Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume Example

How to write a occupational therapy assistant resume that lands interviews

A great occupational therapy assistant resume isn't a list of responsibilities — it's a tight stack of quantified outcomes, written in language an ATS scores and a human reader believes. Below: the 8 bullets a strong candidate uses, the 4 they avoid, the keywords the ATS expects, the pay figures to anchor your negotiation against, and the FAQs we hear most often.

Sample bullets — good vs weak

Each “good” bullet leads with the outcome, includes a measurable result, and shows scope. The “weak” versions describe activities without showing impact. Use these as templates; rewrite them in your own voice with your real numbers.

✅ Bullets that get the call

• Led 7 to 8 treatment sessions a day in a skilled nursing rehab unit, following the occupational therapist's plan of care.
• Taught dressing and bathing techniques with adaptive tools, with most residents reaching their self-care goals before discharge.
• Ran a fine-motor group for 6 preschoolers twice a week using games and handwriting activities, with teachers noting stronger grip and drawing.
• Recorded progress notes after every session and flagged changes to the supervising therapist the same day.
• Trained family members in safe transfers and walker use, practicing with return demonstration before discharge.
• Set up and fitted adaptive equipment such as built-up utensils and reachers, checking comfort and safe use with each client.
• Adapted activities for clients with limited stamina, building up session length over several weeks.
• Helped orient 2 student assistants, reviewing routines, infection control and documentation.

❌ Bullets to rewrite

• Assisted occupational therapist with clients.
• Did exercises with patients.
• Compassionate team player.
• Wrote daily notes.

ATS keywords to weave into your bullets

The four-component ATS rubric weights keyword density inside experience bullets more heavily than the keywords-only skills section. These are the 14+ keywords most often scored on a occupational therapy assistant resume — fold them into your bullets where they're honestly applicable.

Occupational Therapy Assistant salary

Annual pay across the United States, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half of these workers earn between the 25th and 75th percentile figures. Your offer will depend on the state, the employer and the shift.

Want a deeper salary breakdown by city + role + experience? See the full Occupational Therapy Assistant salary guide →

Common mistakes (and how to fix them)

• Claiming evaluation duties

  Fix: Describe implementing the plan of care, not creating it.
• Skipping credentials

  Fix: List COTA status, state regulation and BLS with dates.
• No numbers

  Fix: State sessions per day and group sizes.
• Generic 'helped patients'

  Fix: Name the activities and the goals they supported.

ATS tips specific to occupational therapy assistant resumes

• Write 'Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)' in full if you hold it.
• List settings in plain words: 'skilled nursing', 'school-based', 'outpatient', 'pediatrics'.
• Include 'plan of care' and 'activities of daily living' as written in the posting.
• Put licensure or registration with state and expiration in its own section.

Frequently asked questions