Occupational Therapist Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: Dec 05, 2025 - The Occupational Therapist has experience in assessing patient needs, developing personalized treatment plans, and implementing therapeutic interventions across diverse clinical settings. This role requires strong analytical abilities, effective communication skills, and the capacity to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support patient progress. The individual also needs proficiency in evidence-based practice, adaptability in fast-paced environments, and a commitment to fostering independence and improved quality of life for clients.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Occupational Therapist Resume

Patient Assessment
Therapy Planning
Treatment Delivery
Safety Assessment
Caseload Management
Rehabilitation Support
Client Assessment
Intervention Planning
Equipment Coordination
Documentation Accuracy

Interdisciplinary Teamwork
Family Communication
Client Collaboration
Progress Reporting
Multidisciplinary Teamwork
Professional Development
Workshop Delivery
Problem Solving
Resident Education
Functional Training

Summary of Occupational Therapist Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Occupational Therapy with 1 year of Experience

Previous experience in an inpatient setting,
Experience with frail patients, stroke patients, and other neurological conditions.
Strong understanding of optimising patient outcomes and facilitation of effective discharge planning.
An empathetic patient and evidence-based approach to goal setting and intervention.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to interact with a diverse range of people both within the inpatient and community settings.
Enthusiasm, willingness, and energy to commit to the team and patients.

2. BS in Kinesiology with 2 years of Experience

Ability to read, speak, and write clearly in English.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion when organizing and managing work schedules.
Capacity to work cooperatively and collaboratively with the Department of Human Services.
Skill in establishing and maintaining productive, professional relationships with clients, colleagues, school districts, and community agencies.
Knowledge of HIPAA requirements and commitment to maintaining strict client confidentiality.
Ability to prioritize tasks and make appropriate, timely decisions.
Capability to work independently while managing time and workload efficiently.
Strong oral and written communication skills for documentation and interaction.
Ability to provide services that are culturally, ethnically, and gender sensitive.
Ability to follow directions, apply feedback, and implement recommendations.
Creativity and problem-solving skills in identifying issues and developing effective solutions.
Self-motivation with the ability to stay focused and on task, along with adherence to organizational policies and safe motor vehicle operation.

3. BS in Exercise Science with 4 years of Experience

Experience in home-based Occupational Therapy service delivery.
Experience working with NDIS participants and elderly Consumers.
Experience in writing NDIA reports and applications.
Experience in home modification.
Degree in Occupational Therapy and full AHPRA registration.
Knowledge of AACQA Standards and NDIS Practice Standards.
Excellent computer and interpersonal skills.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment.

4. BS in Rehabilitation Sciences with 1 year of Experience

Successful completion of an accredited Occupational Therapy education program meeting governing board standards.
Current and active Occupational Therapy license in the state of practice.
BLS certification.
Demonstrated clinical competency supported by relevant experience, training, and education.
Ability to clearly convey knowledge and experience during competency-based and behavioral interview questions.
Proficiency or ability to quickly become proficient with computer software used in automated patient care settings.
Strong understanding of clinical best practices and regulatory requirements.
Ability to adapt skills to various care environments and patient needs.
Committed to ongoing professional development and compliance with licensure standards.

5. BA in Psychology with 2 years of Experience

Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy program.
Internship or clinical rotation completed in an appropriate patient-care setting.
Progressive clinical experience with direct patient care.
Prior experience using an electronic health record system.
Active Arizona Occupational Therapy license.
Current American Heart Association BLS certification.
Proficient in computer skills for clinical and administrative tasks.
Ability to apply clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice in diverse care situations.
Committed to maintaining professional standards and continuing education.

