Occupational Therapy Jobs in the United States
Norman Regional Health System
$22 - $35.93
Norman, OK
We are looking for highly motivated individuals that are proactive, creative, and ready to join a tight knit team of individuals providing positive patient experiences to those in and around our community. Graduate of an AOTA approved occupational therapy assistant education program; successful completion of the certification process for Occupational Therapy Assistant.
Altru Rehabilitation Hospital
Thompson, ND
Our achievements include being named one of the "World's Most Admired Companies" and receiving the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® Award, among other accolades, which is nothing short of amazing. Make a meaningful impact on patients' lives by being an integral part of their journey to independence and improved quality of life.
Discovery At Home Gulf Coast
$35
Westchase, FL
Established in 2012 with the creation of a Medicare-certified agency in Southwest Florida, Discovery At Home has grown steadily over the years, expanding its operations by starting and acquiring agencies in Tampa, Florida; Plano, Texas; Houston, Texas; and West Palm Beach, Florida. Discovery At Home is part of the Discovery Senior Living family of companies, a recognized industry leader for performance, innovation and lifestyle customization that today, ranks among the 2 largest U.S. senior living operators.
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Abilene
Abilene, TX
Our achievements include being named one of the "World's Most Admired Companies" and receiving the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® Award, among other accolades, which is nothing short of amazing. Encompass Health is a trusted leader in post-acute care with over 150 nationwide locations and a team of 36,000 exceptional individuals and growing!
Shannon Rehabilitation Hospital, an affiliate of Encompass Health
Vancourt, TX
Our achievements include being named one of the "World's Most Admired Companies" and receiving the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® Award, among other accolades, which is nothing short of amazing. EncompassHealthisatrustedleaderinpost-acutecarewith over 150 nationwide locations and a team of 36,000 exceptional individuals and growing!
Shannon Rehabilitation Hospital, an affiliate of Encompass Health
Lowake, TX
Our achievements include being named one of the "World's Most Admired Companies" and receiving the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® Award, among other accolades, which is nothing short of amazing. EncompassHealthisatrustedleaderinpost-acutecarewith over 150 nationwide locations and a team of 36,000 exceptional individuals and growing!
Shannon Rehabilitation Hospital, an affiliate of Encompass Health
Veribest, TX
Our achievements include being named one of the "World's Most Admired Companies" and receiving the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® Award, among other accolades, which is nothing short of amazing. EncompassHealthisatrustedleaderinpost-acutecarewith over 150 nationwide locations and a team of 36,000 exceptional individuals and growing!
Shannon Rehabilitation Hospital, an affiliate of Encompass Health
Talpa, TX
Our achievements include being named one of the "World's Most Admired Companies" and receiving the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® Award, among other accolades, which is nothing short of amazing. EncompassHealthisatrustedleaderinpost-acutecarewith over 150 nationwide locations and a team of 36,000 exceptional individuals and growing!
Shannon Rehabilitation Hospital, an affiliate of Encompass Health
Water Valley, TX
Our achievements include being named one of the "World's Most Admired Companies" and receiving the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® Award, among other accolades, which is nothing short of amazing. EncompassHealthisatrustedleaderinpost-acutecarewith over 150 nationwide locations and a team of 36,000 exceptional individuals and growing!
Shannon Rehabilitation Hospital, an affiliate of Encompass Health
Wingate, TX
Our achievements include being named one of the "World's Most Admired Companies" and receiving the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® Award, among other accolades, which is nothing short of amazing. EncompassHealthisatrustedleaderinpost-acutecarewith over 150 nationwide locations and a team of 36,000 exceptional individuals and growing!
Shannon Rehabilitation Hospital, an affiliate of Encompass Health
Ballinger, TX
Our achievements include being named one of the "World's Most Admired Companies" and receiving the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® Award, among other accolades, which is nothing short of amazing. EncompassHealthisatrustedleaderinpost-acutecarewith over 150 nationwide locations and a team of 36,000 exceptional individuals and growing!
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Amarillo
Claude, TX
Our achievements include being named one of the "World's Most Admired Companies" and receiving the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® Award, among other accolades, which is nothing short of amazing. Encompass Health is a trusted leader in post-acute care with over 150 nationwide locations and a team of 36,000 exceptional individuals and growing!
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Parkersburg
McMechen, WV
Our achievements include being named one of the "World's Most Admired Companies" and receiving the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® Award, among other accolades, which is nothing short of amazing. Encompass Health is a trusted leader in post-acute care with over 150 nationwide locations and a team of 36,000 exceptional individuals and growing!
