A strong occupational therapy assistant resume shows how many clients you treat, the care team you work with and the results you deliver in goals met, careful notes and clear teaching. Employers hire assistants who carry out the therapist’s plan safely and kindly, and your numbers prove it.
Below are 4 occupational therapy assistant resume samples for assistants with experience, followed by a free builder with a starting point for each. Make your own, then print it or copy it.
AdvertisementAll names, employers and numbers are fictional examples. Replace them with your own true information, and never include a real client’s name or health details. Assistants work under the supervision of an occupational therapist, so describe your tasks that way. If you are just starting out, use a resume written for first-time applicants instead.
4 Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume Samples
Quick jump: Rehabilitation OTAPediatric OTASkilled nursing OTALead OTAFree occupational therapy assistant resume builder
Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume Sample
Richmond, VA | (555) 010-7301 | christine.adams@email.com
SUMMARY
Certified occupational therapy assistant with 10 years of experience in outpatient and hospital rehabilitation. Guides clients through therapy plans set by the occupational therapist, documents progress clearly and teaches daily living skills with patience. Ready to bring safe, encouraging care and dependable teamwork to your clients, therapists and rehabilitation team.
SELECTED ACHIEVEMENTS
• Helped about 80% of clients meet their daily living goals within their plan of care
• Documented 100% of sessions within 24 hours for 5 straight years
• Trained 8 new aides and students on safe client handling
EXPERIENCE
Occupational Therapy Assistant, Harbor Rehabilitation Center, Richmond, VA | 2018 to Present
• Treat about 8 clients a day under the supervision of 3 occupational therapists
• Guide clients through therapeutic activities for strength, balance and daily living tasks
• Teach dressing, bathing and meal preparation skills to about 20 clients a week
• Write session notes and report progress to the occupational therapist after every visit
• Teach family members to support home routines for about 10 clients a month
Occupational Therapy Assistant, Riverside Outpatient Therapy, Richmond, VA | 2014 to 2018
• Treated about 7 clients a day under the supervision of 2 occupational therapists
• Led hand therapy exercise sessions for about 12 clients a week
• Taught clients to use adaptive equipment such as reachers and dressing aids
• Prepared treatment areas and cleaned equipment between all sessions
• Scheduled follow-up visits for about 30 clients a week
EDUCATION
Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant | 2014
CERTIFICATIONS
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) | 2014
State Occupational Therapy Assistant License | 2014
CPR and First Aid | 2025
SKILLS
Therapeutic activities | Daily living training | Progress notes | OT collaboration | Family education | Safe patient handling
Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume Sample
Boise, ID | (555) 010-7318 | brandon.scott@email.com
SUMMARY
Certified occupational therapy assistant with 8 years of experience in pediatric and school-based therapy. Turns therapy goals into playful activities that build fine motor, self-care and learning skills. Ready to bring creative sessions, clear updates and strong teamwork to your children, families, teachers and therapists.
SELECTED ACHIEVEMENTS
• Helped about 75% of children on my caseload meet at least one fine motor goal in a school year
• Started a handwriting group that served 20 students a semester
• Held family update meetings for 100% of children on my caseload each semester
EXPERIENCE
Occupational Therapy Assistant, Treasure Valley Children’s Therapy, Boise, ID | 2019 to Present
• Treat about 12 children a day under the supervision of 2 occupational therapists
• Lead play-based activities for fine motor, sensory and self-care goals
• Run 6 small groups a week with 4 to 6 children each
• Report progress to the occupational therapist after every session
• Teach parents home activities for about 15 families a month
Occupational Therapy Assistant, Sawtooth School District, Boise, ID | 2016 to 2019
• Served about 30 students across 3 elementary schools under the supervision of an occupational therapist
• Practiced handwriting, scissor and dressing skills in sessions of 20 to 30 minutes
• Worked with 12 teachers on classroom supports
• Documented sessions for 100% of students each week
• Prepared materials and equipment for all sessions
EDUCATION
Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant | 2016
CERTIFICATIONS
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) | 2016
State Occupational Therapy Assistant License | 2016
CPR and First Aid | 2025
SKILLS
Therapeutic activities | Progress notes | OT collaboration | Family education | Fine motor activities | Teamwork
Skilled Nursing Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume Sample
Cincinnati, OH | (555) 010-7329 | denise.foster@email.com
SUMMARY
Certified occupational therapy assistant with 12 years of experience helping older adults regain independence in skilled nursing and senior living settings. Builds trust, teaches safe daily living routines and keeps careful notes for the therapy team. Ready to bring kind, steady care and clear communication to your residents, families and therapy team.
