Occupational Therapist Resume Keywords (2026): 60+ ATS Skills to Land Interviews
ResumeAdapter TeamShare this post
Send this to a friend who’s also job searching.
🚨 Not getting Occupational Therapist interviews? Your resume is missing critical keywords.
In 2026, over 97% of healthcare employers use ATS to filter candidates before a human recruiter even opens a resume. If your OT resume does not include the exact keywords from the job description, you are invisible, even if you are perfectly qualified.
Why Occupational Therapist Resume Keywords Matter in 2026
Occupational therapy is one of the fastest-growing healthcare professions, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 12% growth through 2032. This growth creates fierce competition for positions at top rehabilitation hospitals, school districts, and outpatient clinics.
Here is the challenge: even experienced OTs with excellent clinical outcomes are getting rejected before a human recruiter ever reads their resume. The reason? Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan for specific keywords.
Healthcare recruiters report that over 70% of OT resumes fail ATS screening due to missing or mismatched keywords. These systems look for exact matches to job description terms. If you write "occupational therapy" but the job posting says "OT services," the ATS might downrank your application.
The consequences are significant. Missing your NBCOT certification keyword can eliminate you instantly. Using outdated terminology like "activities of daily living training" instead of "ADL retraining" signals you are not current with professional standards.
This guide provides you with every keyword you need to pass ATS screening and land interviews in 2026.
Table of Contents
- What Are Occupational Therapist Resume Keywords?
- Core OT Resume Keywords
- Clinical Skills Keywords
- Assessment and Evaluation Keywords
- Treatment and Intervention Keywords
- Population-Specific Keywords
- Setting-Specific Keywords
- Specialty Certification Keywords
- Technology and Documentation Keywords
- Soft Skills Keywords
- Resume Examples: Weak vs Strong
- FAQ
- Related Articles
What Are Occupational Therapist Resume Keywords?
Occupational therapist resume keywords are the specific certifications, clinical skills, assessment tools, treatment approaches, and industry terms that ATS systems and healthcare recruiters search for when screening resumes for OT positions. These keywords typically include:
- Certifications: OTR/L, NBCOT, CHT, CEAS, state licensure
- Clinical skills: ADL retraining, upper extremity rehabilitation, sensory integration
- Assessment tools: FIM, Barthel Index, COPM, sensory profiles
- Treatment approaches: Neurodevelopmental treatment, constraint-induced movement therapy, splinting
- Settings: Acute care, inpatient rehab, SNF, school-based, home health
When your resume includes these keywords naturally and in context, ATS systems rank it higher, increasing your chances of reaching a human recruiter who can appreciate your clinical expertise.
Core OT Resume Keywords
These foundational keywords belong on every Occupational Therapist resume. Missing any of these can result in immediate ATS rejection.
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Credentials | OTR/L, Occupational Therapist Registered/Licensed, NBCOT Certified, COTA/L, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant |
| Education | Master of Occupational Therapy, MOT, Doctorate of Occupational Therapy, OTD, Entry-Level OTD |
| Core Competencies | Occupational Therapy, OT Services, Occupational Performance, Meaningful Occupation, Client-Centered Care |
| Professional Associations | AOTA Member, State OT Association, NBCOT |
Credential Keywords Deep Dive
The OTR/L credential is the most critical keyword for practicing occupational therapists. It indicates both NBCOT certification (OTR) and state licensure (/L). Always list this prominently in your header, summary, and credentials section.
NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy) should appear separately as well, especially for positions that specifically mention board certification requirements.
For COTAs, use COTA/L to indicate certified occupational therapy assistant with state licensure. Include your supervising OT relationship if required by your state.
Clinical Skills Keywords
Clinical skills keywords demonstrate your hands-on therapeutic expertise. These should appear throughout your experience section with specific examples and outcomes.
| Skill Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| ADL/IADL | Activities of Daily Living, ADL Retraining, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, IADL Training, Self-Care Training, Dressing Training, Bathing Techniques, Toileting Training |
| Upper Extremity | Upper Extremity Rehabilitation, Fine Motor Skills, Gross Motor Skills, Hand Therapy, Grip Strength, Pinch Strength, Range of Motion, ROM |
| Sensory | Sensory Processing, Sensory Integration, Sensory Modulation, Proprioceptive Input, Vestibular Input, Tactile Defensiveness |
| Cognitive | Cognitive Rehabilitation, Executive Function Training, Memory Strategies, Attention Training, Problem-Solving Skills |
| Physical | Transfer Training, Mobility Training, Wheelchair Positioning, Seating Assessment, Edema Management, Scar Management |
| Visual | Visual Perceptual Skills, Low Vision Rehabilitation, Visual Motor Integration, Scanning Training |
How to Use Clinical Skills Keywords
Do not just list these skills. Demonstrate them with measurable outcomes:
Weak: "Helped patients with daily activities."