Encompass Health Deaconess Rehabilitation Hospital
Chandler, IN
Our achievements include being named one of the "World's Most Admired Companies" and receiving the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® Award, among other accolades, which is nothing short of amazing. EncompassHealthisatrustedleaderinpost-acutecarewith over 150 nationwide locations and a team of 36,000 exceptional individuals and growing!
Discovery at Home
$43
Naples, FL
With Discovery Senior Living's stability and presence in 340+ communities in nearly 40 states (and growing), We offer our Home Health team members a unique set of advantages including decreased travel & commute times with the majority of work based in Independent and Assisted Living communities, exceptional work culture, and real growth and development. They make up the fabric of our company, and include TEAMWORK, INTEGRITY, PERFORMANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY, COMPASSION, HARD WORK and CREATIVITY.
Essentia Health
$34.96 - $52.44
Detroit Lakes, MN
Job Location: EH St. Marys Therapy Center - Detroit Lakes Shift Rotation: Day/Eve Rotation (United States of America) Shift Start/End: 7:00am / 5:30pm Hours Per Pay Period: 80 Compensation Range: $34.96 - $52.44 / hour Union:FTE: 1 Weekends: Hospital weekend rotation - about 6 weekends per year Call Obligations:Sign On Bonus: Provide therapy evaluation, develop individualized treatment plans, implement evidence-based interventions, provide patient/caregiver education, and discharge planning for a full patient caseload.
Carle Health
Urbana, IL
At Carle Health, we're committed to fostering a workplace where every team member feels valued, respected and empowered, where passion and purpose come together to positively impact the lives of our patients and our communities. Implements intervention plants according to the treatment plan established by the Occupational Therapist, utilizing activities that are functional in nature and take into consideration the functional and emotional needs of the patient/family.
Encompass Health
$43000 - $51600
San Angelo, TX
Current state licensure or certification requiredYour Calling, Close to Home and Heart Are you in search of a rewarding career that extends beyond just a job, bringing fulfillment close to your heart and home? Our achievements include being named one of the "Worlds Most Admired Companies" and receiving the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® Award, among other accolades, which is nothing short of amazing.
Encompass Health
$52000 - $62400
San Angelo, TX
Current state licensure or certification requiredYour Calling, Close to Home and Heart Are you in search of a rewarding career that extends beyond just a job, bringing fulfillment close to your heart and home? Our achievements include being named one of the "Worlds Most Admired Companies" and receiving the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® Award, among other accolades, which is nothing short of amazing.
Essentia Health
$34.96 - $52.44
Fargo, ND
Job Location: 32nd Avenue Building Shift Rotation: Day Rotation (United States of America) Shift Start/End: 8:30am / 5:00pm Hours Per Pay Period: 80 Compensation Range: $34.96 - $52.44 / hour Union:FTE: 1 Weekends: Rotation every 4-8 weeks Call Obligations:Sign On Bonus: Job Description: This position provides therapy services to patients of all ages, including evaluation and assessment, treatment, education, and consultation to improve patients’ abilities to their highest possible level.
Bethesda Health
$22.69 - $36.54
Belleville, IL
Communicates discharge needs to other team members as needed to ensure a smooth transition from skilled services to home/nursing home. Provides this education in a manner that allows the caretaker to effectively learn skills needed to care for the patient after discharge.
Care Options for Kids
$55000 - $68000
Balch Springs, TX
See Care Options for Kids Terms & Conditions at https://careoptionsforkids.com/notices-policies/ and Privacy Policy at https://careoptionsforkids.com/privacy-policy/ and SonicJobs Privacy Policy at https://www.sonicjobs.com/us/privacy-policy and Terms of Use at https://www.sonicjobs.com/us/terms-conditions. At Care Options for Kids, we've built a home health COTA role around what therapy assistants value most: strong clinical support, meaningful hands-on experience, and flexibility that fits different career paths and life stages.
Care Options for Kids
$68000 - $78000
Irving, TX
See Care Options for Kids Terms & Conditions at https://careoptionsforkids.com/notices-policies/ and Privacy Policy at https://careoptionsforkids.com/privacy-policy/ and SonicJobs Privacy Policy at https://www.sonicjobs.com/us/privacy-policy and Terms of Use at https://www.sonicjobs.com/us/terms-conditions. At Care Options for Kids, we've built a home health COTA role around what therapy assistants value most: strong clinical support, meaningful hands-on experience, and flexibility that fits different career paths and life stages.