SELECTED ACHIEVEMENTS
• Helped about 70% of short-stay residents return home within their planned stay
• Taught fall prevention to 120 residents and families in a year
• Kept 100% of treatment notes on time for 4 straight years
EXPERIENCE
Occupational Therapy Assistant, Oak Hollow Skilled Nursing, Cincinnati, OH | 2017 to Present
• Treat about 8 residents a day under the supervision of 2 occupational therapists
• Teach dressing, grooming, toileting and transfer skills for about 25 residents a week
• Check and set up adaptive equipment such as grab bars and reachers with the therapist
• Report changes in function to the occupational therapist the same day
• Teach family members about 15 home safety steps a month
Occupational Therapy Assistant, Miami Valley Senior Care, Cincinnati, OH | 2012 to 2017
• Treated about 7 residents a day under the supervision of an occupational therapist
• Led group activities for up to 12 residents, 4 times a week
• Practiced meal preparation and medication box routines with residents
• Used safe lifting and transfer methods with 100% of residents
• Trained 6 therapy aides on safety steps
EDUCATION
Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant | 2012
CERTIFICATIONS
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) | 2012
State Occupational Therapy Assistant License | 2012
CPR and First Aid | 2025
SKILLS
Daily living training | Progress notes | Adaptive equipment | Safe patient handling | Group sessions | Patient motivation
Lead Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume Sample
ERIC NELSON
Minneapolis, MN | (555) 010-7342 | eric.nelson@email.com
SUMMARY
Lead occupational therapy assistant with 15 years of experience coordinating a team of 6 assistants and aides in a busy rehabilitation department. Keeps schedules full, documentation current and new staff confident. Ready to bring steady leadership, safe care and clear teamwork to your clients, therapists and department.
SELECTED ACHIEVEMENTS
• Kept department documentation on time for 98% of sessions for 4 straight years
• Cut scheduling gaps by 20% with a shared weekly schedule
• Trained 14 new assistants, aides and students, 11 of whom stayed on the team
EXPERIENCE
Lead Occupational Therapy Assistant, North Star Rehabilitation Hospital, Minneapolis, MN | 2017 to Present
• Coordinate 6 assistants and aides who support 4 occupational therapists
• Treat about 6 clients a day under the supervision of an occupational therapist
• Review notes for 100% of new staff in their first 90 days
• Plan the weekly schedule for about 120 sessions
• Train new hires and students on safe handling and documentation
Occupational Therapy Assistant, Lakes Region Therapy Group, Minneapolis, MN | 2010 to 2017
• Treated about 8 clients a day under the supervision of 2 occupational therapists
• Led group sessions for up to 10 clients, 3 times a week
• Taught clients and families about 20 home routines a month
• Documented 100% of sessions within 24 hours
• Supervised 3 aides and 4 students
EDUCATION
Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant | 2010
CERTIFICATIONS
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) | 2010
State Occupational Therapy Assistant License | 2010
CPR and First Aid | 2025
SKILLS
Therapeutic activities | Progress notes | OT collaboration | Safe patient handling | Treatment setup | Teamwork
Free Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume Builder
Step 1. Which fits you best?
Step 2. Tap the skills you really have. They appear in your resume.
Step 3. Click any text in the resume and type to make it yours.
Replace the sample name, dates, numbers and employer details with your own true information. Use a city and state only, and a professional email address. Use only numbers you can show from your own records. List only the credentials and tasks you really have, describe your work as done under the supervision of the occupational therapist, and never include a real client’s name or private details.
CHRISTINE ADAMS
Richmond, VA | (555) 010-7301 | christine.adams@email.com
Summary
Certified occupational therapy assistant with 10 years of experience in outpatient and hospital rehabilitation. Guides clients through therapy plans set by the occupational therapist, documents progress clearly and teaches daily living skills with patience. Ready to bring safe, encouraging care and dependable teamwork to your clients, therapists and rehabilitation team.
