Resume Example
Occupational Therapist Resume Example
Show functional outcomes, ADL training, and adaptive solutions. This sample focuses on independence gains.
Classic Professional
Traditional single-column ATS-optimized layout. Best for conservative industries.
Keywords
Sample bullets
- Improved ADL independence by 30% for post-stroke patients.
- Implemented splinting protocols that reduced pain scores by 20%.
- Collaborated with care teams to cut length of stay by 1.2 days.
Soft skills
- Patient coaching
- Empathy
- Communication
Certifications
- OTR/L
- CHT
- BCPR
Why this works
- Highlights functional gains and patient independence.
- Shows evidence-based interventions and documentation.
- Demonstrates collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to Write a Occupational Therapist Resume
Lead with setting and patient population
OTs work in diverse settings. Lead with practice environment (acute care, rehab, outpatient, schools, home health), population served, and specialty focus. 'Pediatric OT specializing in sensory processing and autism spectrum disorders.'
Show functional outcome improvements
OT is about functional independence. Include patient outcome metrics, goal achievement rates, and specific functional improvements achieved through intervention.
Highlight specialty areas and techniques
Include specialty certifications and intervention approaches: hand therapy (CHT), sensory integration, cognitive rehab, adaptive equipment, or ergonomics. Specialization differentiates OTs.
Include assessment and treatment planning
Describe standardized assessments used, treatment plan development, and how you measure progress. Evidence-based practice is expected.
Demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration
OT is team-based. Include collaboration with PT, SLP, physicians, and families. School-based OTs should include IEP team participation.
Summary Examples
Good vs. Bad Resume Summaries
“Occupational Therapist specializing in hand therapy with CHT certification. Treat 40+ patients weekly in outpatient orthopedic setting with 92% return to work rate post-injury. Expert in custom splinting and work hardening.”
CHT certification, patient volume, outcome metric, and specialty skills.
“Licensed occupational therapist with experience in various settings. Strong patient care and communication skills.”
No specialty, no setting, no outcomes. License is baseline expectation.
“School-based OT serving 60 students across 3 elementary schools. Improved fine motor IEP goal achievement from 70% to 90%. Developed sensory room reducing classroom behavior incidents 45%.”
School setting, caseload size, goal improvement, and environmental intervention.
“OT graduate seeking position to help patients achieve independence. Completed Level II fieldwork in acute care.”
No professional experience. Fieldwork is expected, not differentiating.
Action Verbs
Power Words for Occupational Therapist Resumes
Common Mistakes
What to Avoid
- ✗Not specifying practice setting and population
- ✗Missing functional outcome metrics
- ✗Omitting specialty areas and certifications (CHT, sensory)
- ✗Being vague about assessment tools and treatment approaches
- ✗Not showing interdisciplinary collaboration
- ✗Missing caseload size and patient volume
Salary ranges
| Level | US | EU | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | USD 70,000-82,000 | EUR 48,200-56,500 | CAD 81,200-95,100 |
| Mid | USD 85,000-100,000 | EUR 58,600-69,000 | CAD 98,600-115,900 |
| Senior | USD 100,000-125,000 | EUR 69,000-86,200 | CAD 115,900-145,000 |
Market themes
- School-based and pediatric roles are common
US hot markets
- California
- New York
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- Colorado
EU hot markets
- London
- Dublin
- Amsterdam
Canada hot markets
- Toronto
- Vancouver
FAQ
Common questions about this role
What should occupational therapists emphasize?
Functional outcomes, adaptive solutions, and patient independence.
Which metrics stand out?
ADL improvement, pain reduction, and length-of-stay impact.
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