Care Options for Kids
$68640 - $78000
Austin, TX
See Care Options for Kids Terms & Conditions at https://careoptionsforkids.com/notices-policies/ and Privacy Policy at https://careoptionsforkids.com/privacy-policy/ and SonicJobs Privacy Policy at https://www.sonicjobs.com/us/privacy-policy and Terms of Use at https://www.sonicjobs.com/us/terms-conditions. At Care Options for Kids,we'vebuilt a home health COTA role around what therapy assistants value most: strong clinical support, meaningful hands-on experience, and flexibility that fits different career paths and life stages.
Carle Health
$34.66 - $59.62
Urbana, IL
At Carle Health, we're committed to fostering a workplace where every team member feels valued, respected and empowered, where passion and purpose come together to positively impact the lives of our patients and our communities. The actual compensation offered a candidate will be dependent on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, qualifications, location, training, licenses, shifts worked and compensation model.
Carle Health
$34.66 - $59.62
Urbana, IL
At Carle Health, we're committed to fostering a workplace where every team member feels valued, respected and empowered, where passion and purpose come together to positively impact the lives of our patients and our communities. The actual compensation offered a candidate will be dependent on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, qualifications, location, training, licenses, shifts worked and compensation model.
Carle Health
$34.66 - $59.62
Urbana, IL
At Carle Health, we're committed to fostering a workplace where every team member feels valued, respected and empowered, where passion and purpose come together to positively impact the lives of our patients and our communities. The actual compensation offered a candidate will be dependent on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, qualifications, location, training, licenses, shifts worked and compensation model.
Waterford Place Health Campus
Kokomo, IN
If you’re looking for a place that embraces you for who you are, helps you achieve your full potential, and makes working hard feel less like hard work, then look no further than Synchrony. • Assist in carrying out treatment plans developed by occupational therapists, including therapeutic exercises, activities of daily living (ADL) training, and other interventions.
Carle Health
$34.66 - $59.62
Danville, IL
At Carle Health, we're committed to fostering a workplace where every team member feels valued, respected and empowered, where passion and purpose come together to positively impact the lives of our patients and our communities. The actual compensation offered a candidate will be dependent on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, qualifications, location, training, licenses, shifts worked and compensation model.
Liberty Station Health Campus
Liberty, OH
If you’re looking for a place that embraces you for who you are, helps you achieve your full potential, and makes working hard feel less like hard work, then look no further than Synchrony. • Assist in carrying out treatment plans developed by occupational therapists, including therapeutic exercises, activities of daily living (ADL) training, and other interventions.
MedStar Health
$74214 - $134596
Mount Airy, MD
Accurately and timely documents and charges for patient care activities considering our evolving health care environment, painting a clear picture of the patient's course of care including focused initial evaluation/plan of care that establishes baseline and goals, legible daily encounter notes, interim progress summaries, and discharge evaluation. The Occupational Therapist provides occupational therapy services to patients, to include but not limited to screening and evaluation, treatment planning, treatment implementation, treatment re-assessment and revision, patient/client re-evaluation, discharge planning, and documentation.
Optum
$21.83 - $48.27
Arlington, WA
As members of the Optum family of businesses, we are dedicated to helping people feel their best, including our team members who create meaningful connections with patients, their families, each other and the communities we serve. Total cash compensation includes earnings from per visit point pay and hourly pay and is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience and may increase over time based on productivity and performance in the role.
Wellstar Health Systems, Inc.
Warm Springs, GA
Follows the established treatment plan and provides treatment according to funding source and regulatory guidelines to meet functional goals; accurately documents, including need for skilled services, patient progression, patient response, and then bills accordingly; provides education as appropriate. Participates in hospital and discipline specific skills check: Demonstrates competency through completion of didactic training and testing as well as demonstration of skills specific to their position and skill set as well as skills obtained at Wellstar Roosevelt.
South Shore Health
$80000 - $96000
Hingham, MA
Responsible for evaluation treatment of patients with a variety of sports, orthopedic and physical disorders, working cooperatively with the interdisciplinary team and department to achieve goals and objectives for the provision of optimal patient care services. See South Shore Health Privacy Policy at https://www.southshorehealth.org/website-privacy-policy and SonicJobs Privacy Policy at https://www.sonicjobs.com/us/privacy-policy and Terms of Use at https://www.sonicjobs.com/us/terms-conditions.