Selected Achievements
- Helped about 80% of clients meet their daily living goals within their plan of care
- Documented 100% of sessions within 24 hours for 5 straight years
- Trained 8 new aides and students on safe client handling
Experience
Occupational Therapy Assistant, Harbor Rehabilitation Center, Richmond, VA | 2018 to Present
- Treat about 8 clients a day under the supervision of 3 occupational therapists
- Guide clients through therapeutic activities for strength, balance and daily living tasks
- Teach dressing, bathing and meal preparation skills to about 20 clients a week
- Write session notes and report progress to the occupational therapist after every visit
- Teach family members to support home routines for about 10 clients a month
Occupational Therapy Assistant, Riverside Outpatient Therapy, Richmond, VA | 2014 to 2018
- Treated about 7 clients a day under the supervision of 2 occupational therapists
- Led hand therapy exercise sessions for about 12 clients a week
- Taught clients to use adaptive equipment such as reachers and dressing aids
- Prepared treatment areas and cleaned equipment between all sessions
- Scheduled follow-up visits for about 30 clients a week
Education
Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant | 2014
Certifications
- Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) | 2014
- State Occupational Therapy Assistant License | 2014
- CPR and First Aid | 2025
Skills
- Therapeutic activities
- Daily living training
- Progress notes
- OT collaboration
- Family education
- Adaptive equipment
- Safe patient handling
- Group sessions
- Fine motor activities
- Patient motivation
- Treatment setup
- Teamwork
BRANDON SCOTT
Boise, ID | (555) 010-7318 | brandon.scott@email.com
Summary
Certified occupational therapy assistant with 8 years of experience in pediatric and school-based therapy. Turns therapy goals into playful activities that build fine motor, self-care and learning skills. Ready to bring creative sessions, clear updates and strong teamwork to your children, families, teachers and therapists.
Selected Achievements
- Helped about 75% of children on my caseload meet at least one fine motor goal in a school year
- Started a handwriting group that served 20 students a semester
- Held family update meetings for 100% of children on my caseload each semester
Experience
Occupational Therapy Assistant, Treasure Valley Children’s Therapy, Boise, ID | 2019 to Present
- Treat about 12 children a day under the supervision of 2 occupational therapists
- Lead play-based activities for fine motor, sensory and self-care goals
- Run 6 small groups a week with 4 to 6 children each
- Report progress to the occupational therapist after every session
- Teach parents home activities for about 15 families a month
Occupational Therapy Assistant, Sawtooth School District, Boise, ID | 2016 to 2019
- Served about 30 students across 3 elementary schools under the supervision of an occupational therapist
- Practiced handwriting, scissor and dressing skills in sessions of 20 to 30 minutes
- Worked with 12 teachers on classroom supports
- Documented sessions for 100% of students each week
- Prepared materials and equipment for all sessions
Education
Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant | 2016
Certifications
- Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) | 2016
- State Occupational Therapy Assistant License | 2016
- CPR and First Aid | 2025
Skills
- Therapeutic activities
- Daily living training
- Progress notes
- OT collaboration
- Family education
- Adaptive equipment
- Safe patient handling
- Group sessions
- Fine motor activities
- Patient motivation
- Treatment setup
- Teamwork
DENISE FOSTER
Cincinnati, OH | (555) 010-7329 | denise.foster@email.com
Summary
Certified occupational therapy assistant with 12 years of experience helping older adults regain independence in skilled nursing and senior living settings. Builds trust, teaches safe daily living routines and keeps careful notes for the therapy team. Ready to bring kind, steady care and clear communication to your residents, families and therapy team.
