healthcare · Resume example
Occupational Therapist Resume Example 2026
Open with license status, clinical setting (pediatric, hand therapy, geriatric/SNF), and years of practice. Include a functional outcome or caseload metric to prove effectiveness. Keep language grounded in measurable patient progress rather than general descriptions of care.
Occupational therapist resumes are strongest when they name a specific population and setting up front — pediatric, hand therapy, skilled nursing, or acute rehab each require different skill emphasis, and clarity here helps hiring managers quickly assess fit.
Functional outcome data separates strong candidates from average ones: 'Improved independence in ADLs for 85% of caseload within projected discharge timelines' proves clinical effectiveness in a way that 'provided occupational therapy services' cannot.
Documentation and productivity standards are real considerations for most employers, especially in skilled nursing and outpatient settings; noting that you consistently met billing or productivity targets while maintaining quality care is a meaningful differentiator.
Specialized certifications (hand therapy - CHT, sensory integration, low vision rehab, driving rehabilitation) should be listed clearly since they often expand referral eligibility and directly influence hiring decisions for specialty clinics.
Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams (PT, speech therapy, case management, physicians) is central to OT practice, so mention specific coordination work, especially for complex discharge planning cases.
Skills to emphasize
- List license status and state clearly, plus NBCOT certification if applicable.
- Name your primary population/setting (pediatric, hand therapy, SNF, acute rehab) near the top.
- Include specialized certifications (CHT, sensory integration, driving rehab) if held.
- Mention EHR/documentation systems (PointClickCare, Casamba, Epic) used regularly.
- Note productivity or caseload metrics if strong, especially for SNF or outpatient settings.
Common mistakes
- Omitting license status and NBCOT certification, which are baseline screening requirements.
- Describing treatment without functional outcome data or discharge success metrics.
- Failing to specify population/setting, which changes required skills significantly.
- Leaving out productivity metrics in settings where they are commonly used to evaluate performance.
More context: healthcare resume writing guide
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Profile
Licensed Occupational Therapist (Tennessee), NBCOT certified, with 6 years of experience in skilled nursing and outpatient hand therapy settings. Known for strong functional outcomes and consistent productivity in high-caseload environments.
Experience
Occupational Therapist
• Manage a caseload of 10-12 patients daily in a skilled nursing rehabilitation unit, consistently meeting productivity standards. • Improved independence in ADLs for 85% of caseload within projected discharge timelines. • Certified Hand Therapist; treat 15+ post-surgical hand patients monthly with custom splinting protocols. • Collaborate with PT and speech therapy teams on 20+ complex discharge plans annually.
Staff Occupational Therapist
• Treated an average of 8 outpatient visits daily across orthopedic and neurological caseloads. • Reduced average length of treatment episode from 12 visits to 9 through targeted home program design. • Documented consistently in Casamba with zero billing compliance flags over 2 years.