Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume: Job Description, Sample & Guide

Are you looking to enter the field of occupational therapy as an assistant? Our Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume Example article is here to provide you with the insight and knowledge you need to create a successful resume. This article covers the essential components of an occupational therapy assistant resume, such as skills, experience, and education, as well as provides a comprehensive example resume to help you get started.

We will cover:

How to write a resume, no matter your industry or job title.
What to put on a resume to stand out.
The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
How to build a resume fast with our professional Resume Builder.
Why you should use a resume template

Plus, we will provide expert resume writing tips and professional examples to inspire you.

What does an Occupational Therapy Assistant do?

A Occupational Therapy Assistant helps people with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities to develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. They work with occupational therapists to plan and provide therapy treatments and activities that focus on the patient's physical, mental, and emotional needs. They may also help with exercises, assist with adaptive equipment, and teach skills needed for daily living.

We’re about to begin, but first, here are some other Occupational Therapy Assistant related resume examples:

What are some responsibilities of an Occupational Therapy Assistant?

Assist in the development of treatment plans, goals, and objectives based on the patient's needs.
Provide patient care and interventions, under the supervision of an occupational therapist, that promote the patient's health, prevent injury, and maximize independence.
Engage in client/family teaching and education.
Implement treatment plans that include exercises, activities, and modalities.
Observe, document, and report patient progress.
Assist with equipment fitting, maintenance, and training.
Utilize assistive devices, adaptive equipment, and orthotics.
Administer tests, evaluations, and assessments.
Collaborate with other healthcare professionals.

Sample Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume for Inspiration

John Doe
Address: 123 Main Street, Anytown, NY 11111
Phone: 212-333-4444
Email: john.doe@gmail.com

Summary
John is an experienced Occupational Therapy Assistant with 5+ years of experience in providing safe, effective, and patient-centered care. He has extensive knowledge of physical and mental disabilities. John is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to all patients, and is committed to ongoing professional development.

Work Experience

Occupational Therapy Assistant, ABC Health Care, Anytown, NY, 2016-present
- Provide assessment and treatment of patients with physical and mental disabilities.
- Develop individualized treatment plans for patients.
- Promote patient independence and safety in activities of daily living.
- Educate patients and families on therapeutic interventions.
Occupational Therapy Aide, ABC Health Care, Anytown, NY, 2014-2016
- Assisted Occupational Therapist with patient treatments.
- Provided patient care and support.
- Maintained patient records.

Education
ABC College, Anytown, NY
Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, 2016

Skills

Patient Assessment
Treatment Planning
Patient Education
Therapeutic Interventions
Documentation and Reporting

Certifications
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
New York State Occupational Therapy License

Languages
English (fluent), Spanish (conversational)

Resume tips for Occupational Therapy Assistant

Creating a perfect, career-launching resume is no easy task. Following general writing rules can help, but it is also smart to get advice tailored to your specific job search. When you’re new to the employment world, you need Occupational Therapy Assistant resume tips.
We collected the best tips from seasoned Occupational Therapy Assistant - Check out their advice to not only make your writing process easier but also increase your chances of creating a resume that piques the interest of prospective employers.

Highlight your relevant qualifications and certifications
Include a professional summary that highlights your best skills
Be sure to include any relevant volunteer or work experience
Provide specific examples of how you have helped patients meet their goals
Proofread your resume several times to ensure accuracy

Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume Summary Examples

A resume summary or objective is important to include in an occupational therapy assistant resume in order to give employers a snapshot of the skills, qualifications, and experience the applicant has that make them a good fit for the position. A resume summary or objective should be tailored to the position being applied for, highlighting the skills and qualifications the applicant has that make them a great candidate for the job. It should also be concise and engaging, so that the employer can quickly ascertain what the applicant has to offer. Including a resume summary or objective on an occupational therapy assistant resume is essential for employers to understand the applicant’s value and quickly assess if they are a good fit for the position.

For Example:

Experienced Occupational Therapy Assistant with extensive knowledge of patient assessment, treatment planning, and care coordination.
Highly skilled in developing and implementing treatment plans, evaluating patient progress, and providing individualized care.
Knowledgeable and experienced in the use of therapeutic modalities, assistive technology, and adaptive equipment.
Strong interpersonal skills and adept at building relationships with clients and their families.
Efficient in completing documentation, maintaining records, and providing guidance to clients.

