
- Comfortable accommodation
- Three nutritious meals per day
- Dedicated in-country coordinator support
- Project placement and coordination
- 24/7 in-country support
- Official certificate of participation
Not Included
- International airfare
- Nepal tourist visa fees
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Optional therapy equipment or materials
Frequently Asked Questions
- Physiotherapy students, occupational therapy students, recent graduates, and qualified therapists. We tailor your role based on your experience level.
- That's fine. English is widely spoken in hospitals and clinics. We provide basic language training during orientation.
- Local regulations require supervision. Students work under supervision; qualified professionals may take on more independent roles. All duties depend on your qualifications.
- Children with disabilities, elderly patients with mobility issues, trauma survivors, post-surgery patients, and individuals with chronic conditions.
- Placements range from 2 weeks to 6 months. Choose the duration that fits your academic or professional schedule.
- Absolutely. TravAction Nepal provides 24/7 in-country support, vetted placements, and thorough orientations. Nepal is welcoming to international visitors.
- Yes. Many interns combine therapy placements with medical electives, women's empowerment, or teaching programs for a richer experience.
What our volunteers say
“My physiotherapy internship in Kathmandu was the most formative experience of my career. I learned to improvise with minimal equipment and treated conditions I'd never seen before. I left Nepal as a better therapist and a better person.”
“Working at the disability center changed everything for me. Seeing children with cerebral palsy take their first steps with our support, that's something you can't learn from a textbook. TravAction Nepal made it all possible.”
“As an occupational therapy student, I gained skills I couldn't get anywhere else. Helping patients relearn daily living skills, eating, dressing, working, was incredibly rewarding. The friendships I built with patients and staff will last forever.”
Ready to restore movement and rebuild lives through therapy? Join TravAction Nepal's Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Internship Program today.
