What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?
An occupational therapist (OT) helps individuals achieve independence and improve their ability to perform daily activities after injury, illness, developmental delay, or age-related decline. Using a holistic, patient-centered approach, OTs assess physical, cognitive, emotional, and environmental challenges that limit a person’s ability to function. From rehabilitating fine motor skills to recommending adaptive equipment and modifying home environments, OTs design tailored interventions that promote long-term quality of life.
Occupational therapists work across various healthcare and community settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, skilled nursing facilities, and patient homes. They collaborate with physicians, physical therapists, speech therapists, and caregivers to support recovery goals. OTs treat a wide range of populations, from children with sensory integration disorders to older adults adjusting to life after joint replacement or neurological injury. Their goal is to help clients regain autonomy, return to meaningful routines, and engage fully in life.
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Occupational Therapist Core Responsibilities
- Evaluate patients’ functional needs and limitations related to daily living activities
- Develop and implement individualized treatment plans and therapy goals
- Provide interventions to improve fine motor skills, strength, coordination, or cognition
- Recommend adaptive equipment and environmental modifications
- Document patient progress and adjust care plans based on outcomes
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to coordinate comprehensive care
- Educate patients, families, and caregivers on exercises and home programs
- Conduct discharge planning, home assessments, or return-to-work evaluations
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Knowledge of therapeutic interventions, rehabilitation techniques, and adaptive strategies
- Familiarity with assessments like FIM scores, sensory profiles, and functional mobility tests
- Proficiency with electronic medical records (EMR) and therapy documentation systems
Soft skills
- Strong interpersonal and motivational skills for working with diverse populations
- Creative problem-solving and treatment planning abilities
- Attention to detail in assessment and reporting
- Patience, empathy, and adaptability
Education
- Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy required
- Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) is recommended for leadership and advanced roles
Certifications
- National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) required
- State licensure required in all states
- CPR/BLS certification often required by employers
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–3 years of clinical experience in a relevant setting (e.g., inpatient rehab, pediatrics, SNF)
- Specialized training in neuro rehab, hand therapy, pediatrics, or geriatrics
- Familiarity with outcome measurement tools (e.g., DASH, COPM, AM-PAC)
- Experience with interdisciplinary care planning and patient/family education
National Average Salary
OT salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Occupational Therapist (OT) is:
$92,577
Sample Job Description Templates for OTs
Entry-Level Occupational Therapist
Position Overview
We are seeking an Entry-Level OT to join our rehabilitation team and support patients in regaining independence through personalized treatment plans. This role is ideal for recent graduates or newly licensed professionals looking to gain experience in a collaborative, patient-centered environment. You’ll receive mentorship while helping clients improve function in their daily lives.
Responsibilities
- Conduct initial assessments of patients’ physical, cognitive, and emotional abilities
- Assist in developing and implementing individualized therapy plans
- Guide patients through therapeutic exercises and adaptive activities
- Educate patients and families on techniques and equipment for home use
- Document treatment sessions and progress using EMR systems
- Participate in team meetings and interdisciplinary care discussions
- Maintain compliance with safety and documentation standards
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic knowledge of OT interventions and clinical documentation
- Familiarity with assistive devices and adaptive strategies
- Proficiency in EMR use and SOAP note formatting
Soft skills
- Willingness to learn and accept guidance
- Strong communication and active listening
- Empathy, patience, and motivation to support recovery
Education
- Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy
Certifications
- NBCOT certification and active state OT license required
- CPR certification may be required depending on setting
Preferred Qualifications
- Clinical fieldwork or internship in a relevant care setting
- Exposure to commonly used OT assessments or protocols
Mid-Level Occupational Therapist
Position Overview
We are hiring a Mid-Level OT to provide comprehensive rehabilitative services to patients with physical, developmental, or cognitive impairments. This role involves autonomous caseload management, collaboration with care teams, and the ability to tailor interventions to each client’s goals and abilities.
