How to Hire an Occupational Therapist
Master the art of recruiting occupational therapists with this comprehensive hiring guide for healthcare recruiters.
Understanding OT Roles & Specializations
Occupational Therapists help patients develop, recover, and improve skills needed for daily living and working. They work across healthcare settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and home health.
Common OT specializations include pediatric OT, hand therapy, geriatric rehabilitation, mental health OT, and acute care. Each requires specific experience and sometimes additional certifications.
OTs work closely with physical therapists but focus on fine motor skills, cognitive abilities, and activities of daily living rather than gross motor function and mobility.
Licensure & Certification Requirements
All OTs must graduate from an ACOTE-accredited master's or doctoral program and pass the NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy) exam.
State licensure is required in all 50 states. Some states have additional requirements like jurisprudence exams or continuing education mandates.
Specialty certifications like CHT (Certified Hand Therapist) or BCPR (Board Certification in Pediatrics) indicate advanced expertise and command higher salaries.
Compensation Benchmarks
Entry-level OTs earn $70,000-$80,000 annually, while experienced practitioners command $90,000-$110,000 depending on setting and location.
Hand therapists and OTs with specialty certifications often earn 10-20% more than generalist OTs.
Travel OT positions can pay $1,800-$2,500 per week, making permanent positions competitive requires strong benefits and work-life balance.
Effective Sourcing Channels
AOTA (American Occupational Therapy Association) maintains a career center and member directory for targeted recruitment.
University OT programs are excellent pipelines for new graduates. Establish relationships with clinical coordinators for internship-to-hire programs.
NurseSend provides contact data for occupational therapists including direct emails and phone numbers for proactive outreach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an OT and OTA?
OTs (Occupational Therapists) hold master's or doctoral degrees, can evaluate patients and create treatment plans. OTAs (Occupational Therapy Assistants) have associate degrees and implement treatment plans under OT supervision.
How long does it take to hire an occupational therapist?
The average time to hire an OT is 30-45 days, though specialized positions like hand therapists may take longer due to limited candidate pools.
What is the average OT salary in 2026?
The average occupational therapist salary is $85,000-$105,000 annually, with specialty certified OTs earning up to $120,000 in high-demand areas.
Do OTs need to be board certified?
Yes, all practicing OTs must pass the NBCOT certification exam and maintain active certification through continuing education.
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