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Occupational Therapist resume example & writing guide

Occupational Therapist Resume Example
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If you’re planning to look for a job as an occupational therapist, it’s vital to create the best resume possible. A good resume showcases your skills and experience while creating interest in the reader. If you need some help writing your resume, we have you covered with this resume writing guide and example. With a little helpful advice, you can create a fantastic document that showcases your unique capabilities in the best light.

Why use this occupational therapist resume example?

Occupational therapists undergo rigorous training and education that includes a specialized degree and state certification. When you begin looking for jobs, it’s vital to create a resume that showcases your qualifications. Real-world experience can also make you a more competitive candidate, and it’s important to include it on your resume.

In this guide, we’ll give you a few tips to help you create the perfect resume and show you how to list your educational credentials and certifications. We’ll also provide an example so that you have a guide for formatting your resume. Finally, we list a few key skills for occupational therapists that you can include on your resume to make an impression.

How to write a great occupational therapist resume

Before you write the main body of your resume, it’s important to list your contact details in a header at the top of the page. Once that’s complete, you can include a short summary that states your intentions and describes a few of your most notable accomplishments. This section can help hook the recruiter and convince them to keep reading.

Next, it’s time to complete the main body of your resume. This section explores your professional experience and should start with your most recent position. When you list each position, include your job title, your employment dates, the company name and location, and a list of your key responsibilities. 

It’s important to keep your resume short, and you don’t have to include every job you’ve ever had. Focus on your most relevant work experience and try to keep it all on one page. Be sure to save some room at the bottom of the resume for your education and certifications. In these two sections, you can list your degrees, your professional licenses, and any additional training courses that you’ve completed.

Relevant key skills for an occupational therapist resume

Occupational therapists need to develop a range of technical skills to complete their tasks effectively. They also require a range of soft skills to help them relate to patients effectively. Here are some of the key skills that you can include on your resume:

  • Empathy and patience

  • Verbal communication and active listening

  • Interpersonal skills and conflict resolution

  • Knowledge of human anatomy and musculoskeletal injuries

  • Problem-solving

  • Patient evaluation

  • Professional ethics and confidentiality

Occupational Therapist resume example

Example

Summary example

Solutions-oriented and highly motivated with the ability to leverage a strong educational background and student work experience, while excelling as a Certified Occupational Therapist.

  • Proven record of success in working with patients to regain daily living skills after major injuries or medical procedures.

  • Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills to build rapport with colleagues and patients and succeed in high-pressure, challenging medical environments.

  • Exceptional written and verbal communicator with strong documentation skills and a keen ability to improve patient outcomes through a commitment to exceptional care.

  • Aptitude for quickly learning new information, procedures, and technologies.

Employment history example

Occupational Therapist , Pacific Regent SNF, Bellevue, WA 2018 — 2022

Delivered therapy to clients with hip replacements, knee replacements, and pelvic fractures, in addition to assisting in recovery from back surgery.

  • Guided clients in regaining functional mobility and upper body strength.

  • Trained clients in the proper use of assistive devices and correct body

    mechanics for transfers, toileting, and self-care.

Occupational Therapy Assistant , Manor Care, Tacoma, WA 2015 — 2018

Provided therapy to clients with CVAs and COPD, as well as clients recovering from back surgeries and below-knee amputations.

  • Managed a daily case load consisting of six clients that required assistance with transferring and showering.

  • Assisted with daily living and fine motor skills and the administration of cognitive assessments.

Education example

  • Associate Degree in Occupational Science, PIMA Medical Institute, Renton, Washington Certificate of Achievement for the Promotion of Occupational Therapy

  • Certificate of Completion, Nursing Assistant Training , South Seattle Community College, Seattle, Washington

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