Strong: "Provided ADL retraining to stroke patients, achieving 85% independence in self-care tasks within 6-week treatment plans. Implemented adaptive techniques that reduced caregiver burden by 40%."
Assessment and Evaluation Keywords
Recruiters search for specific assessment tools to verify you have experience with industry-standard evaluations. Include exact tool names and acronyms.
| Assessment Type | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Functional | FIM, Functional Independence Measure, Barthel Index, Katz ADL, COPM, Canadian Occupational Performance Measure |
| Sensory | Sensory Profile, SIPT, Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests, Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile |
| Cognitive | MoCA, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, LOTCA, Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment, Allen Cognitive Levels |
| Hand/UE | Jamar Dynamometer, Pinch Gauge, Goniometry, Manual Muscle Testing, MMT, Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments |
| Pediatric | PDMS-2, Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, BOT-2, Bruininks-Oseretsky Test, PEDI, Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory |
| Mental Health | MOHO, Model of Human Occupation, OPHI-II, Occupational Performance History Interview, ACLS |
Treatment and Intervention Keywords
Treatment approach keywords show recruiters you are trained in evidence-based methods. These carry significant weight for specialized positions.
| Treatment Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Neurological | NDT, Neurodevelopmental Treatment, CIMT, Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy, Task-Oriented Training, Motor Learning |
| Hand Therapy | Custom Splinting, Orthotic Fabrication, Tendon Gliding Exercises, Scar Massage, Desensitization, Work Conditioning |
| Pediatric | Sensory Integration Therapy, Handwriting Intervention, Therapeutic Listening, Astronaut Training, Interactive Metronome |
| Mental Health | Occupation-Based Groups, Life Skills Training, Stress Management, Coping Strategies, Mindfulness-Based Interventions |
| Geriatric | Fall Prevention, Home Safety Assessment, Caregiver Education, Dementia Care, Memory Care Interventions |
| Adaptive Equipment | Adaptive Equipment Training, DME Recommendations, Assistive Technology, Environmental Modifications, Home Modifications |
Population-Specific Keywords
Many OT positions target specific patient populations. Match your keywords to the position you are applying for.
| Population | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Pediatric | Early Intervention, Birth to Three, School-Based OT, Developmental Delays, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Sensory Processing Disorder |
| Adult Rehabilitation | Stroke Rehabilitation, TBI, Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, Orthopedic Rehabilitation, Joint Replacement |
| Geriatric | Geriatric OT, Aging in Place, Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, Fall Risk Reduction, Medicare Population |
| Mental Health | Psychiatric OT, Behavioral Health, Substance Abuse, Eating Disorders, Forensic OT |
| Hand/UE | Hand Injuries, Cumulative Trauma Disorders, Carpal Tunnel, Tendon Repair, Fracture Rehabilitation |
👉 Want to instantly check your missing keywords? Try the ResumeAdapter free ATS scan. Upload your resume and the job description to get your missing keywords in seconds.
Setting-Specific Keywords
Different work settings require different skill sets. Tailor your keywords to match the setting you are targeting.
Acute Care Hospital Keywords
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Clinical | Acute Care OT, ICU, Intensive Care Unit, Step-Down Unit, Medical-Surgical, Oncology, Cardiopulmonary |
| Skills | Early Mobilization, Bed Mobility, Critical Care, Discharge Planning, Equipment Ordering |
| Documentation | Epic, Cerner, Medical Necessity, Acute Care Documentation, Daily Notes |
Inpatient Rehabilitation Keywords
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Settings | Inpatient Rehab, IRF, Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility, LTACH, Long-Term Acute Care Hospital |
| Metrics | FIM Scores, FIM Gains, Functional Outcomes, Length of Stay, Discharge Disposition |
| Skills | Intensive Therapy, 3-Hour Rule, Interdisciplinary Team, Family Training, Home Program Development |
Skilled Nursing Facility Keywords
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Settings | SNF, Skilled Nursing Facility, Long-Term Care, LTC, Subacute Rehabilitation |
| Regulations | MDS, Minimum Data Set, PDPM, Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, Section GG |
| Skills | Restorative Programs, Maintenance Therapy, Group Treatment, Concurrent Treatment |
School-Based Keywords
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Educational | IEP, Individualized Education Program, IDEA, 504 Plans, Educational OT, School-Based Services |
| Skills | Handwriting Intervention, Sensory Strategies, Classroom Modifications, Assistive Technology |
| Collaboration | IEP Team, Teacher Consultation, Parent Training, Multidisciplinary Team |
Home Health Keywords
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Settings | Home Health OT, Home Care, Community-Based, Home Visits |
| Skills | Home Safety Assessment, Home Modifications, OASIS, Caregiver Training, DME Setup |
Specialty Certification Keywords
Specialty certifications significantly boost your resume for specialized positions. Include these if you have them.
