New Grad Occupational Therapist Resume: Guide for 2026
New grad occupational therapist resume guide for 2026. Learn how to highlight fieldwork, capstone, and clinical rotations to land your first OT job.
Introduction: The New Grad OT Job Market in 2026
Graduating from an occupational therapy program is a major achievement. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), OT employment is projected to grow **12% through 2032**, creating strong demand for new graduates. However, competition for entry-level positions is fierce, and your resume must stand out from other new grads.
According to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA):
> "Highlight the unique details of your fieldwork and capstone. An employer wants to know the extent of your experiences, especially as a new graduate."
This guide provides research-backed strategies, expert advice, and examples for new grad occupational therapists. Whether you are applying for your first OT position or transitioning from fieldwork, you will learn exactly how to present your clinical education and experiences effectively.
“New Grad OT Resume — Key Takeaways
12% OT job growth through 2032 (BLS)
Fieldwork and capstone are your primary experience
Highlight Level I and Level II fieldwork
Quantify your fieldwork outcomes when possible
OTR/L and NBCOT are the most critical keywords
Use a summary, not an objective
Core Competencies bridge summary and experience
1 page is ideal for new graduates”
What You'll Learn in This Guide
- What to include on a new grad OT resume
- How to list fieldwork and clinical rotations
- How to highlight your capstone project
- What to put in your professional summary
- A complete new grad OT resume example
- Common mistakes to avoid
What Makes a Strong New Grad OT Resume?
A strong new grad OT resume is different from an experienced OT resume. Since you have limited professional experience, your education, fieldwork, and capstone become your primary selling points.
According to AOTA:
> "Highlight the unique details of your fieldwork and capstone. An employer wants to know the extent of your experiences, especially as a new graduate."
Here are the core characteristics of an effective new grad OT resume:
- Clear presentation of fieldwork and capstone experiences
- Quantified outcomes when possible (e.g., patient progress, goal attainment)
- Credentials prominently displayed (OTR/L, NBCOT, state licensure)
- Relevant keywords from the job description
- Professional, scannable formatting
- 1 page in length
Key Components of a New Grad OT Resume
1. Contact Information
- Full name (bold and largest text)
- Professional credentials (OTR/L, NBCOT Certified)
- Phone number with area code
- Professional email address
- City and state
- LinkedIn profile URL (optional)
2. Professional Summary (NOT an Objective)
According to OT Potential:
> "Using an 'Objective' section is considered old-fashioned and dates you a bit — the 'Summary' section is now widely used in its place."
**Example New Grad OT Summary:**
"Newly licensed Occupational Therapist with Level II fieldwork experience in acute care and inpatient rehabilitation. OTR/L and NBCOT certified with expertise in ADL retraining, upper extremity rehabilitation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Dedicated to providing patient-centered care and improving functional outcomes."
3. Core Competencies
List 8-12 key clinical skills from your fieldwork experiences.
**Example:**
- ADL/IADL Retraining
- Upper Extremity Rehabilitation
- Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT)
- Sensory Integration
- Functional Independence Measures (FIM)
- COPM and Barthel Index
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Patient and Family Education
- EMR Documentation (Epic)
4. Clinical Rotations / Fieldwork (MOST IMPORTANT SECTION)
According to AOTA:
> "Highlight the unique details of your fieldwork and capstone. An employer wants to know the extent of your experiences, especially as a new graduate."
List each fieldwork rotation with the setting, dates, key interventions, and populations served. Include both Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences.
**Example:**
**Level II Fieldwork** | ABC Rehabilitation Hospital | 2024
- Provided occupational therapy services in acute care and inpatient rehabilitation settings
- Managed a caseload of 8-10 patients daily
- Gained experience in ADL retraining, upper extremity rehabilitation, and discharge planning
- Administered FIM, COPM, and Barthel Index assessments
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team including PT, SLP, and nursing staff
**Level II Fieldwork** | XYZ School District | 2023
- Provided school-based OT services to children with developmental disabilities
- Conducted sensory assessments and developed IEP goals
- Collaborated with teachers and parents to implement classroom accommodations
5. Capstone Project (If Applicable)
According to AOTA, you should highlight your capstone experience. An employer wants to know the extent of your experiences, especially as a new graduate.
**Example:**
**Capstone Project** | ABC Rehabilitation Hospital | 2024
- Developed and implemented a fall prevention program for 50+ geriatric patients in a skilled nursing facility
- Reduced fall rates by 25% over 3 months
- Created patient education materials and staff training resources
- Presented findings to hospital administration
6. Education
Place education near the top of your resume since you are a new graduate.
**Example:**
- Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California (2025)
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology, UCLA (2021)
- GPA: 3.8
7. Certifications and Licenses
- OTR/L (Occupational Therapist Registered and Licensed)
- NBCOT Certified
- State License (include license number if obtained)
- Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR Certified
8. Clinical Skills and Competencies
List specific clinical skills you gained during fieldwork.
**Example:**
- ADL/IADL Retraining
- Upper Extremity Rehabilitation
- Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT)
- Sensory Integration
- FIM and COPM Administration
- Splinting and Positioning
- Patient and Family Education
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- EMR Documentation (Epic, Cerner)
9. Professional Memberships
- American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
- State OT Association (if applicable)
Complete New Grad OT Resume Example
“SARAH JOHNSON, OTR/L, NBCOT Certified
(555) 987-6543 | sarah.johnson@email.com | Los Angeles, CA
Professional Summary
Newly licensed Occupational Therapist with Level II fieldwork experience in acute care and inpatient rehabilitation. OTR/L and NBCOT certified with expertise in ADL retraining, upper extremity rehabilitation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Dedicated to providing patient-centered care and improving functional outcomes.
