From helping students navigate sensory challenges to building independence, every day, school occupational therapists help students participate more fully in learning—And your resume should reflect the heart of that work. Districts want to see how your skills translate into meaningful growth for students, and a carefully crafted resume is your chance to show them exactly that.
At ProCare Therapy, we’re committed to helping you take the next step in your school OT career with clarity and confidence. In this guide to school occupational therapist resumes, learn how to build a resume that highlights your expertise, showcases your strengths, and helps you stand out in a competitive job market.
Resumes for Occupational Therapists: Key Elements to Include
1. Start with a Strong Professional Summary
Your occupational therapist resume summary sits at the top of your resume, so it should quickly communicate who you are and what you can bring to a school district. Think of it as your elevator pitch: brief, confident, and focused on impact.
Tips for writing a standout occupational therapist resume summary:
- Keep it short and clear: 2–3 sentences is enough.
- Lead with your experience level: Mention how many years you’ve worked as an OT or specifically in school settings.
- Highlight your strengths: Are you skilled in sensory integration? Assistive technology? Handwriting interventions?
- Show your passion for helping students: Schools want OTs who are both clinically skilled and student-centered.
- Use language that aligns with school values: Collaboration, communication, and support for student success.
2. Choose the Right Occupational Therapist Resume Skills
School-based occupational therapy requires a unique blend of clinical expertise, communication strengths, and educational collaboration—and your “Skills” section should highlight that mix.
Example Technical & Clinical Skills to Include:
- Sensory processing and sensory integration strategies
- Fine and gross motor development
- Functional school-based interventions
- IEP development & documentation
- Assistive technology assessment and integration
- Handwriting instruction (e.g., Handwriting Without Tears)
- ADL and life skills training
- Data collection and progress monitoring
Example Soft Skills & Professional Strengths to Include:
- Collaborative communication with teachers, staff, and parents
- Cultural competence
- Adaptability in changing school environments
- Time management across multiple school sites
- Creative problem-solving
- Empathy and student-centered support
- Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams
- Strong organizational and prioritization skills
3. Use Your Experience Section to Demonstrate Impact
While your experience section should outline what you were responsible for in your role, don’t neglect to show the difference you made. Using bullet points, highlight student progress, meaningful collaboration, and the ways you’ve contributed to a positive learning environment.
Ideas for Strong Experience Bullet Points:
- Describe the types of students you served (age range, disability categories, learning needs).
- Include any caseload management skills.
- Highlight collaboration with teachers, SLPs, PTs, families, and school administrators.
- Mention participation in IEP meetings and development of goals.
- Quantify measurable impact where possible.
4. Include All Your Certifications
School districts will look closely at your licenses, training, and credentials. Include any relevant education, such as:
- OTD, MOT, or MS/BS in Occupational Therapy
- NBCOT certification
- State OT licensure (spell out the state)
- Relevant continuing education (sensory integration training, AT certifications, DIR/Floortime, handwriting programs, trauma-informed care, etc.)
If you are a new grad, place your Education section above your Experience until you gain more hands-on work history.
Optional Sections to Strengthen Your Occupational Therapist Resume
- Professional memberships (AOTA, state OT associations)
- Volunteer work (school programs, adaptive sports, after-school initiatives)
- Clinical fieldwork rotations (especially relevant for new grads)
- Professional achievements or awards
- Languages spoken (highly valuable in diverse school districts)
Occupational Therapist Resume Sample
[Your Name, OTR/L]
Phone: (xxx) xxx-xxxx
Email: [email protected]
Location: City, State
Licensure: State Occupational Therapy License | NBCOT Certified Occupational Therapist
Professional Summary
Student-focused Occupational Therapist with experience delivering school-based interventions, supporting IEP goals, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure students have the tools they need to succeed. Passionate about fostering independence, confidence, and functional growth in children across diverse backgrounds and learning needs.
Core Skills
- Sensory Integration & Processing
- Fine & Gross Motor Development
- IEP Goal Development & Documentation
- Assistive Technology
- Handwriting Remediation
- ADL & Functional Skills Training
- Visual–Motor & Perceptual Skills
- Collaboration & Family Communication
- Caseload & Time Management
- Progress Monitoring & Reporting
Professional Experience
School Occupational Therapist
District Name – City, State
Month Year – Present
- Provide OT services to K–12 students with diverse needs, supporting sensory regulation, fine motor skills, and functional independence.
- Collaborate with teachers, SLPs, PTs, counselors, and families to support student success across academic and functional domains.
- Assess students using standardized and non-standardized tools and develop individualized plans to support IEP goals.
- Deliver classroom observations and consult with staff on accommodations and modifications.
- Track and report progress using data-driven documentation and contribute to IEP meetings.
Education
Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
University Name – City, State
Bachelor of Science in [Field]
University Name – City, State
Licenses & Certifications
- Licensed Occupational Therapist, State of ___
- NBCOT, Registered & Certified
- [Any specialty training or CE courses]
Ready to Send Your School Occupational Therapist Resume?
As you finalize your resume, prepare for the OT interview, and take the next step in becoming a school OT, know that you don’t have to navigate the process alone. At ProCare Therapy, we’re committed to connecting talented occupational therapists with school districts where their skills—and their passion for helping students—can truly shine.
If you’re ready to find a role where you can make a meaningful impact, explore our school OT opportunities across the country today, including school OT travel and remote jobs, and let ProCare help you take this next step with confidence!
