Free Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume Templates & Examples

Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume Template (Text)

1. Contact Info

Your contact information should be clear, professional, and easy to find at the top of your resume.

Make sure to include:

• Full name
• Phone number
• Professional email address
• City and state (ZIP code is optional)
• LinkedIn profile or personal portfolio (if relevant)

PRO TIP

Avoid including sensitive personal information like your Social Security number, age, or photographs on your resume unless the employer specifically requests it.

2. Resume Profile

A resume profile is a brief introduction, typically spanning two to four sentences, that highlights your key qualifications and career goals. It serves as a compelling pitch to hiring managers, designed to grab their attention and motivate them to explore your resume further.

This profile is prominently located at the top of your resume and can take the form of either a summary or an objective, each serving distinct functions in showcasing your career aspirations:

• A resume summary emphasizes key qualifications, relevant skills, and achievements that showcase your expertise in promoting patient recovery and engagement. This format is particularly beneficial for those with previous work experience or transferable skills who aim to demonstrate their contributions in the field of occupational therapy.
• A resume objective highlights your career aspirations and the goals you aim to achieve. It’s particularly beneficial for recent graduates, those changing careers, or individuals with limited experience, such as occupational therapy assistant trainees or professionals shifting into healthcare roles.

Let’s take a look at an example of each to see how a resume summary and a resume objective differ:

Occupational therapy assistant resume summary example:

Occupational therapy assistant resume objective example:

3. Work Experience

The work experience on your resume is an important selling point. Employers assess your job history to understand not only where you’ve worked but also the meaningful impact you’ve had in the field.

Your hands-on experience as an occupational therapy assistant showcases how your skills and knowledge align with the demands of the role.

The work experience section should contain:

• Job title
• Employer name and location
• Dates of employment (month/year)
• 3–5 bullet points describing your relevant responsibilities and achievements

Tailor your work experience bullet points to highlight skills and responsibilities relevant to the occupational therapy assistant role. Start each statement with an action verb (like “Assisted,” “Evaluated,” “Facilitated”) to create a strong impression.

Incorporate quantifiable information whenever possible. Specific metrics, such as patient improvement rates or successful treatment plans, illustrate your contributions and help distinguish you from other job seekers in the job market.

In general, consider following the format of:

[action verb] + [responsibility] = [result/achievement]

For example:

Note that you can also flip the result/achievement with the responsibility:

Explore more work experience examples for occupational therapy assistants further down this page.

4. Skills

The skills section provides a concise overview of the professional abilities relevant to an occupational therapy assistant. This summary allows hiring managers to quickly assess qualifications and fit for the role.

Skills can be categorized into three distinct groups:

• Soft skills are personal qualities that influence how well an occupational therapy assistant collaborates with clients and colleagues. Key traits like empathy, communication, patience, and adaptability are essential for nurturing professional relationships and ensuring positive outcomes in therapeutic settings.
• Hard skills are specific, quantifiable abilities gained through education, training, or experience. For an occupational therapy assistant, examples include implementing therapeutic exercises, assisting with patient assessments, and maintaining treatment documentation.
• Technical skills refer to the practical abilities required to operate specialized tools and technologies. In occupational therapy, this includes familiarity with therapeutic modalities, assistive devices, and electronic documentation systems.

In general, aim to showcase a diverse range of relevant skills that align with the job requirements to demonstrate your full professional value. Find additional skills examples for an occupational therapy assistant further down the page.

PRO TIP

If you’re a newer occupational therapy assistant, consider placing your skills section higher on your resume, right after your summary. For those with more experience, it’s better to position this section lower and weave your skills into your work history for a cohesive narrative.

5. Education

Understanding how to list education on your resume is important for showcasing your qualifications clearly. Start with your most recent or relevant occupational therapy degree, mentioning the degree type and the institution’s name.

If you’re a new graduate, think about including your graduation year, GPA (if it’s 3.5 or higher), any honors received, or relevant coursework that highlights your skills and knowledge in the field.

Occupational therapy assistant resume education section example:

PRO TIP

If you’re progressing from an Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy Assisting (OTA) to a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, or have earned another relevant degree, list both in reverse-chronological order.

6. Certifications

Listing certifications on your resume helps bridge the gap between limited experience and the qualifications that employers seek. While this section may not always appear in traditional resumes, it holds significant value for many professionals in occupational therapy. Employers often require specific credentials, such as CPR certification or specialized training in therapeutic techniques, for roles in rehabilitation settings.

When listing your certifications, focus on those relevant to the position you’re applying for. Ensure your credentials are up to date and presented clearly to improve your appeal as an applicant.

Occupational therapy assistant certification examples:

• Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) | NBCOT | Expires: 01/2028
• Basic Life Support (BLS) | American Heart Association | Expires: 04/2027
• Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED | Red Cross | Expires: 06/2028
• Occupational Therapy Assistant Certification Exam Prep Course | AOTA | Expires: 11/2027

Popular Resume Bullets for Occupational Therapy Assistants

These examples are pulled from our most-used entries in the resume builder—based on what hiring managers respond to most.

5 Soft Skills for Your Resume or CV

5 Hard Skills for Your Resume or CV