6. BS in Neuroscience with 3 years of Experience

OT experience, preferably in pediatric settings with exposure to complex disabilities.
Active CPR and First Aid certifications maintained at all times.
Stamina to sit or stand on the floor for extended periods, often up to seven hours.
Physical ability to move repeatedly between floor and standing positions throughout the workday.
Skill in creating a safe, supportive, and professional therapeutic environment.
Strong communication abilities with clients, families, and interdisciplinary medical teams.
Demonstrated empathy, rapport-building capability, and maintenance of professional boundaries.
Consistency in completing documentation, reporting, and required training accurately and on schedule.
Willingness to collaborate within multidisciplinary teams and take on advanced responsibilities such as complex assessments, treatment planning, supervision, travel for training, and evaluation of pediatric motor, sensory, and functional challenges.

7. BS in Health Sciences with 4 years of Experience

Advanced understanding of special education compliance requirements.
Ability to collect, interpret, and analyze data from multiple sources to guide decisions.
Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration and documentation.
Creative thinking ability paired with demonstrated leadership skills in educational settings.
Skill in building effective relationships and gaining credibility quickly to support instructional success.
Strong decision-making, organizational, planning, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
Use of positive and effective interpersonal communication skills to support teams and students.
Ability to resolve issues and conflicts professionally and constructively.
Strong technology skills, including proficiency with Zoom, word processing, and spreadsheet applications.
Up-to-date knowledge of current instructional technologies.
Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders.
Demonstrated self-discipline, initiative, commitment to school-choice values, and adherence to FERPA and HIPAA confidentiality standards.

8. BA in Sociology with 1 year of Experience

Graduate of an occupational therapy curriculum accredited jointly by the Council of Medical Education of the American Medical Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association.
Registered by the Oklahoma Board of Medical Quality Assurance.
Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, concepts, and methodology required of an occupational therapist and the practical application of this knowledge in the treatment of hospice patients at home.
Good communication and documentation skills.
Demonstrated ability to work with a multidisciplinary team.
Must be able to adjust to varying treatment loads and schedules.
Considerable initiative, judgment, and problem-solving.

9. BS in Exercise Science with 2 years of Experience

Occupational Therapist experience.
Previous clinical experience.
Current license to practice issued by the State.
Experience in evaluating, planning, and administering treatment to patients.
Experience performing direct patient care, including evaluations.
Effective communication with medical staff and patients.
Able to plan, design, implement, and interpret specific occupational therapy treatment programs.
Proven ability to educate patients in the proper care.
Can follow appropriate documentation and reporting procedures.

10. BS in Anatomy with 4 years of Experience

Current BLS-HCP certification through the American Heart Association or American Red Cross, with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers accepted until card expiration.
Active license issued by the California Board of Occupational Therapy/Department of Consumer Affairs.
Work experience in a physical disabilities treatment setting.
Experience providing occupational therapy to adolescents, adults, and geriatric populations.
General experience as a practicing Occupational Therapist across relevant clinical environments.
Clinical experience providing OT services to infants, children, or adolescents in any care setting.
Alternate NICU qualification includes acute care hospital experience delivering occupational therapy to infants, children, or adolescents with CCS-eligible medical conditions.
CCS paneling for NICU-related assignments.
Ability to deliver developmentally appropriate therapy for medically fragile pediatric patients.
Skill in interdisciplinary collaboration for complex medical cases.
Strong competency in functional assessment, therapeutic planning, and clinical documentation.
Must maintain certifications, licensure requirements, and high standards of clinical practice.

11. BS in Physiology with 3 years of Experience

A member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, to work within and adhere to the RCOT code of ethics and professional conduct.
Registered with the Health Professions Council, to work within and adhere to HCPC standards of practice
Experience of facilitating group work
Evidence of a continual professional development portfolio, to demonstrate a commitment to personal CPD and team development.
Experience in the domiciliary/healthcare sector.
Basic IT Skills, including internet and e-mail.
Good understanding of the application of risk assessment and risk management strategies, which facilitates a customer’s recovery.
Innovative, energetic, enthusiastic, and positively embrace better ways of working.
Meticulous and attentive to detail.
Challenge when appropriate and lead by example.
Strong organisational skills and able to meet deadlines, present information clearly and logically.