Core Competencies
- ADL/IADL Retraining
- Upper Extremity Rehabilitation
- Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT)
- Sensory Integration
- Functional Independence Measures (FIM)
- COPM and Barthel Index
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Patient and Family Education
- EMR Documentation (Epic)
Fieldwork Experience
Level II Fieldwork | ABC Rehabilitation Hospital | 2024
- Provided occupational therapy services in acute care and inpatient rehabilitation settings
- Managed a caseload of 8-10 patients daily
- Gained experience in ADL retraining, upper extremity rehabilitation, and discharge planning
- Administered FIM, COPM, and Barthel Index assessments
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team including PT, SLP, and nursing staff
Level II Fieldwork | XYZ School District | 2023
- Provided school-based OT services to children with developmental disabilities
- Conducted sensory assessments and developed IEP goals
- Collaborated with teachers and parents to implement classroom accommodations
Level I Fieldwork | Los Angeles VA Medical Center | 2023
- Observed and assisted with OT services in outpatient mental health setting
- Participated in group therapy sessions and patient education
Capstone Project | ABC Rehabilitation Hospital | 2024
- Developed and implemented a fall prevention program for 50+ geriatric patients
- Reduced fall rates by 25% over 3 months
- Created patient education materials and staff training resources
Education
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California (2025)
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, UCLA (2021)
Certifications and Licenses
- OTR/L (Occupational Therapist Registered and Licensed)
- NBCOT Certified
- BLS/CPR Certified (exp. 2027)
Clinical Skills
- ADL/IADL Retraining
- Upper Extremity Rehabilitation
- Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT)
- Sensory Integration
- FIM and COPM Administration
- Splinting and Positioning
- Patient and Family Education
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Professional Memberships
- American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)”
New Grad OT Resume Example
Complete new grad occupational therapist resume example with fieldwork rotations, capstone project, education, and core competencies.
IMAGE PLACEHOLDER 1: Add a complete new grad OT resume example here showing fieldwork rotations, capstone project, education, and core competencies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using an Objective instead of a Summary: According to OT Potential, objectives are outdated.
- Not including fieldwork details: According to AOTA, highlight the unique details of your fieldwork and capstone.
- Failing to quantify fieldwork outcomes: Use numbers and percentages when possible.
- Missing OTR/L or NBCOT keywords: According to ResumeAdapter, this can instantly disqualify you from ATS screening.
- Not tailoring to each job: Customize your resume for each specific role.
- Making it too long: One page is ideal for new graduates.
Expert Quotes to Remember
“Highlight the unique details of your fieldwork and capstone. An employer wants to know the extent of your experiences, especially as a new graduate.”
“Using an Objective section is considered old-fashioned and dates you a bit — the Summary section is now widely used in its place.”
“OTR/L is the most critical keyword. Always list this prominently in your header, summary, and credentials section.”
Sources & References
- American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) - Fieldwork and capstone guidance, resume formatting
- OT Potential - Resume structure, summary vs objective
- ResumeAdapter - ATS keyword strategy, credential identification
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - 12% OT job growth data
Conclusion: Build Your New Grad OT Resume Today
Your new grad occupational therapist resume is your ticket to landing your first OT position. According to AOTA, highlight the unique details of your fieldwork and capstone experiences.
Key Takeaways:
- Use a Summary, not an Objective
- Highlight your fieldwork and capstone
- Include OTR/L and NBCOT in your header and summary
- Quantify your fieldwork outcomes when possible
- Keep your resume to one page
Action Steps for Today:
1. Review your current resume and add detailed fieldwork descriptions
2. Add OTR/L to your header and summary
3. Include your capstone project (if applicable)
4. Quantify your fieldwork outcomes
5. Build your OT resume with our ATS CV Maker
What should a new grad OT resume include?
A new grad OT resume should include contact information, a professional summary, education (including fieldwork rotations and capstone), clinical skills, certifications (OTR/L, NBCOT), and clinical experience. According to AOTA, highlight the unique details of your fieldwork and capstone experiences.
How do I list fieldwork on my OT resume?
According to AOTA, highlight the unique details of your fieldwork and capstone. List each fieldwork rotation with the setting, dates, key interventions, and populations served. Include both Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences with specific patient populations and interventions.
What is a good resume summary for a new grad OT?
A good new grad OT resume summary highlights your credentials (OTR/L, NBCOT), fieldwork experiences, clinical focus, and key skills. Example: 'Newly licensed Occupational Therapist with Level II fieldwork experience in acute care and inpatient rehabilitation. OTR/L and NBCOT certified with expertise in ADL retraining and upper extremity rehabilitation.'
Should I include my capstone project on my OT resume?
Yes, according to AOTA, highlight the unique details of your fieldwork and capstone. An employer wants to know the extent of your experiences. Include your capstone project with a brief description of the population, intervention, and outcomes.
About the Author
Ash is a resume expert and career strategist who helps job seekers land their dream roles. With years of experience in resume writing and ATS optimization, Ash has helped thousands of candidates create resumes that get noticed. Ash's work has been featured in leading career publications and is trusted by job seekers worldwide.
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