Securing your ideal occupational therapy position in Australia’s expanding healthcare system can be challenging when your resume isn’t effectively showcasing your clinical expertise and patient outcomes to healthcare managers and directors. Whether you’re a recent occupational therapy graduate ready to begin your career in disability services, an experienced therapist seeking advancement to senior or team leader positions, or a professional transitioning between practice areas such as paediatrics, mental health, or aged care, creating a compelling occupational therapist resume is crucial for standing out in this rewarding but competitive field. With Australia’s healthcare sector experiencing significant growth driven by NDIS expansion, aged care reforms, and increased focus on rehabilitation services, qualified occupational therapists who can demonstrate evidence-based practice and positive client outcomes are in high demand by employers working with professional bodies like Occupational Therapy Australia and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything needed to create an outstanding occupational therapist resume that resonates with Australian healthcare employers across diverse settings. From understanding the specific requirements of different practice environments to showcasing your clinical reasoning skills, intervention expertise, and client-centred approach, you’ll discover how to transform your application from overlooked to interview-ready. We’ll explore essential sections, provide practical examples, and share healthcare industry insights that will help your resume capture the attention of clinical managers, allied health directors, and service coordinators across Australia’s dynamic healthcare landscape.
This free sample resume for an occupational therapist has an accompanying sample occupational therapist cover letter and sample occupational therapist job advertisement to help you put together a winning job application.
Occupational Therapist Resume (Text Version)
Senior Occupational TherapistContact Information:
Phone: 0456 789 123
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarahmartinezot
Location: Melbourne, VICProfessional Summary
Dedicated Senior Occupational Therapist with 8+ years of experience delivering evidence-based interventions across paediatric, adult, and geriatric populations in hospital, community, and NDIS settings. Proven expertise in comprehensive functional assessments, adaptive equipment prescription, and collaborative care planning with demonstrated success improving client independence and quality of life outcomes. Strong background in team leadership, clinical supervision, and interdisciplinary collaboration with deep understanding of Australian healthcare frameworks and disability legislation.
Professional Registration
• Occupational Therapist Registration – AHPRA (OCC0012345) – Current
• Medicare Provider Number – Valid
• NDIS Provider Registration – Active
Professional Experience
Senior Occupational Therapist | Royal Melbourne Hospital | June 2020 – Present
• Lead multidisciplinary rehabilitation team for 25-bed acute care unit, achieving 92% patient satisfaction scores
• Conduct comprehensive functional assessments and develop individualised treatment plans for patients with complex medical conditions
• Supervise and mentor 4 junior occupational therapists and OT students, contributing to 100% graduate employment success rate
• Implement evidence-based interventions resulting in 15% reduction in average length of stay for rehabilitation patients
• Collaborate with discharge planning teams to ensure safe community transitions, achieving 98% successful discharge rate
Occupational Therapist | Enable Me Community Services | March 2018 – May 2020
• Provided community-based occupational therapy services for 80+ NDIS participants across Melbourne metropolitan area
• Conducted home and workplace assessments, recommending modifications that improved functional independence for 95% of clients
• Prescribed and trained clients in use of adaptive equipment and assistive technology solutions
• Facilitated capacity building programs supporting skill development and community participation goals
• Maintained comprehensive documentation ensuring compliance with NDIS quality and safeguards standards
Paediatric Occupational Therapist | Kids First Allied Health | January 2016 – February 2018
• Delivered specialised occupational therapy services for children aged 2-18 years with developmental delays and disabilities
• Implemented sensory integration therapy and fine motor skill development programs in clinical and school settings
• Collaborated with families and educators to develop functional goals and implement strategies across environments
• Conducted standardised assessments including COPM, PEDI-CAT, and Sensory Profile with detailed reporting
• Achieved average 85% goal attainment across all paediatric clients over 2-year period
Graduate Occupational Therapist | Austin Health | February 2015 – December 2015