Responsibilities
- Perform in-depth functional evaluations and goal setting
- Design and implement personalized treatment plans
- Monitor progress and update care strategies based on patient response
- Recommend and train on adaptive equipment and environmental modifications
- Maintain accurate documentation and comply with therapy regulations
- Participate in interdisciplinary care planning and discharge meetings
- Provide guidance to entry-level therapists or assistants as needed
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong clinical reasoning and therapeutic planning
- Proficient in functional and standardized assessments
- Effective use of EMRs and outcome tracking tools
Soft skills
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Strong time management and organizational skills
- Excellent rapport-building with patients and families
Education
- Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy
Certifications
- NBCOT certification and state licensure required
- CPR certification as required by facility
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–4 years of occupational therapy experience
- Exposure to specialty areas such as neuro, ortho, or geriatrics
Senior Occupational Therapist
Position Overview
We are seeking a Senior OT to lead complex treatment plans, serve as a clinical resource for the team, and mentor junior staff. This position is ideal for experienced OTs ready to take on a leadership role while continuing to provide hands-on patient care.
Responsibilities
- Manage high-acuity cases and adjust care plans based on evolving needs
- Mentor new OTs and provide clinical supervision when appropriate
- Support development of departmental protocols and quality improvement initiatives
- Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and rehab professionals on interdisciplinary teams
- Provide education and consultation to patients, families, and caregivers
- Assist with onboarding and staff training sessions
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced clinical judgment in complex patient scenarios
- Skilled in specialty assessments and therapeutic techniques
- Familiarity with insurance documentation and compliance requirements
Soft skills
- Leadership in mentoring or clinical education
- Clear communication across disciplines
- Adaptability and initiative in dynamic environments
Education
- Master’s degree required; Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) recommended
Certifications
- NBCOT certification and active state license required
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of occupational therapy experience
- Prior experience in mentorship, precepting, or specialty care
Lead Occupational Therapist
Position Overview
We are hiring a Lead OT to oversee clinical operations, provide advanced patient care, and ensure consistency in therapy quality and standards. In this hybrid role, you’ll manage your caseload while guiding OT staff and contributing to program development.
Responsibilities
- Supervise and support occupational therapy staff across shifts or units
- Oversee scheduling, caseload distribution, and clinical documentation standards
- Provide advanced therapy services and manage complex patient populations
- Conduct case reviews, peer mentorship, and skills training
- Participate in audits, performance improvement, and policy updates
- Ensure compliance with therapy regulations and quality benchmarks
Requirements
Hard skills
- Operational understanding of department scheduling and staff management
- Advanced therapy and evaluation skills across a broad patient base
- Familiarity with audit procedures and regulatory standards
Soft skills
- Leadership and team-building capabilities
- Effective delegation and conflict resolution
- Strong interpersonal and written communication skills
Education
- Master’s degree required; OTD preferred
Certifications
- Active NBCOT certification and state OT license required
Preferred Qualifications
- 6+ years of OT experience with 2+ years in a leadership or supervisory role
- Experience in program development or workflow improvement
Rehabilitation Services Manager
Position Overview
We are seeking a Rehabilitation Services Manager with an occupational therapy background to lead the daily operations of our rehab department. You’ll oversee staffing, program performance, compliance, and interdisciplinary collaboration while shaping a supportive environment for clinicians and patients.
Responsibilities
- Manage staffing, scheduling, and productivity for OT, PT, and SLP teams
- Ensure quality patient care and adherence to regulatory requirements
- Collaborate with physicians, administrators, and case managers
- Oversee performance evaluations and clinical development programs
- Monitor departmental KPIs, budgets, and patient satisfaction metrics
- Lead initiatives to improve workflow, compliance, and service delivery
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of rehabilitation best practices and interdisciplinary coordination
- Proficiency with clinical documentation platforms and data reporting
- Budgeting and staffing oversight experience
Soft skills
- Strategic thinking and operational leadership
- Team mentoring and development focus
- Strong communication across clinical and administrative groups
Education
- Master’s or doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy or related field
- Additional education in healthcare administration is recommended
Certifications
- NBCOT certification and active OT license required
- Management training or credentials (e.g., CMPT, LSS) recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 8+ years of clinical experience with 3+ years in rehab leadership
- Experience managing multi-disciplinary rehab teams