Sigma Rehab
$29 - $34
Carthage, NY
Carthage Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, located in Carthage, New York is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) who is currently licensed in New York or is a graduate from an approved Occupational Therapy program and is actively working toward obtaining licensure. Be a part of our experienced team of rehabilitation professionals who are committed to helping each patient regain independence and achieve their rehab goals in our state-of- the art rehab gym.
Sigma Rehab
$36 - $39
Brooklyn, NY
ConcordCenter for Rehabilitation and Nursing, located in Brooklyn, New York is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) who is currently licensed in New York or is a graduate from an approved Occupational Therapy program and is actively working toward obtaining licensure. Be a part of our experienced team of rehabilitation professionals who are committed to helping each patient regain independence and achieve their rehab goals in our state-of- the art rehab gym.
Sigma Rehab
$29 - $34
Rochester, NY
Rochester Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, located in Rochester,New York is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) who is currently licensed in New York or is a graduate from an approved Occupational Therapy program and is actively working toward obtaining licensure. Be a part of our experienced team of rehabilitation professionals who are committed to helping each patient regain independence and achieve their rehab goals in our state-of- the art rehab gym.
Sigma Rehab
$54080 - $68640
Brooklyn, NY
Sigma Health Rehab is recruiting for an Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) position at our client facility Boro Park Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing located in Brooklyn, New York. Sigma Health Rehab is actively seeking a Full-time Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA/COTA) to work in a Skilled Nursing Facility.
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of North Alabama
Huntland, TN
Our achievements include being named one of the "World's Most Admired Companies" and receiving the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® Award, among other accolades, which is nothing short of amazing. At our organization, we believe in making a positive impact right in your community through exceptional Occupational Therapy services.
Norman Regional Health System
$33.87 - $55.31
Norman, OK
We are looking for highly motivated individuals that are proactive, creative, and ready to join a tight knit team of individuals providing positive patient experiences to those in and around our community. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, life insurance, paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, scholarship opportunities, retirement plans, free parking, and opportunities for advancement.
Norman Regional Health System
$33.87 - $55.31
Norman, OK
Come be a part of a forward-thinking, community-oriented outpatient physical therapy clinic, seeking passionate and skilled therapists to join our dynamic team. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, life insurance, paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, scholarship opportunities, retirement plans, free parking, and opportunities for advancement.
Geisinger Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital
Hughesville, PA
Our achievements include being named one of the "World's Most Admired Companies" and receiving the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® Award, among other accolades, which is nothing short of amazing. Make a meaningful impact on patients' lives by being an integral part of their journey to independence and improved quality of life.
Discovery At Home Gulf Coast
$50
Land O Lakes, FL
Established in 2012 with the creation of a Medicare-certified agency in Southwest Florida, Discovery At Home has grown steadily over the years, expanding its operations by starting and acquiring agencies in Tampa, Florida; Plano, Texas; Houston, Texas; and West Palm Beach, Florida. Discovery At Home is part of the Discovery Senior Living family of companies, a recognized industry leader for performance, innovation and lifestyle customization that today, ranks among the 2 largest U.S. senior living operators.
Sevita
Providence, RI
Attend departmental meetings for program development and establishing effective systems of operations team enhancement; attend training or seminars yearly to update knowledge and skills. Maintain timely and appropriate program participant documentation including the report of services; complete weekly schedule requests to meet OT goals of staff/program participants and submit it to supervisor.
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, FL
Our achievements include being named one of the "World's Most Admired Companies" and receiving the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® Award, among other accolades, which is nothing short of amazing. EncompassHealthisatrustedleaderinpost-acutecarewith over 150 nationwide locations and a team of 36,000 exceptional individuals and growing!
Bethany Pointe Health Campus
Anderson, IN
If you’re looking for a place that embraces you for who you are, helps you achieve your full potential, and makes working hard feel less like hard work, then look no further than Synchrony. • Assist in carrying out treatment plans developed by occupational therapists, including therapeutic exercises, activities of daily living (ADL) training, and other interventions.
Hospital Sisters Health System
$34.21 - $51.31
Springfield, IL
Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40Throughout communities in Illinois and Wisconsin, 13 hospitals, numerous community-based health centers and clinics, our 13,000+ colleagues have built a culture based on our solid core values of respect, care, competence, and joy. Other benefits include: Wellness program with incentives, employer-paid life insurance and short-term and long-term disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program, ID theft coverage, colleague rewards and recognition program, discount program, and more!
