Occupational Therapist
Resume Guidance

An occupational therapist’s CV should include the following sections: Contact details, Personal summary, Core qualifications, Work experience, and Education and training. 

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1. Start with Contact Information

• Include: Your full name, phone number, professional email address, LinkedIn profile (if available), and location (city and state).
• Optional: Add credentials after your name (e.g., “John Doe, OTR/L”).

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2. Craft a Compelling Professional Summary

A professional summary provides a snapshot of your qualifications and career goals. Tailor it to the job you’re applying for.

Example: “Compassionate and results-driven Occupational Therapist with 5+ years of experience providing patient-centered care in acute care, rehabilitation, and outpatient settings. Skilled in developing individualized treatment plans, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and empowering patients to achieve functional independence. Certified in [specific certifications], with a strong commitment to enhancing quality of life.”

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3. Highlight Key Skills

Create a section to showcase your core competencies. Use keywords from the job description to align your resume with the employer’s needs.

Examples of Skills:

• Patient Assessment and Evaluation
• ADL (Activities of Daily Living) Training
• Neurological Rehabilitation
• Sensory Integration Techniques
• Splint Fabrication
• Therapeutic Exercise Programs
• Documentation and Progress Reporting
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration
• Assistive Technology Training

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4. Detail Your Professional Experience

Use reverse chronological order to list your work experience. Focus on achievements and specific outcomes rather than generic responsibilities.

Format:

• Job Title – Employer Name, City, State
  MM/YY – MM/YYYY
  • Start with strong action verbs (e.g., “Developed,” “Implemented,” “Evaluated”).
  • Quantify results when possible (e.g., “Improved patient independence by 30%”).
  • Highlight collaboration, patient outcomes, and innovative techniques.

Example:
Occupational Therapist – XYZ Rehabilitation Center, Los Angeles, CA
06/2018 – Present

• Designed individualized therapy plans for a caseload of 15+ patients weekly, achieving a 95% patient satisfaction rate.
• Conducted home safety evaluations, reducing fall risk incidents by 20% in six months.
• Mentored 3 OT interns, fostering skill development and professional growth.

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5. Include Education and Licensure

• Education: List your degree(s) and institution(s). Include the graduation date or expected completion.
  Example:
  • Master of Science in Occupational Therapy – University of ABC, 2017
• Licensure and Certifications:
  Example:
  • Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) – State of Practice
  • NBCOT Certification – Active
  • CPR and First Aid Certified

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6. Showcase Continuing Education or Special Certifications

Highlight additional qualifications that set you apart.

• LSVT BIG Certification
• Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)
• Sensory Integration Certification
• Dysphagia Management Training

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7. Professional Affiliations (Optional)

Include memberships that demonstrate your engagement with the field.

• American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
• State OT Associations

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8. Optional Sections

• Volunteer Experience: Relevant volunteer work, especially in healthcare or community settings.
• Research or Publications: List any contributions to OT research or journal articles.
• Languages: If you’re fluent in other languages, it can be a strong asset in diverse work environments.

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Format Tips

Save and submit as a PDF unless otherwise specified. if experience?

Use a clean, professional layout.

Limit your resume to 1–2 pages.

Use bullet points for readability.

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