Selected Achievements
- Helped about 70% of short-stay residents return home within their planned stay
- Taught fall prevention to 120 residents and families in a year
- Kept 100% of treatment notes on time for 4 straight years
Experience
Occupational Therapy Assistant, Oak Hollow Skilled Nursing, Cincinnati, OH | 2017 to Present
- Treat about 8 residents a day under the supervision of 2 occupational therapists
- Teach dressing, grooming, toileting and transfer skills for about 25 residents a week
- Check and set up adaptive equipment such as grab bars and reachers with the therapist
- Report changes in function to the occupational therapist the same day
- Teach family members about 15 home safety steps a month
Occupational Therapy Assistant, Miami Valley Senior Care, Cincinnati, OH | 2012 to 2017
- Treated about 7 residents a day under the supervision of an occupational therapist
- Led group activities for up to 12 residents, 4 times a week
- Practiced meal preparation and medication box routines with residents
- Used safe lifting and transfer methods with 100% of residents
- Trained 6 therapy aides on safety steps
Education
Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant | 2012
Certifications
- Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) | 2012
- State Occupational Therapy Assistant License | 2012
- CPR and First Aid | 2025
Skills
- Therapeutic activities
- Daily living training
- Progress notes
- OT collaboration
- Family education
- Adaptive equipment
- Safe patient handling
- Group sessions
- Fine motor activities
- Patient motivation
- Treatment setup
- Teamwork
ERIC NELSON
Minneapolis, MN | (555) 010-7342 | eric.nelson@email.com
Summary
Lead occupational therapy assistant with 15 years of experience coordinating a team of 6 assistants and aides in a busy rehabilitation department. Keeps schedules full, documentation current and new staff confident. Ready to bring steady leadership, safe care and clear teamwork to your clients, therapists and department.
Selected Achievements
- Kept department documentation on time for 98% of sessions for 4 straight years
- Cut scheduling gaps by 20% with a shared weekly schedule
- Trained 14 new assistants, aides and students, 11 of whom stayed on the team
Experience
Lead Occupational Therapy Assistant, North Star Rehabilitation Hospital, Minneapolis, MN | 2017 to Present
- Coordinate 6 assistants and aides who support 4 occupational therapists
- Treat about 6 clients a day under the supervision of an occupational therapist
- Review notes for 100% of new staff in their first 90 days
- Plan the weekly schedule for about 120 sessions
- Train new hires and students on safe handling and documentation
Occupational Therapy Assistant, Lakes Region Therapy Group, Minneapolis, MN | 2010 to 2017
- Treated about 8 clients a day under the supervision of 2 occupational therapists
- Led group sessions for up to 10 clients, 3 times a week
- Taught clients and families about 20 home routines a month
- Documented 100% of sessions within 24 hours
- Supervised 3 aides and 4 students
Education
Associate Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant | 2010
Certifications
- Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) | 2010
- State Occupational Therapy Assistant License | 2010
- CPR and First Aid | 2025
Skills
- Therapeutic activities
- Daily living training
- Progress notes
- OT collaboration
- Family education
- Adaptive equipment
- Safe patient handling
- Group sessions
- Fine motor activities
- Patient motivation
- Treatment setup
- Teamwork
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Which Starting Point Fits You?
| Your situation | Builder starting point | What to highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Working in rehabilitation or outpatient therapy | Rehabilitation OTA | Clients treated, daily living goals, notes on time and training of aides |
| Working with children or in schools | Pediatric OTA | Play-based sessions, groups, family updates and school teamwork |
| Working with older adults | Skilled nursing OTA | Daily living skills, fall prevention, safe transfers and family teaching |
| Leading assistants and aides | Lead OTA | Team size, schedules, documentation and training |
How to Write an Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume
| Section | What to put in it |
|---|---|
| Summary | Years of experience, setting, one result and what you offer clients and the therapy team |
| Selected Achievements | 3 bullets with your biggest results, such as goals met, notes on time and staff trained |
| Experience | 2 jobs with 5 bullets each, every bullet with a number and written as work under the supervision of the occupational therapist |
| Education | Associate degree in occupational therapy assistant and the year |
| Certifications | COTA, state license and CPR, with the year of each |
| Skills | 6 to 8 skills that match the posting |
- Start with a short summary. Name your years of experience, setting and one result, then say what you offer clients and the therapy team.
- Add proof. Add 3 selected achievements and your last 2 jobs.
- Use five bullets with numbers. Count clients, sessions, groups, notes and family teaching.
- List your education, COTA and license. Add only what you hold, with the year.
- Match the posting. Use the same skill words where they are true.
- Keep it to one page. Cut anything that does not help you get the job.