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Chattanooga
Hopewell, TN
Our achievements include being named one of the "World's Most Admired Companies" and receiving the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® Award, among other accolades, which is nothing short of amazing. Encompass Health is a trusted leader in post-acute care with over 150 nationwide locations and a team of 36,000 exceptional individuals and growing!
South Plains Rehabilitation Hospital, an affiliate of UMC and Encompass Health
Lubbock, TX
Our achievements include being named one of the "World's Most Admired Companies" and receiving the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® Award, among other accolades, which is nothing short of amazing. Encompass Health is a trusted leader in post-acute care with over 150 nationwide locations and a team of 36,000 exceptional individuals and growing!
South Plains Rehabilitation Hospital, an affiliate of UMC and Encompass Health
Brownfield, TX
Our achievements include being named one of the "World's Most Admired Companies" and receiving the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® Award, among other accolades, which is nothing short of amazing. Encompass Health is a trusted leader in post-acute care with over 150 nationwide locations and a team of 36,000 exceptional individuals and growing!
Occupational Therapy Jobs Overview
Looking for a healthcare job with a bright future? The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that occupational therapy jobs will see a 14% growth over the next 10 years—much faster than other jobs on average. Occupational therapists work closely with patients who have an injury, illness, or disability to help them learn and improve the skills they need to succeed in everyday life and work.
This might include fitting a patient with leg braces to help them walk again after a debilitating injury or assessing a patient’s house or school and devising ways to modify the space. An occupational therapist might also help people with mental health conditions deal with everyday activities like doing household chores, riding public transportation, and budgeting for household needs.
Completing a master’s or doctoral degree on top of your bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy will give you access to better-paid opportunities. Take a look at Monster’s sample job description to see what else you might need to get a job as an OTR.
The top cities in the U.S. for occupational therapy jobs are:
Salaries for Occupational Therapy Jobs
Monster’s research shows that the median pay for an occupational therapist in the U.S. is $38.31 an hour within a range from $22.35 to $45.55 depending on location. Calculate what you might make as an OTR in your part of the country using Monster’s Salary Tools. We’ll also show you the national average OTR pay and some suggestions for the next steps in your career.
How to Find the Occupational Therapy Job That Fits You
Finding the right occupational therapy job is crucial, not just for your professional growth but also for personal satisfaction. Here are some guiding questions and tips:
- What’s your preferred setting? Occupational therapists can work in a variety of settings from hospitals, schools, outpatient clinics, and home health, to skilled nursing facilities. Reflect on where you feel you can make the most impact and where you’d be happiest.
- Do you have a specialty or area of interest? If you do, look for positions or facilities that allow you to focus on that.
- What is your preferred patient-to-therapist ratio? Some settings might have you working with multiple patients at once, while others may offer one-on-one sessions. Decide which you’re more comfortable with.
- How important is professional development to you? Look for employers who offer, or are supportive of, continuing education and training opportunities.
Analyze the Job Descriptions
Here are three reasons why thoroughly reading job descriptions is essential:
- To fully understand the job responsibilities. Occupational therapy jobs can vary widely based on the setting and population served. For example: a position in a school setting assisting children with developmental disorders will be vastly different from one in a geriatric setting focusing on improving daily living skills.
- To evaluate the fit. Only by reading the description can you be sure if the position aligns with your career goals, values, and interests. For example, if you’re passionate about assistive technology and the listing mentions a significant focus on this, it might be a dream role for you.
- To note important application details. Some listings have specific instructions, like including a reference number or addressing your cover letter to a particular person. Following these requirements shows that you’re attentive and serious about the role.
Research the Organization
Narrow down the places you would like to work to find your best fit. Look up a company to learn insights into the work environment and the approach they take to care. Here are some of the things you should research:
- company goals and mission statements
- reviews by former and current employees and clients
- where and with whom you are likely to work
How to Apply for Occupational Therapy Jobs
Landing your dream job in occupational therapy involves more than just having the right qualifications. It’s about showcasing them brilliantly.
Update Your Occupational Therapy Resume
Throughout your education and experience, you’ve been building a bank of information to include on your occupational therapy resume. Follow these tips to best optimize it:
- Use the job description to tweak your resume to match specific requirements. Look for keywords repeatedly mentioned and add them to your resume, such as rehabilitation, treatment planning, hand therapy, time management, and group therapy.
