Writing a school occupational therapist (OT) resume that truly stands out can feel like a big task, but don’t worry—with a solid understanding of what you need to include, crafting an expert resume isn’t that hard! Whether you’re just starting out on your school-based OT journey or you’re a seasoned pro looking for a new opportunity, your resume is your chance to showcase the skills, experience, and passion you bring to the table.
In this guide, we’ll break it all down step by step, from highlighting your clinical expertise to showing off those soft skills that make you an amazing occupational therapist. By utilizing this guide, you should be able to develop an occupational therapist resume that feels as strong and capable as you are. Here is what you need to know.
School-Based Occupational Therapist Resume Sample
Not sure what a standout occupational therapist resume looks like? Here’s an example you can use as a reference to craft your own.
What You Should Include on Your Occupational Therapist Resume
Including the right mix of information is the best way to make your occupational therapist resume shine. Here’s a breakdown of what to include and tips to help you stand out:
- Contact Information: Double-check that your full name, phone number, professional email, and location are up to date and easy to spot. This is your first impression, so keep it professional and polished!
- Objective Statement: Start with a short summary that highlights your school-based OT expertise. Mention your key skills, certifications, and career goals—like your experience working with students with disabilities, developing IEP goals, and collaborating with educators to improve student participation and independence.
- Licenses and Certifications: Be sure to list your credentials, such as your state OT license, NBCOT certification, and any specialty training (e.g., sensory integration, handwriting interventions, assistive technology, or pediatric feeding therapy). Include details like the certifying organization and expiration dates.
- Professional Experience: Lay out your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. For each role, include your job title, school district or employer, location, and dates. Use bullet points to highlight your accomplishments, such as:
- Developing and implementing individualized OT interventions to support student success
- Conducting functional assessments to determine student needs
- Writing and contributing to IEPs and 504 Plans
- Collaborating with teachers, parents, and support staff to implement therapy strategies
- Utilizing sensory integration techniques to enhance classroom participation
- Training teachers and staff on the use of adaptive equipment and assistive technology
- Education: Include your degrees, like a master’s or doctorate in Occupational Therapy, along with the school name and graduation date. If you’ve taken additional courses or training, feel free to mention those too.
- Skills: Highlight both your technical and soft skills that are essential for working in a school environment. Key areas might include: student assessments and evaluations, fine and gross motor skill development, IEP and 504 plan development, strong communication skills, and adaptability in school settings.
Additional Things to Keep in Mind
While having the right information is key to creating a resume that stands out from other candidates, you will also want to keep these additional resume best practices in mind:
- Use school-based OT keywords: Incorporate terms such as “sensory integration therapy,” “fine motor skill development,” “assistive technology implementation,” and “IEP goal writing” to align your resume with school-based OT roles and optimize it for applicant tracking systems (ATS).
- Prioritize a clean, professional layout: Select a simple font and organize your resume into clear sections with headings. A well-structured format ensures hiring managers can easily navigate your qualifications.
- Leverage bullet points for clarity: Use concise bullet points to outline your skills and accomplishments. This approach makes it simple for busy recruiters to identify key details at a glance.
- Tailor your resume to the position: Customize your application for each job by emphasizing the qualifications, certifications, and experiences that match the school’s job description. Highlight areas like expertise in pediatrics, sensory processing, or adaptive equipment training.
- Use action-oriented language: Strong verbs like “evaluated,” “designed,” “implemented,” “facilitated,” and “collaborated” help to clearly convey your responsibilities and achievements.
- Quantify your accomplishments: When possible, include measurable outcomes to showcase your impact. For example, “Developed and implemented OT interventions for a caseload of 30+ students across multiple schools” or “Collaborated with teachers to improve classroom participation for 75% of students receiving OT services.”
- Proofread meticulously: Review your resume to eliminate any errors in grammar, spelling, or formatting. A polished, error-free document demonstrates attention to detail—a critical skill for any occupational therapist.
Occupational Therapist Resume FAQs
How long should my school-based occupational therapist resume be?
An occupational therapist resume should ideally be one page, especially for those with less experience or just entering the field. For experienced professionals with extensive accomplishments, a two-page resume is acceptable as long as it remains focused and easy to read. Prioritize relevant skills, certifications, and achievements to keep it concise and impactful.
What skills should I include on my occupational therapist resume?
To demonstrate your ability as a well-rounded school OT candidate, it’s important to include both technical and soft skills. These might include:
Hard skills:
- Sensory processing strategies
- Fine and gross motor skill development
- Assistive technology and adaptive equipment training
- Classroom accommodations and modifications
- IEP goal writing and progress monitoring
Soft skills:
- Empathy and patience
- Strong communication and collaboration
- Creative problem-solving
- Adaptability in school environments
- Organizational and time management skills
Start Your Occupational Therapy Journey with Sunbelt Staffing
Ready to take the next step in your occupational therapy career? Sunbelt Staffing is here to help! Whether you’re just starting out or looking for new opportunities, we specialize in connecting talented occupational therapists with fulfilling positions that match their skills and goals. Contact Sunbelt Staffing today and let us help you find the perfect role!