12. BA in Child Development with 2 years of Experience

Experience providing occupational therapy treatments, planning interventions, and managing therapeutic activities.
Valid state license and registration to practice occupational therapy.
Supervised clinical experience in an occupational therapy setting.
Ability to apply evidence-based treatment methods across diverse patient needs.
Skill in clinical reasoning, patient assessment, and goal-oriented care planning.
Capable of documenting treatment plans and progress accurately and professionally.
Strong understanding of therapeutic principles, ethics, and professional standards.
Committed to continued skill development and adherence to regulatory requirements.

13. BS in Public Health with 6 years of Experience

Practice experience in the designated specialty area.
Occupational Therapist license in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
Current Basic Life Support certification from the American Heart Association.
National Provider Identifier and PECOS enrollment completed within required timelines.
Foreign-trained therapists meet all state education and licensure requirements for every practice location.
Completion of a specialty-focused postgraduate degree beyond entry-level or transition programs.
Alternatively, completion of a recognized fellowship, such as the AOTA Fellowship Program.
Alternatively, attainment of a rigorous specialty certification such as CHT, AOTA Board Certification, CDRS, Seating and Mobility Specialist, or Assistive Technology Practitioner.
Alternatively, completion of an accredited clinical certificate relevant to the member population.
Demonstrated leadership capability and strong clinical problem-solving skills.
Behavior aligned with professional practice criteria and standards.
Experience in project leadership, teaching, student instruction, committee participation, and mentoring in support of staff development.

14. BA in Special Education with 3 years of Experience

Current registration to practice as an Occupational Therapist with the Occupational Therapy Board, AHPRA.
Evidence of ability to build and maintain co-operative professional and therapeutic relationships with consumers, carers, and key stakeholders through the application of well-developed interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated and able to work in a team environment.
Demonstrated experience working as an occupational therapist in a mental health setting with children and adolescents.
Demonstrated experience using a variety of psychotherapeutic evidence-based interventions (individual and group) with children and adolescents.
Demonstrated a high level of organisational and time management skills.
Evidence of knowledge and commitment to the application of quality improvement and evidence-based practice to occupational therapy.

15. BS in Human Development with 2 years of Experience

Experience working with adult and geriatric populations.
Clinical experience in acute care and/or skilled nursing facility settings.
Current BLS certification.
Ability to deliver safe, evidence-based interventions for medically complex adults.
Skill in managing high-acuity caseloads and interdisciplinary coordination.
Competence in documenting clinical findings and patient progress accurately.
Excellent organizational and time management skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

16. BA in Behavioral Science with 1 year of Experience

Current registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand and a valid Annual Practicing Certificate.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to build trust and strong relationships across diverse populations.
Ability to work actively and effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Strong verbal communication skills for clear, professional interaction.
Proven written communication skills, including the ability to produce accurate reports and clinical recommendations.
Capability to collaborate across services to support client-centered outcomes.
Confidence in presenting clinical findings and contributing to team planning.
Ability to maintain professional standards and ongoing competence.

17. BS in Motor Control with 3 years of Experience

Licensed Occupational Therapist in the State of Washington.
NBCOT certification.
Pediatric experience or fieldwork that includes a pediatric affiliation.
Experience with Early Supports or managing a caseload of clients from birth to age three.
Understanding of family-centered therapy and caregiver involvement in treatment.
Experience providing services in a non-English language.
Experience in feeding therapy and/or infant mental health.
Current CPR and First Aid certifications.
Ability to provide developmentally appropriate interventions for infants and young children.
Strong communication and collaborative skills for working with families and interdisciplinary teams.

18. BS in Biomedical Sciences with 2 years of Experience

Experience in pediatric or related occupational therapy.
Experience in occupational therapy with a wide range of pediatric populations.
Georgia occupational therapy license.
Basic Life Support (BLS).
Knowledge of pediatric theory and practice.
Excellent oral and written communication skills for effective communication of information.
Positive interpersonal skills and the ability to function in an interdisciplinary environment.
Must be able to successfully pass the Basic Windows Assessment at 80% or higher rating within 30 days of employment.
Available to travel to other Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta locations based on patient census, program development, and/or contract obligations with physician practices.