Build a Strong Experience Section for Your Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume

A strong experience section on a occupational therapy assistant resume is important because it gives employers a better understanding of your skills and abilities. It also allows them to see how you have applied those skills to past jobs. This section should include detailed descriptions of the tasks you have performed, the clients you have worked with, and the successes you have achieved. This will demonstrate to potential employers that you have the necessary experience and qualifications to be an effective occupational therapy assistant.

For Example:

Provided direct patient care to pediatric, adult and geriatric patients in home health, outpatient and acute care settings.
Assisted Occupational Therapists with evaluations and treatments, including range of motion, strength, balance, coordination, functional activities, and safety skills.
Collaborated with care team to ensure efficient and effective patient care.
Observed and documented patient progress, responses to treatment, and changes in functional status.
Prepared treatment areas and assisted with patient preparation for treatment.
Performed treatments as delegated by the Occupational Therapist.
Reviewed patient’s medical history and current health status.
Instructed patients and family in safe use of adaptive equipment.
Participated in patient/family/caregiver education.
Assisted with ordering, assembling, and maintaining occupational therapy supplies.

Occupational Therapy Assistant resume education example

To become an Occupational Therapy Assistant, a person must have a minimum of an associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program. This degree typically requires two years of full-time study and includes courses in anatomy and physiology, psychology, therapeutic procedures, and healthcare ethics. Additionally, many states require Occupational Therapy Assistants to be licensed, certified, or registered, and to pass an exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a Occupational Therapy Assistant resume:

Associate of Occupational Therapy Science Degree, ABC College, Anytown, USA (2018)
Certificate in Occupational Therapy Assistant from XYZ Community College, Anytown, USA (2012)
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) (2017)

Occupational Therapy Assistant Skills for a Resume

It is important to add skills to an Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume because it provides a potential employer with a better understanding of the candidate’s abilities and qualifications. Skills are important because they demonstrate the specific knowledge and abilities that make a candidate the best qualified for the job. Examples of skills that are highly valued in an Occupational Therapy Assistant include: patient care and communication, knowledge of medical terminology, understanding of insurance regulations, and experience with documentation and record keeping. All of these skills are important for an Occupational Therapy Assistant and should be included on a resume in order to demonstrate a candidate’s qualifications.

Soft Skills:

Communication
Interpersonal
Organizational
Critical Thinking
Adaptability
Empathy
Motivation
Patience
Listening
Compassion

Hard Skills:

Patient Care
Rehabilitation
Mobility Training
Therapy Documentation
Exercise Instruction
Assessment Administration
Adaptive Equipment Use
Clinical Record Keeping
Injury Prevention
Care Plan Development

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing an Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume

In this competitive job market, employers receive an average of 180 applications for each open position. To process these resumes, companies often rely on automated applicant tracking systems, which can sift through resumes and eliminate the least qualified applicants. If your resume is among the few that make it past these bots, it must still impress the recruiter or hiring manager. With so many applications coming in, recruiters typically give each resume only 5 seconds of their attention before deciding whether to discard it. Considering this, it's best to avoid including any distracting information on your application that could cause it to be thrown away. To help make sure your resume stands out, review the list below of what you should not include on your job application.

Not including a cover letter. A cover letter is a great way to explain why you are the best candidate for the job and why you want the position.
Using too much jargon. Hiring managers do not want to read a resume full of technical terms that they do not understand.
Omitting important details. Make sure to include your contact information, educational background, job history, and any relevant skills and experiences.
Using a generic template. Take the time to customize your resume to the job you are applying for. This will show the employer that you are serious about the position.
Spelling and grammar errors. Always double-check your resume for typos, spelling mistakes, and grammar errors.
Focusing too much on duties. Make sure to include accomplishments and successes to show the employer that you are a great candidate.
Including personal information. Avoid including any personal information such as age, marital status, or religious beliefs.

Key takeaways for a Occupational Therapy Assistant resume

Highlight any relevant credentials, such as a certification from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.
Demonstrate knowledge of and experience with therapeutic techniques such as sensory integration, cognitive behavior therapy, and sensory motor activities.
Emphasize interpersonal and communication skills, such as the ability to build rapport with patients of all ages and backgrounds.
Detail any experience with medical equipment or software.
Include any volunteer or internship experience to show your commitment to occupational therapy.
Mention any special skills, such as fluency in a foreign language.

It's time to begin the job search. Make sure you put your best foot forward and land your next postal service job with the help of Resumaker.ai.