Updated for 2026

Senior Occupational Therapist
Resume Example

A clinical resume format for experienced occupational therapists. Highlight functional outcomes, caseload management, and specialized intervention programs.

ATS Score
88
Excellent
Keywords · Impact · Format
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Samira Patel

San Diego, CA  |  [email protected]  |  (555) 858-6214  |  linkedin.com/in/samirapatel
Summary

Senior occupational therapist with 7 years of experience in acute care and inpatient rehabilitation. Managed caseloads of 8-12 patients daily with a 91% functional independence measure (FIM) improvement rate. Board-certified in Physical Rehabilitation (BCPR) with expertise in ADL training, splinting, and cognitive rehabilitation.

Technical Skills
Clinical: ADL Training, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Splinting, Upper Extremity Rehab, Wheelchair Assessment
Certifications: OTR/L (CA), BCPR, BLS, NBCOT
Assessment: FIM, Barthel Index, COPM, Sensory Profile
Systems: Epic, Net Health, Cerner, PointClickCare
Experience
Senior Occupational Therapist - Scripps Rehabilitation Center
  • Managed a caseload of 8-12 acute care and inpatient rehab patients daily with a 91% FIM improvement rate at discharge
  • Developed a stroke recovery upper extremity protocol that improved hand function scores by 38% across 95 patients over 18 months
  • Reduced average length of stay by 1.8 days through early intervention and collaborative discharge planning with case managers
  • Supervised 4 COTA staff and mentored 2 OT students per year, with all students receiving job offers upon graduation
Occupational Therapist - Bayside Medical Center
  • Treated 6-10 patients daily across acute care, including neurological, orthopedic, and cardiac populations
  • Achieved a 94% patient satisfaction score across 700+ treatment sessions over 2.5 years
  • Implemented a fall risk screening program that reduced in-hospital falls by 26% on the rehabilitation unit
  • Fabricated 120+ custom splints annually, reducing outsourced splinting costs by $18K per year
Education
M.S. Occupational Therapy - University of Southern California
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Why This Resume Works

1
FIM improvement rate is specific

91% functional independence improvement is the gold standard OT outcome measure. Leading with it shows clinical rigor.

2
Protocol development quantified

38% improvement across 95 patients demonstrates evidence-based practice and program impact.

3
Length of stay reduction included

1.8 fewer days saves hospitals significant costs. This metric resonates with administrators.

Section-by-Section Breakdown

Summary

Lead with caseload size, FIM outcomes, and board certification. These define a senior OT.

Skills

Include assessment tools (FIM, Barthel, COPM) and EHR systems. These are critical ATS keywords.

Experience

Every bullet needs patient volume, outcome data, or cost impact. OT is measured by functional improvement.

Education

MS in OT is the standard. List it clearly with school name.

Key Skills for Senior Occupational Therapist Resumes

Based on analysis of thousands of job postings, these are the most frequently required skills:

ADL Training Cognitive Rehabilitation Splinting Upper Extremity Rehabilitation FIM Assessment Stroke Recovery Acute Care Inpatient Rehabilitation Epic NBCOT BCPR Discharge Planning Fall Prevention Patient Education Wheelchair Assessment Sensory Integration

Common Mistakes on Senior Occupational Therapist Resumes

  • No caseload or patient volume - Daily patient count is the universal workload metric. Include it in your top bullet.
  • Missing outcome measures - FIM scores, Barthel Index improvements, and satisfaction rates must appear. These are your clinical proof points.
  • Ignoring cost impact - Length of stay reductions and cost savings resonate with hospital administrators who make hiring decisions.
  • Not naming assessment tools - FIM, COPM, and Sensory Profile are ATS keywords. Do not generalize as 'standardized assessments.'
  • No supervisory experience - Senior OTs supervise COTAs and students. Include headcount and mentee outcomes.

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