19. BS in Applied Health with 1 year of Experience

Current state licensure or certification obtained on or before the first day of employment.
CPR certification.
Completion of an accredited occupational therapy degree program or an equivalent foreign program verified by a recognized certifying agency.
Effective communication skills for clear interaction with patients, families, and caregivers.
Demonstrated competency in occupational therapy evaluation and clinical assessment.
Skill in developing individualized care plans based on functional needs.
Ability to deliver evidence-based therapeutic interventions across diverse patient populations.
Ability to maintain professional standards and continuing competency.

20. BS in Speech and Hearing Sciences with 3 years of Experience

Qualifications and registration as an Occupational Therapist (can be limited registration).
AHPRA Registration.
Demonstrated experience in working with a range of people.
Previous experience in working with solution-focused therapy and skills.
Commitment to quality and exceptional report writing skills.
Clinical leadership abilities and proven experience in exercising sound judgement.
Friendly, approachable, collaborative, and professional manner.
Strong work ethic.

21. BA in Early Childhood Education with 2 years of Experience

Graduation from an approved school of occupational therapy.
State license to practice occupational therapy.
Interest in occupational therapy treatment programs for the geriatric and subacute populations utilizing a team approach.
Ability to direct others.
Ability to communicate well verbally and in writing.
Sense of responsibility and ability to work well with residents, families, and other staff members.
Qualities of maturity, diplomacy, and the ability to work well with others.
Ability to work with geriatric and chronically ill residents, as well as other professionals, in a friendly and helpful manner.
Ability to perform tasks to established standards of excellence.
Graduation from an approved school of occupational therapy.
State license to practice occupational therapy.

22. BS in Cognitive Science with 1 year of Experience

Current Arizona Occupational Therapist license.
Recent occupational therapy experience, preferably including home care.
Graduation from an accredited occupational therapy program recognized by the AMA and AOTA.
Ability to work independently with strong time-management skills.
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
Proficiency with computers and electronic medical records, with EMR experience.
Ability to provide safe, evidence-based interventions in the home environment.
Good communication and documentation skills for patient care coordination.

23. BS in Allied Health with 4 years of Experience

Current AHPRA registration.
Experience in delivering therapy services under the NDIS.
Experience in the disability sector.
Excellent customer service that meets individual goals.
Well-developed clinical reasoning skills that are solution-focused.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
Proven ability to work collaboratively with customers, key stakeholders, and team members.
Personal resilience working in a changing environment.

24. BS in Gerontology with 1 year of Experience

Have an appetite for innovation, a growth mindset, and want to be part of building something new.
Experience working in or a strong desire to understand the community sector and NDIS market.
A qualified Occupational Therapist eligible for an AHPRA Registration.
Strong interpersonal skills to develop collaborative relations with clients and colleagues.
Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
Flexible in the approach to working with a variety of clients and their families, operating in an individualised way with each person.

25. BS in Occupational Science with 2 years of Experience

Current full registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC).
Knowledge of occupational therapy theory and practice within a patient and family-centered model of care.
Knowledge of the COTBC standards of practice and practice guidelines for clinical practitioners.
Knowledge of occupational therapy standardized tests, measures, the use of equipment, and related techniques.
Broad knowledge of other health care professions and their role in patient care.
Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with patients, caregivers, rehabilitation assistants, members of the interprofessional care team, both verbally (one-on-one and in groups) and in writing.
Ability to teach and provide effective consultation to patients, caregivers, rehabilitation assistants, and other health care professionals.
Ability to work independently and in collaboration with others.
Ability to establish workload priorities and adjust to unexpected events.
Knowledge of the research process and methodology.
Ability to operate related equipment, including relevant software applications.

