What Makes a Great Occupational Therapist Resume?

A strong resume is a vital tool for Occupational Therapists (OTs) looking to secure roles in clinical, educational, or community-based settings. It not only outlines your qualifications but also communicates your value as a healthcare professional. Whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced therapist seeking advancement, a great Occupational Therapist resume is clear, organized, and tailored to highlight your unique strengths and achievements.

1. Clean and Professional Formatting

First impressions count, and your resume’s appearance speaks volumes about your attention to detail and professionalism.

• Use a clean, readable font (e.g., Calibri, Arial)
• Stick to one or two pages, depending on experience
• Organize sections with clear headings and consistent formatting
• Use bullet points for easy scanning
• Save and send the file in PDF format to preserve layout

2. Strong Summary or Objective Statement

Open your resume with a brief summary or objective that highlights your career goals and top qualifications.

• Include your title, years of experience, and area of specialization
• Mention specific skills or achievements that align with the job
• Tailor this section to each employer or position

Example: “Licensed Occupational Therapist with 6 years of experience in inpatient rehabilitation and neurorehabilitation. Passionate about promoting independence through evidence-based therapy and client-centered care.”

3. Emphasis on Clinical Experience

Your clinical background is the most important aspect of your resume. Make sure to detail each role thoroughly.

• List job title, facility name, location, and dates of employment
• Highlight areas of practice (e.g., orthopedics, geriatrics, pediatrics)
• Include specific duties, patient populations, and therapy techniques
• Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., “Managed caseload of 10?12 patients daily”)

4. Education and Licensure

Clearly list your academic credentials and licensure to practice occupational therapy.

• Degree: Include school name, degree type (MOT, OTD), and graduation year
• Licensure: Include your state license and certification from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)

5. Certifications and Continuing Education

List any additional training that enhances your qualifications or allows you to work in specialized settings.

• Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)
• Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)
• LSVT BIG® certification
• Physical agent modality certifications

Include the issuing organization and year of certification or renewal.

6. Skills Section

A well-crafted skills section quickly communicates your clinical and soft skills. Include both hard and soft skills relevant to occupational therapy.

• Functional assessments and ADL training
• Sensory integration therapy
• Cognitive rehabilitation
• Electronic health record (EHR) proficiency
• Patient education and interdisciplinary collaboration

7. Additional Sections (Optional)

Depending on your background, you may include other sections that add depth to your profile:

• Professional Memberships: AOTA, state associations, specialty groups
• Volunteer Work: Free clinics, health fairs, global mission work
• Publications or Research: Peer-reviewed journals, poster presentations

8. Tailoring Your Resume

Customize your resume for each job application by focusing on the skills and experience that match the employer’s needs.

• Use keywords from the job description to pass applicant tracking systems (ATS)
• Highlight the most relevant experience for the role
• Include achievements that align with the company’s mission

A great Occupational Therapist resume clearly communicates your qualifications, compassion, and commitment to helping patients achieve their goals. By focusing on clarity, relevance, and impact, you can create a resume that sets you apart and opens doors to meaningful opportunities in your field.