Resume guide · Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist Resumeoptimized for ATS in 27 seconds

ATS systems in healthcare networks like HCA Healthcare, Mayo Clinic, and Kaiser Permanente filter resumes for specific certifications and patient outcomes. Here's how to ensure yours gets through.

No card. 2 free optimizations every month.

Average occupational therapist ATS score

34
before
82
after

Measured across occupational therapist resumes run through HireRaft against a real job description. You see the score, the missing keywords, and the rewrite — before you download anything.

Terms that decide this screen

These are the exact keywords ATS systems extract from occupational therapist job descriptions. Miss them and you are filtered out before a recruiter sees your name.

NBCOT certifiedpediatric therapygeriatric careADL assessmentssensory integrationrehabilitation planningCOTA supervisionpatient progress trackingadaptive equipmentoccupational therapy interventionsSOAP notesneurodevelopmental treatmentmanual therapy techniquestherapeutic exercisepatient educationhome modificationergonomic assessmentcognitive rehabilitationICD-10 codingelectronic health records

How to structure your skills section

Group them the way a parser reads them — one labelled line per category, plain commas, no tables.

CertificationsNBCOT certification, CPR certified, First Aid
Therapeutic Techniquessensory integration, manual therapy, cognitive rehabilitation
Patient CareADL assessments, rehabilitation planning, patient progress tracking
DocumentationSOAP notes, ICD-10 coding, electronic health records
CollaborationCOTA supervision, interdisciplinary team coordination

5 resume mistakes that get occupational therapists filtered out

The patterns we see most often on occupational therapist resumes that fail ATS screening — each with the edit that fixes it.

#1

Failing to specify patient populations

Fix

Clarify your focus: "Specialized in pediatric therapy, improving fine motor skills in children aged 3-10 by 30% over 6 months."

#2

Vague descriptions of therapeutic techniques

Fix

Be specific: "Implemented sensory integration techniques, reducing sensory processing issues by 40% in children with autism."

#3

Not highlighting certification

Fix

Place NBCOT certification prominently in your header to pass initial ATS checks.

#4

Ignoring outcome-based achievements

Fix

Quantify impact: "Enhanced patient ADL independence by 50% through customized rehabilitation plans."

#5

Overlooking technology skills

Fix

Mention EHR proficiency: "Streamlined patient documentation by 20% using Epic EHR system."

Who is hiring occupational therapists

These companies are actively hiring, and their ATS systems are the ones your resume has to pass.

HCA HealthcareMayo ClinicKaiser PermanenteCleveland ClinicJohns Hopkins HospitalMassachusetts General HospitalBaylor Scott & White HealthAdventHealthUCLA HealthMount Sinai Health System

Paste a real Occupational Therapist posting and see your score

HireRaft gives you a keyword match score, names what is missing, and rewrites the bullets to pass — in about 27 seconds. Free, no card.

Check my score free

Occupational Therapist resume — frequently asked questions

What certifications should be highlighted on an occupational therapist resume?

The NBCOT certification is crucial and should be listed prominently. Additional certifications like CPR and First Aid can also enhance your resume.

How can I demonstrate impact as an occupational therapist?

Use specific metrics: "Improved patient mobility by 30% within 3 months" or "Reduced hospital readmission rates by 15% through targeted interventions."

Should I include volunteer experience in my resume?

Yes, especially if it involved relevant skills. For instance, "Volunteered at a senior center, conducting weekly exercise classes that improved participants' balance by 25%."

How do I format my resume for ATS systems in healthcare?

Use clear headings and bullet points. Include keywords like 'ADL assessments' and 'rehabilitation planning' to ensure ATS compatibility.

What is the ideal length for an occupational therapist resume?

For those with less than 5 years of experience, aim for 1 page. With over 5 years, 1-2 pages is acceptable. Ensure all content is relevant and concise.

Ready to pass the ATS?

Join the occupational therapists using HireRaft to get past the filter and in front of recruiters.

Optimize my resume free

2 free optimizations per month · No credit card