26. BS in Biology with 4 years of Experience

Current National Registration as an Occupational Therapist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Evidence of a current Victorian Driver’s Licence and willingness to drive for work-related activities.
Experience in Occupational Therapy assessment and intervention, predominantly in the area of rehabilitation, e.g., Neurological, Musculoskeletal, and Aged Care Rehabilitation.
Comprehensive knowledge of health, disability, adjustment issues, and group dynamics for a diverse group of rehabilitation clients, their families, and significant others.
Advanced written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to communicate with clients, their families, the clinical team, and other hospital and community-based health professionals.
Demonstrated organisational ability in time and caseload management.

27. BA in Family Studies with 3 years of Experience

Completion of an approved Occupational Therapy program.
Current with all Continuing Education (CE) requirements.
Experience performing clinical care professionally.
Experience serving as a patient advocate and role model to other Team Members.
Ability to deliver patient care with minimal disruptions and obstacles.
Ability to effectively work on a multidisciplinary team.
Good computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
Long-term care facility experience.
Prior work experience with geriatric and disabled populations.
Bilingual in English and Spanish.

28. BS in Nutrition with 2 years of Experience

Current registration through AHPRA.
Knowledge and skills in delivering occupational therapy services to children, adults, and older adults.
Experience providing client support and OT services both in person and through alternative communication platforms.
Ability to adapt interventions across diverse age groups and functional needs.
Strong communication and documentation skills for varied service delivery methods.
Capacity to work autonomously while maintaining high professional standards.
Committed to client-centered practice in both community and remote settings.

29. BA in Liberal Studies with 6 years of Experience

Personal integrity and demonstrated commitment to the Philosophy, Mission, and Values of Mary Aikenhead Ministries and St Vincent’s Health Australia.
Tertiary qualification in Occupational Therapy and AHPRA Occupational Therapy registration.
Demonstrated ability to work autonomously with minimal direct supervision and extensive experience in the provision of clinical supervision and leadership.
Demonstrated advanced assessment, clinical reasoning skills, and evidence-based intervention for the client group (aged care, chronic, and complex care).
Extensive clinical experience in home visits and community-based rehabilitation.
Demonstrated ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team and to apply advanced clinical reasoning skills and independent professional judgement.
Demonstrated ability to initiate, lead, complete, and share quality initiatives and service evaluation processes.

30. BS in Health & Human Performance with 1 year of Experience

Able to render patient services and supervise Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA/COTA), Therapy Aides, and students.
Excellent organizational skills to facilitate program development.
Competency in the ages of patients served, in the ability to obtain and interpret information in terms of the patients' needs.
Knowledge of normal growth and development.
Understanding of the range of the treatment needed.
Skilled in home program development and family training.
Knowledge in the appropriate selection and use of DME (adaptive equipment).
Good computer skills.

31. BS in Neuropsychology with 5 years of Experience

Active Washington State Occupational Therapist license, with behavioral-health OT experience.
Knowledge of age-related care needs for adult and geriatric patients and their families.
Knowledge of current trends, evidence-based practices, and emerging developments in Occupational Therapy.
Knowledge of information-management principles to support clinical analysis and decision-making.
Knowledge of adult acute and long-term care requirements as they relate to occupational therapy.
Extensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology, human development, kinesiology, neuro-anatomy, neuro-psychology, general medicine, surgery, sensory-motor functions, sensory integration, neuro-developmental therapy, and psycho-social development.
Skill in administering standardized occupational therapy assessments and interpreting results.
Skill in evaluating patient status and developing, implementing, and progressing individualized therapy programs.
Skill in performing age-appropriate assessments and creating plans of care aligned with developmental and functional needs.
Knowledge of group and individual therapy principles, with experience facilitating therapeutic groups.
Understanding of intervention methods and therapeutic approaches used across behavioral, physical, and cognitive domains.
Knowledge of professional standards and competence in working within behavioral-health environments.
Skill in interpersonal communication, both oral and written, for effective collaboration and patient interaction.
Skill in producing accurate, clear, and clinically precise medical documentation.

Relevant Information

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements