Occupational Therapist Resume Tips

What recruiters look for, keywords that get past ATS, and what skills to highlight in 2026.

A Day in the Life

An occupational therapist begins the day reviewing patient caseloads and updating SOAP notes from the previous session, then conducts hands-on evaluations using standardized assessments like the COPM or FIM to establish functional baselines for new patients. Mid-day typically involves delivering individualized treatment sessions across ADL retraining, sensory integration, fine motor skill development, or cognitive rehabilitation, often collaborating with physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and case managers during interdisciplinary team rounds. The afternoon shifts to documenting progress toward measurable goals in the EMR, completing prior authorizations for adaptive equipment, and consulting with families or caregivers on home modification strategies to support patient independence.

ATS Keywords to Include

Recruiters and hiring software scan for these — make sure they appear naturally in your resume.

Example Resume Bullets

Strong bullet points use action verbs, specific context, and measurable outcomes. Adapt these for your own experience.

• • Managed a caseload of 14–18 patients daily in an inpatient rehabilitation unit, consistently achieving FIM score improvements averaging 22 points from admission to discharge across stroke and orthopedic populations.
• • Developed and implemented sensory diet programs for 30+ pediatric patients with autism spectrum disorder, resulting in a 40% reduction in classroom behavioral incidents as reported by school staff over one academic year.
• • Conducted comprehensive home safety evaluations and recommended adaptive equipment modifications for 60+ geriatric patients annually, reducing fall-related readmission rates by 18% within the outpatient geriatric program.
• • Led interdisciplinary team rounds three times weekly, presenting OT progress reports and coordinating discharge plans that reduced average acute care length of stay by 1.2 days for joint replacement patients.
• • Trained and supervised 4 OT fieldwork students per academic year, designing structured competency checklists and weekly feedback protocols that achieved a 100% first-time NBCOT pass rate among supervised graduates.

Tools & Technologies

Industry-standard tools hiring managers expect to see for this role.

Emerging Skills Worth Adding

Skills becoming highly valued in the next 2–3 years — early adoption signals forward-thinking candidates.

• → Telehealth OT service delivery and remote patient monitoring using platforms like SimplePractice or TheraNest
• → Assistive technology assessment for AAC devices, smart home integration, and environmental control units
• → Low vision rehabilitation incorporating digital magnification tools and orientation training
• → Cognitive rehabilitation using digital platforms such as Constant Therapy or BrainHQ for TBI and stroke populations
• → Trauma-informed care and sensory processing disorder intervention within school-based and pediatric mental health settings

Common Questions