Occupational Therapist Resume: Keywords & Tips to Get More Interviews
Occupational therapist resumes are structured around credentials, clinical setting, and specialty population. The OTR/L credential and NBCOT certification are gatekeepers. Settings (acute care, inpatient rehab, pediatrics, school-based, home health) each have different keyword profiles — tailor your resume to the specific population and setting of each role.
Top ATS Keywords for Occupational Therapist Resumes
These are the keywords ATS systems and recruiters scan for in occupational therapist resumes. Include every one that accurately reflects your experience.
Occupational Therapist Resume Tips That Actually Work
State credentials and specialty certifications in your headline
"OTR/L | CHT Certified | Pediatric & Hand Therapy Specialist" tells both the ATS and hiring manager exactly where to place you. Specialty certifications like the CHT are rare and should be prominently featured.
Show functional outcome data
"Achieved 94% of patients meeting discharge functional goals (FIM score improvement averaging 18 points) in 60-day acute rehab program" demonstrates clinical effectiveness with the specific outcome measures the field uses.
Include IEP experience for school-based roles
School-based OT is a distinct specialty. "Managed caseload of 28 students with diverse needs including sensory processing disorders, autism spectrum, and fine motor delays — wrote and implemented IEPs in collaboration with multidisciplinary team" shows the full scope.
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Related reading
The Resume Keywords Guide: How to Find and Use the Right Words →Keywords are what get your resume past ATS filters and in front of recruiters. Here's a complete guide to finding the right keywords for your industry and using them effectively.