| Specialty | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Hand Therapy | CHT, Certified Hand Therapist, Hand Therapy Certification, HTCC |
| Lymphedema | CLT, Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Complete Decongestive Therapy, Manual Lymph Drainage |
| Driving | CDRS, Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist, Driver Rehabilitation, Adaptive Driving |
| Ergonomics | CEAS, Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist, Ergonomic Evaluation, Worksite Assessment |
| Low Vision | CLVT, Certified Low Vision Therapist, Low Vision Rehabilitation |
| Pediatric | SIPT Certified, Sensory Integration Certification, Astronaut Training Certified |
| Aging | SCEM, Specialty Certification in Environmental Modification, Aging in Place Specialist |
Technology and Documentation Keywords
Modern OT practice requires technology proficiency. These keywords show you can handle digital documentation and therapy tools.
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| EMR Systems | Epic, Cerner, Meditech, PointClickCare, Casamba, Net Health, WebPT |
| Documentation | SOAP Notes, Treatment Plans, Progress Notes, Discharge Summaries, Goal Writing, Functional Goals |
| Telehealth | Telehealth OT, Telepractice, Virtual Therapy, Remote Monitoring |
| Billing | CPT Codes, ICD-10, Medical Necessity, Prior Authorization, Insurance Verification |
Soft Skills Keywords
While clinical skills are primary, soft skills keywords help you pass ATS screens for positions emphasizing teamwork and patient care.
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Communication | Patient Education, Family Education, Caregiver Training, Discharge Teaching |
| Collaboration | Interdisciplinary Team, Multidisciplinary Rounds, Case Conferences, Care Coordination |
| Professional | Evidence-Based Practice, Clinical Reasoning, Professional Development, Continuing Education |
| Leadership | Clinical Supervision, Student Fieldwork Education, AFWC, Fieldwork Coordinator, Mentorship |
Resume Examples: Weak vs Strong
Summary Section
Weak: "Occupational therapist looking for a new job. Good with patients."
Strong: "OTR/L with 8+ years of acute care and inpatient rehabilitation experience specializing in stroke and TBI recovery. NBCOT certified with expertise in FIM assessments, ADL retraining, and early mobilization protocols. Achieved average FIM gains of 35+ points for neurological patients. Seeking Senior OT role at level I rehabilitation hospital."
Experience Bullets
Weak: "Did OT with patients in the hospital."
Strong: "Provided occupational therapy services to 8 to 10 acute care patients daily across medical-surgical, ICU, and oncology units. Implemented early mobilization protocols that reduced average length of stay by 1.2 days and improved discharge-to-home rates by 15%."
Weak: "Helped kids with school stuff."
Strong: "Delivered school-based OT services to caseload of 45 students with IEPs for fine motor delays, sensory processing disorders, and handwriting difficulties. Achieved 88% of annual IEP goals through sensory integration therapy and classroom-based interventions."
Weak: "Made splints for hand patients."
Strong: "Fabricated 200+ custom orthoses annually for post-surgical hand patients, including static and dynamic splints for tendon repairs, fractures, and nerve injuries. Achieved 95% patient compliance through ergonomic design and comprehensive patient education."
FAQ
How many OT keywords should I use on my resume?
Use 15 to 25 keywords that directly match the job description. Focus on credentials, clinical skills, and treatment settings. Prioritize keywords that appear multiple times in the job posting.
How do I know which OT keywords I am missing?
Upload your resume and the job description to ResumeAdapter and get your missing keywords instantly. Our AI compares your resume to the job description and identifies exactly what is missing.
What is the difference between OT and OTR keywords?
OT refers to the profession (Occupational Therapy). OTR (Occupational Therapist Registered) is the credential earned after passing the NBCOT exam. OTR/L indicates both national registration and state licensure. Include all relevant variations.
Should I include NBCOT on my resume?
Absolutely. NBCOT certification is required for practice in all states. Include it prominently in your credentials section along with your certification number if space allows.
Can I use the same keywords for every OT application?
No. Customize your keywords for each application. Pediatric positions need different keywords (sensory integration, IEP, handwriting) than acute care roles (early mobilization, FIM, discharge planning).
Related Articles
Ready to optimize your healthcare resume further? Check out these related guides:
- Resume Keywords List: The Ultimate Guide by Industry - Master hub with 50+ role-specific keyword guides
- Speech Language Pathologist Resume Keywords - Related therapy profession
- Physical Therapist Resume Keywords - PT keyword guide
- Nursing Resume Keywords - Healthcare nursing keywords
- Free ATS Resume Scanner - Check your resume for free
- How to Optimize Resume Keywords for ATS - Complete ATS optimization guide
Don't guess which keywords you're missing.
👉 Scan Your Resume for Missing Keywords - Free
Get your ATS score, missing keywords, and improvement guidance in seconds. Or rewrite your resume in 8 seconds with our AI-powered resume rewrite engine.