• Completed comprehensive graduate program rotation across acute care, rehabilitation, and community health settings
• Supported senior therapists in assessment and intervention planning for diverse patient populations
• Participated in quality improvement projects focusing on discharge planning efficiency and patient outcomes
• Developed clinical reasoning skills through reflective practice and evidence-based intervention approaches
Education & Qualifications
Master of Occupational Therapy Practice | La Trobe University | 2014
• Graduated with Distinction (GPA: 6.1/7.0)
• Thesis: “Technology Adoption in Occupational Therapy for Older Adults”
• 1000+ hours clinical placement across 6 diverse practice settings
• Dean’s List recipient (2013, 2014)
Bachelor of Health Sciences | La Trobe University | 2012
• Major: Human Movement and Exercise Science
• Graduated Magna Cum Laude (GPA: 6.3/7.0)
Skills
Clinical Skills: Comprehensive functional assessment, Treatment planning and goal setting, Sensory integration therapy, Cognitive rehabilitation, Manual handling and transfers, Adaptive equipment prescription, Workplace assessments, Home modifications
Assessment Tools: Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS), Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI-CAT), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Kitchen Task Assessment (KTA)
Technical Skills: Electronic medical records systems, NDIS portal and planning, Medicare claiming systems, Microsoft Office Suite, Telehealth platforms, 3D printing for adaptive aids
Professional Development & Certifications
• Certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) – RESNA (2023)
• Sensory Integration Certification – Sensory Integration Australia (2022)
• Mental Health First Aid – Australian Red Cross (2021)
• NDIS Quality and Safeguards Training – Completed (2020)
• Manual Handling and Clinical Risk Training – Current
Professional Recognition & Leadership
• Clinical Excellence Award – Royal Melbourne Hospital (2023)
• Committee Member – Occupational Therapy Australia VIC Division (2021-Present)
• Peer Reviewer – Australian Occupational Therapy Journal (2022-Present)
• NDIS Best Practice Showcase Presenter (2022)
Publications & Research
• “Digital Health Solutions in Community Occupational Therapy” – Australian Occupational Therapy Journal (2023)
• “NDIS Implementation: Challenges and Opportunities for Allied Health” – Disability & Society Journal (2022)
• Conference Presenter – Occupational Therapy Australia National Conference (2021, 2023)
Professional Associations
• Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) – Professional Member
• Australian Association of Occupational Therapists – Member
• World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) – Associate Member
• Allied Health Professions Australia – Member
Languages
• English (Native)
• Spanish (Fluent)
• Auslan (Intermediate Level)
What is The Best Format for an Occupational Therapist Resume?
The reverse chronological format is highly recommended for occupational therapist resumes in Australia, as it clearly demonstrates your clinical progression and increasing expertise across different healthcare settings and patient populations. This format allows healthcare employers to assess your career development from graduate therapist through to senior clinical roles, understanding how your skills have evolved across various practice areas. Australian healthcare managers prefer this format as it provides clear evidence of your clinical experience and professional growth within the occupational therapy profession.
Use clean, professional fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in 10-12 point size for body text, with headings in 14-16 point size. The healthcare profession values clear, concise communication, so maintain 1-inch margins and ensure your document is well-organised and easy to scan quickly. Always submit your resume as a PDF file to preserve formatting, as healthcare managers often review resumes on different devices and need consistent presentation for clinical evaluation.
Your occupational therapist resume should include these essential sections:
Header: Include your full name, professional title, phone number, professional email address, LinkedIn profile, and location. Healthcare employers value easy contact and verification of your professional credentials.
Summary: A compelling 3-4 line overview highlighting your occupational therapy experience, clinical specialisations, practice settings, and key achievements that demonstrate your therapeutic value.
Professional Registration: A dedicated section listing your AHPRA registration number, Medicare provider details, and relevant certifications, as these credentials are essential for occupational therapy practice in Australia.
Experience: Your clinical career history in reverse chronological order, emphasising therapeutic interventions, patient outcomes, and leadership responsibilities.
Other sections: Additional relevant information such as clinical skills, assessment expertise, certifications, professional development, research, and professional associations.
What Experience Should Be on Your Occupational Therapist Resume?
Your experience section should showcase your clinical expertise, therapeutic intervention skills, and track record of positive patient outcomes across diverse healthcare settings. Focus on achievements that demonstrate your ability to conduct comprehensive assessments, develop evidence-based treatment plans, and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams to improve client functional independence. Include specific examples of interventions you’ve implemented, outcomes you’ve achieved, or improvements you’ve made to service delivery, using clinical metrics and patient feedback to quantify your impact.
Emphasise experience that shows your knowledge of Australian healthcare frameworks, NDIS processes, and evidence-based practice standards relevant to occupational therapy. Healthcare employers value therapists who can demonstrate progression from junior clinical roles to positions of greater responsibility, showing growth in case complexity, team leadership, and service development. Include any specialised therapeutic work, quality improvement projects, or interprofessional collaboration that highlights your versatility and clinical expertise.
Senior Occupational Therapist | Sunshine Coast Hospital | March 2021 – Present
• Lead stroke rehabilitation program serving 150+ patients annually, achieving 88% functional improvement scores on FIM assessments
• Implement evidence-based cognitive rehabilitation interventions, reducing readmission rates by 25% over 18-month period
• Supervise team of 5 junior therapists and OT assistants, providing clinical mentorship and competency development
• Coordinate discharge planning with community services, achieving 96% successful home transitions for complex disability cases
Occupational Therapist | Hospital | 2021 – Present
• Worked with patients
• Did assessments and treatments
• Helped people with daily activities
• Attended team meetings
Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Resume Samples [Experience]
For entry-level positions, highlight your clinical placements, internships, graduate program experience, and any relevant work that demonstrates your therapeutic skills and patient interaction abilities. Focus on showing your clinical foundation and eagerness to develop expertise in professional practice.
Graduate Occupational Therapist | Western Health | March 2024 – Present
• Complete structured graduate program rotation across acute care, rehabilitation, and community health settings
• Conduct comprehensive functional assessments under senior therapist supervision, developing clinical reasoning skills
• Implement individualised treatment plans for patients with neurological conditions, achieving 80% goal attainment rates
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and contribute to patient care planning and discharge preparation
Graduate OT | Health Service | 2024
• Learning about occupational therapy
• Working with different patients
• Using assessment tools
• Getting supervised by senior staff
How to Write the Education Section for Your Occupational Therapist Resume
The education section is fundamental for occupational therapist positions, as healthcare practice in Australia requires specific academic qualifications and professional registration through AHPRA. Include your occupational therapy degree details, institution, graduation year, and academic achievements that demonstrate your clinical foundation and intellectual capability. Australian healthcare employers require degrees from programs accredited by the Occupational Therapy Council (Australia & New Zealand), so highlight strong academic performance, clinical placement excellence, or research work that aligns with your target practice areas.
Include details about your clinical placements, any research projects, honours thesis work, or additional qualifications that complement your occupational therapy expertise. If you’ve completed postgraduate studies, specialisation courses, or international education that enhances your therapeutic credentials, these additions significantly strengthen your clinical profile and demonstrate commitment to professional development.
Occupational Therapist Resume Example [Education]
• Graduated with High Distinction (GPA: 6.5/7.0)
• Dean’s Award for Clinical Excellence in Paediatric Practice
• Research Project: “Telehealth Delivery in Rural Occupational Therapy Services”
• Clinical Placements: 1000+ hours across acute care, rehabilitation, community health, and school settings
• Student Representative – Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences (2021-2022)Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) | University of Queensland | 2020
• First Class Honours (GPA: 6.4/7.0)
• Honours Thesis: “Sensory Processing Interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorder” (Published in AOTJ)
• Clinical Excellence Award – Paediatric Placement (2019)
How to Write the Skills Section for Your Occupational Therapist Resume
The skills section should demonstrate your comprehensive occupational therapy capabilities, combining clinical assessment expertise with therapeutic intervention skills and patient management abilities. Include 14-18 skills that reflect both your clinical knowledge and professional competencies essential for successful patient outcomes. Balance hard clinical skills related to specific assessments and interventions with soft skills that show your ability to build therapeutic relationships, communicate effectively with clients and families, and work collaboratively in healthcare teams.
Focus on skills that align with Australian occupational therapy practice standards and the specific requirements of your target healthcare settings. Healthcare employers particularly value occupational therapists who demonstrate proficiency in standardised assessments, evidence-based interventions, and understanding of relevant legislation such as NDIS, aged care standards, and workplace health and safety requirements.
Occupational Therapist Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
• Comprehensive functional assessment and evaluation
• Treatment planning and goal setting (SMART goals)
• Sensory integration and processing interventions
• Cognitive rehabilitation and memory strategies
• Adaptive equipment assessment and prescription
• Home modification and workplace ergonomic assessment
• Manual handling and safe transfer techniques
• Splinting and orthotic fabrication
• Assistive technology evaluation and training
• Activity analysis and grading
• Group therapy facilitation
• Documentation and report writing
• NDIS plan development and review
• Risk assessment and safety planning
Occupational Therapist Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
• Therapeutic communication and rapport building
• Empathy and cultural sensitivity
• Critical thinking and clinical reasoning
• Problem-solving and creative adaptation
• Patient and family education
• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Time management and caseload organisation
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Professional boundaries and ethics
• Stress management and resilience
• Leadership and mentoring abilities
• Continuous learning and professional development
How to pick the best Occupational Therapist skills:
1. Review the position description and identify specific clinical skills and patient populations mentioned by the employer
2. Research the healthcare setting’s service model and include relevant therapeutic approaches and assessments
3. Include skills that demonstrate your knowledge of Australian healthcare standards and legislative requirements
4. Balance clinical intervention skills with patient engagement and family-centred care capabilities
5. Highlight skills that show your ability to work across diverse populations and cultural backgrounds
6. Include any specialised or advanced therapy skills that differentiate you in the competitive healthcare market
Occupational Therapist Resume Examples [Skills]
• Sensory Integration: Implemented evidence-based SI interventions for 200+ children with ASD, achieving 75% improvement in sensory processing scores
• Home Modifications: Completed 300+ home assessment reports resulting in successful NDIS funding approvals and improved client safety outcomes
• Team Leadership: Supervised interdisciplinary rehabilitation team of 8 professionals, achieving 95% patient satisfaction and reduced length of stay
• NDIS Planning: Facilitated plan reviews for 150+ participants, securing appropriate funding for therapeutic goals with 98% success rate
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Occupational Therapist Resume?
Additional sections can significantly enhance your occupational therapist resume by demonstrating your professional engagement, clinical expertise, and commitment to evidence-based practice. These sections are particularly valuable in Australia’s competitive healthcare market, where employers appreciate therapists who contribute to professional knowledge, participate in quality improvement, and maintain active involvement in occupational therapy communities. Consider including research publications, conference presentations, professional associations, specialised certifications, volunteer healthcare work, or awards that showcase your expertise and dedication to therapeutic excellence.
Choose bonus sections that directly strengthen your clinical credentials and demonstrate leadership or specialised expertise in your practice areas. For instance, published research, conference presentations, or involvement in professional committees shows your commitment to advancing occupational therapy practice and evidence-based care delivery.
Occupational Therapist Resume Examples [Other Sections]
• “Telehealth in Occupational Therapy: Post-COVID Perspectives” – Australian Occupational Therapy Journal (2023)
• “NDIS Outcomes Framework: Allied Health Contributions” – Disability & Rehabilitation Journal (2022)
• Research Grant Recipient: “Technology Integration in Paediatric OT” – OTA Research Foundation (2023)Professional Leadership:
• Chair, Allied Health Clinical Governance Committee – Metro South Health (2022-Present)
• NDIS Quality and Safeguards Expert Panel Member (2021-2023)
• Clinical Supervisor – University OT Student Placements (2020-Present)Specialised Training:
• Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist – Autism SA (2023)
• Advanced Driving Assessment Certification – OTD Australia (2022)
• Lymphoedema Management Training – Australasian Lymphology Association (2021)
• Reading books
• Yoga and fitness
• Cooking healthy meals
• Spending time outdoors
Tip: Include personal interests only if they directly relate to your therapeutic practice or demonstrate relevant skills (such as adaptive sports coaching, disability advocacy, or volunteer work with healthcare charities). Professional achievements and clinical contributions are significantly more valuable than general recreational activities.
How to Write an Occupational Therapist Resume Objective or Resume Summary
A compelling resume summary is crucial for occupational therapist positions as it immediately communicates your clinical expertise, therapeutic approach, and track record of positive patient outcomes. Your summary should be 3-4 lines that highlight your years of clinical experience, specialisation areas, and quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your value to healthcare employers. Focus on outcomes that show your ability to improve client functional independence, collaborate effectively in healthcare teams, and contribute to quality patient care and service excellence.
Key elements to include:
• Years of clinical experience and AHPRA registration status
• Specific practice areas and patient populations served
• Quantifiable achievements such as patient outcomes, satisfaction scores, or service improvements
• Clinical assessment expertise and evidence-based intervention approaches
• Leadership experience and interdisciplinary collaboration capabilities
Occupational Therapist Resume Summary Examples
AHPRA-registered Senior Occupational Therapist with 9+ years of experience delivering evidence-based interventions across acute care, rehabilitation, and community settings. Proven expertise in comprehensive functional assessments and adaptive equipment prescription, achieving 85% improvement in client independence scores and 94% satisfaction ratings. Expert in NDIS planning and service coordination with demonstrated success managing complex disability cases and leading multidisciplinary teams of 6+ healthcare professionals. Strong background in sensory integration therapy and paediatric interventions with commitment to family-centred care and collaborative practice.
Experienced occupational therapist who enjoys helping people achieve their goals. Good at working with patients and families to improve daily living skills. Team player with strong communication skills who likes learning new things. Looking for a position where I can use my OT knowledge to make a difference.
For entry-level candidates, focus on your clinical education, placement experiences, emerging clinical skills, and passion for specific occupational therapy practice areas. Emphasise your therapeutic foundation and eagerness to contribute to patient care while building expertise in professional practice.
Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Resume Summary Examples
Recent Master of Occupational Therapy graduate with comprehensive clinical training across 1000+ placement hours in acute care, community health, and paediatric settings. Demonstrated competency in functional assessment, treatment planning, and evidence-based interventions with strong foundation in sensory integration and cognitive rehabilitation approaches. Proficient in NDIS frameworks and Medicare claiming processes with excellent communication skills for client and family engagement. Eager to contribute fresh perspectives and evidence-based practice knowledge to dynamic healthcare team while pursuing specialisation in neurological rehabilitation.
New occupational therapy graduate looking for first job in healthcare. Completed university degree and clinical placements in different settings. Good with people and want to help patients improve their daily activities. Interested in learning more about OT practice.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Occupational Therapist Resume
Maintaining consistency between your resume and LinkedIn profile is increasingly important in Australia’s healthcare sector, where clinical managers, allied health directors, and recruitment agencies use LinkedIn to identify qualified occupational therapists for diverse healthcare roles. Your LinkedIn profile should enhance your resume by providing additional context about your therapeutic philosophy, clinical interests, and professional contributions to the occupational therapy community. Many Australian healthcare organisations use LinkedIn to research candidates’ professional reputation and clinical standing before making hiring decisions.
When updating your LinkedIn profile, ensure complete alignment with your resume regarding employment history, qualifications, and professional achievements. However, LinkedIn provides opportunities to elaborate on your clinical experiences, share insights about occupational therapy practice, and connect with other healthcare professionals in Australia’s allied health community.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Occupational Therapists
Your LinkedIn headline should incorporate keywords that healthcare recruiters and clinical managers search for, while highlighting your specialisation areas and registration status.
• “Senior Occupational Therapist | NDIS Specialist | Paediatric & Adult Rehab | AHPRA Registered | Melbourne”
• “Occupational Therapist | Stroke Rehabilitation Expert | Community Health | 8+ Years Experience | Brisbane”
• “Senior OT | Mental Health & Aged Care Specialist | Team Leadership | Clinical Supervision | Sydney”
• “Occupational Therapist at Hospital”
• “Healthcare Professional”
• “Allied Health Worker”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
While your resume summary focuses on quantifiable clinical achievements and technical qualifications, your LinkedIn summary can include your therapeutic philosophy, what inspired you to become an occupational therapist, and your vision for client-centred care. Australian healthcare employers value authenticity and patient advocacy, so your LinkedIn summary can showcase your passion for helping people achieve independence while maintaining clinical professionalism.
Your LinkedIn summary should be 4-5 paragraphs that expand on your resume with insights about your approach to therapeutic intervention, memorable client success stories (maintaining confidentiality), and your perspective on developments in occupational therapy practice and healthcare delivery.
Showcasing Occupational Therapist Experience on LinkedIn
LinkedIn’s experience section allows for more detailed explanations of your clinical work and therapeutic interventions. Use this space to provide context around complex cases you’ve managed, innovative programs you’ve developed, or successful outcomes you’ve achieved for clients. You can elaborate on the therapeutic strategies you employed, interdisciplinary collaboration approaches, and the broader impact of your work on client independence and quality of life.
Consider including examples of service improvements you’ve implemented, quality initiatives you’ve led, or evidence-based practice projects that demonstrate your clinical expertise and commitment to therapeutic excellence within the Australian healthcare system.
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Occupational Therapists
Prioritise skills that reflect your occupational therapy expertise and clinical specialisations, seeking endorsements from colleagues, supervisors, and other healthcare professionals who can validate your therapeutic capabilities. Focus on obtaining recommendations from clinical managers, medical professionals, or allied health colleagues who can speak to your clinical competency, professionalism, and patient care excellence. These testimonials provide powerful evidence of your therapeutic effectiveness and professional reputation.
Consider completing relevant LinkedIn Learning courses related to healthcare leadership, digital health, or emerging therapeutic approaches that complement your occupational therapy expertise and demonstrate commitment to staying current with healthcare trends and professional development.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Occupational Therapists
Optimise your profile for the Australian healthcare market by following relevant organisations such as Occupational Therapy Australia, major health services, and allied health professional networks. Engage thoughtfully with content shared by healthcare leaders, clinical researchers, and professional associations, contributing insights that demonstrate your clinical knowledge and respectful engagement with healthcare discourse.
Join relevant LinkedIn groups such as Australian occupational therapists, NDIS professionals, healthcare quality improvement communities, or specialty practice networks. Share insights about therapeutic innovations, successful interventions, or healthcare policy developments that showcase your expertise while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and client confidentiality requirements.
Creating an exceptional occupational therapist resume is fundamental to advancing your career in Australia’s dynamic and evolving healthcare landscape. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to demonstrate your clinical expertise, therapeutic skills, and track record of positive client outcomes that healthcare employers across hospitals, community services, and private practice value most. Your resume should reflect not only your occupational therapy capabilities but also your commitment to evidence-based practice, client-centred care, and continuous professional development.
Explore current opportunities through leading Australian healthcare recruitment platforms like Seek, specialist allied health recruiters, and direct applications to target healthcare organisations. With dedication to ongoing professional development, AHPRA registration maintenance, and staying current with emerging therapeutic approaches and healthcare policies, you’ll be well-positioned to build a fulfilling career in Australia’s healthcare sector, making meaningful differences in clients’ lives while achieving your professional aspirations through skilled occupational therapy practice and compassionate care delivery.