Proof to Use From Your Own Work
| Where it comes from | Number to use |
|---|---|
| Caseload | Clients treated a day and therapists supported |
| Sessions | Groups led, sessions a week and session length |
| Documentation | Notes completed on time and reports to the therapist |
| Teaching | Family members taught and home routines shared |
| Results | Goals met in a plan of care, in general terms |
| People | Aides and students trained and team size |
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Facts From the BLS
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says occupational therapy assistants guide clients through therapeutic activities, teach daily living tasks and equipment use, monitor progress and report to occupational therapists. They work alongside occupational therapists as part of a care team. These are national figures, and pay and licensing rules vary by state and setting.
| Fact (BLS, occupational therapy assistants and aides) | Detail |
|---|---|
| Median pay for assistants (May 2025) | $72,300 a year (assistants and aides combined: $70,800, or $34.04 an hour) |
| Typical entry-level education | Associate’s degree for assistants; high school diploma for aides |
| Work experience in a related occupation | None |
| Licensing | Assistants usually need a state license and a passed exam to use the COTA title |
| Jobs, 2025 | About 52,200 assistants (56,600 with aides) |
| Job outlook, 2025 to 2035 | Assistants grow 21%, much faster than average, about 11,200 new jobs |
| Openings each year, on average | About 8,600 for assistants and aides combined |
| Important qualities | Adaptability, compassion, attention to detail, interpersonal skills, physical stamina and physical strength |
Mistakes to Avoid
- Listing duties only. Add numbers and results where you can.
- Going beyond your scope. Do not claim to evaluate clients, write treatment plans or work without supervision. Show that you carry out the therapist’s plan and report progress.
- Leaving out your COTA and license. List both with the year.
- Sharing client details. Use general terms and numbers.
- Using placeholder contact details. Add a working phone number and a professional email.
- Typos. Proofread twice and read it aloud. Clinical notes depend on accuracy.
Resume Checklist
Tick each item as you finish. You are ready to apply when the counter reaches 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should an occupational therapy assistant resume include?
A short summary, three selected achievements, your last two jobs with numbers, education, your COTA certification and state license and six to eight skills. Keep it to one page, and show clients treated, sessions led, notes completed and teamwork with the occupational therapist.
What education does an occupational therapy assistant need?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says occupational therapy assistants typically need an associate’s degree from an accredited program, usually a state-issued license and a passed exam to use the COTA title. Some states also require background checks.
What is the difference between an OTA and an OT aide?
The BLS says assistants guide clients through therapeutic activities, teach daily living tasks and equipment use, monitor progress and report to occupational therapists. Aides prepare treatment areas, escort clients, clean equipment, handle paperwork and scheduling and typically need a high school diploma and on-the-job training. This page is for assistants.
Should I list my COTA and license?
Yes. List the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) credential and your state license with the year of each. Add only credentials you hold.
How do I describe my duties without going beyond my scope?
The BLS says assistants work alongside occupational therapists as part of a care team and report progress so therapists can adjust the plan. Describe your work as carrying out the therapist’s plan, such as guiding activities, teaching daily living skills and reporting progress. Avoid wording that suggests you evaluate clients or write treatment plans.
What skills should an occupational therapy assistant list?
Therapeutic activities, daily living training, progress notes, collaboration with the occupational therapist, family education, adaptive equipment and safe patient handling. The BLS lists adaptability, compassion, attention to detail, interpersonal skills, physical stamina and physical strength as important qualities.
What numbers can I use on an OTA resume?
Clients treated a day, sessions led, groups run, notes completed on time, family sessions, students trained and goals met by clients. Use only numbers you can back up with records, and never include client names or health details.
How much do occupational therapy assistants earn?
The BLS reports a May 2025 median of $72,300 a year for occupational therapy assistants. Pay varies by state, setting and experience.
What is the job outlook?
The BLS projects 21% growth for occupational therapy assistants from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average, about 11,200 new jobs. For assistants and aides combined, it expects about 8,600 openings a year.
Should I write an objective or a summary?
Write a short summary that shows what you offer clients and the therapy team, such as years of experience, your setting and one result. Skip objectives that talk about what you want.
Conclusion
A good occupational therapy assistant resume is short, specific and full of real numbers. Pick the sample that fits you, add your own proof and use the builder above to write yours today.
Related Reading
- Occupational therapy assistant job description and salary
- Occupational therapy assistant cover letter samples
- Physical therapy assistant job description and salary
- Physical therapist assistant cover letter samples
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides (May 2025 pay, 2025 jobs and 2025 to 2035 projections). The sample resumes, names and employers are fictional.