- Lists core competencies right under a professional summary.
- Include certifications or training prerequisites.
Add a Cover Letter
You’ll also need a good occupational therapy cover letter to send with your resume. Here are a few tips to help you craft an effective letter:
- Personalize it: Address the hiring manager by name if possible.
- Share a success story: Describe a particular case where your intervention made a significant difference to show your hands-on experience.
- Relate to the facility: Mention why you’re drawn to this specific employer.
- Close with enthusiasm: Express eagerness for an interview and reiterate how your skills align with their needs.
Submit Your Application
Speed up your job search by creating a profile on Monster and following these tips:
- Upload your resume so we can connect you with recruiters looking for someone like you.
- Opt-in to receive new listings for occupational therapy jobs near you straight to your inbox.
- Browse Monster’s job board and click on “Apply” when you’re ready to send you tailored application material.
- Use your profile’s dashboard to keep track of your occupational therapy job
How to Follow Up on Your Applications
Following up post-application is a crucial step, setting you apart from other occupational therapy job candidates. Here’s a guide on how to do it right:
- Wait for the appropriate time, typically seven to ten days after submitting your application. It shows patience while also demonstrating your interest.
- Direct your follow-up to the department head or potential direct supervisor. If you don’t have specific names, you can reach out to the HR team.
- Sending an email is the most professional method as it allows the receiver to respond at their convenience.
Interviewing for Occupational Therapy Jobs
You’ve waited for an invitation to interview for an occupational therapist job. But when that call or email comes through, you might have a few butterflies in your stomach. Decrease your stress by practicing with sample questions and start to formulate your responses now so you can answer with ease during the interview.
Commonly Asked Job Interview Questions
Practice answering the following job interview questions for occupational therapists:
- Why did you choose occupational therapy as a career? This allows interviewers to gauge your passion and motivation for the field.
- How do you handle patients who are non-compliant or difficult to work with? This tests your problem-solving skills and patience.
- Describe a particularly challenging case you’ve dealt with and how you approached it. Show your clinical reasoning and adaptability in action.
- How do you handle disagreements or conflicts with colleagues? Teamwork and communication are vital in healthcare settings.
- Why are you interested in working at this particular facility/organization? This checks your motivation for choosing this specific job and your compatibility with their mission and values.
- Describe a situation where you had to adapt your treatment plan due to unforeseen challenges. This tests your adaptability and problem-solving skills.
- What’s your experience with interdisciplinary teamwork? Collaboration is crucial in most healthcare settings, so they might ask about your experiences working with other professionals.
How to Follow Up on Your Job Interviews
Following up after an interview for an occupational therapy job is a great way to express your continued interest and professionalism. Here’s how to do it:
- Send a concise follow-up email within 24 to 48 hours post-interview.
- If you interviewed with multiple people, consider sending individual, personalized emails. Use their names and reflect on specific parts of the conversation you had with each person.
- Thank the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to learn more about the role and the facility.
- Highlight a specific aspect of the job or organization that resonated with you or a memorable part of the interview that underscores your qualifications or enthusiasm.
- Proofread it for typos and ensure your tone is professional yet warm.
What to Do When You Get an Offer for an Occupational Therapy Job
Here’s how to navigate this crucial phase step by step:
- Don’t leave the employer hanging. Acknowledge the offer within 24 hours.
- Dive deep into the contract and understand every aspect, including job responsibilities, working hours, on-call duties, or requirements for additional training.
- Research average salaries for occupational therapy jobs in your region to ensure you’re getting a competitive offer. Take into consideration non-salary benefits as well if you decide to negotiate.
- Whether you accept or decline, express gratitude and remain professional.
Occupational Therapy Career Paths
Within the realm of occupational therapy, there are numerous paths tailored to various interests and specialties. Here are a few:
- Pediatric occupational therapist: works with children to improve their cognitive, physical, and motor skills.
- Mental health occupational therapist: uses therapeutic activities to help clients with mental health conditions or emotional disturbances.
- Neurological occupational therapist: supports patients with neurological disorders such as strokes, traumatic brain injuries, or Parkinson’s disease.
- Home health occupational therapist: visits patients in their homes, tailoring interventions to real-life settings.
Occupational Therapy Jobs: Similar Careers
If working in healthcare jobs interests you, you can expand your search to related roles such as: