Acute Care Occupational Therapist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the role of Acute Care Occupational Therapists is becoming increasingly critical.

As healthcare practices advance, there’s a growing demand for skilled professionals who can navigate, enhance, and protect our healthcare delivery system’s complex intricacies.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s genuinely expected from an Acute Care Occupational Therapist?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring therapist trying to understand the core of this profession,
• A hiring manager drafting the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply interested in the inner mechanisms of acute care occupational therapy,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Acute Care Occupational Therapist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive in without further ado.

Acute Care Occupational Therapist Duties and Responsibilities

Acute Care Occupational Therapists play a critical role in helping patients recover from severe medical conditions that limit their physical and cognitive functionality.

They work in acute care settings like hospitals and intensive care units to help patients regain essential life skills.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating patients’ physical and cognitive functionality and needs
• Developing a comprehensive treatment plan that takes into account the unique needs of each patient
• Implementing therapeutic interventions to help patients regain or improve their abilities to perform daily activities
• Providing adaptive strategies and equipment to support patient independence
• Working collaboratively with the medical team to provide coordinated care
• Monitoring and documenting patient progress and adjusting treatment plans as necessary
• Educating and counseling patients and their families about treatment goals and progress
• Ensuring that therapeutic interventions comply with hospital policies and health and safety standards
• Consulting with doctors and other healthcare professionals to modify care plans as needed
• Conducting research to keep abreast of the latest trends and developments in occupational therapy

 

Acute Care Occupational Therapist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Acute Care Occupational Therapist to join our healthcare team.

The therapist will provide direct patient care to those who have been hospitalized due to trauma, surgery, or acute medical conditions.

Acute Care Occupational Therapist responsibilities include carrying out patient assessments, formulating treatment plans, and assisting patients in regaining their daily living and work skills.

Our ideal candidate is someone with a strong sense of empathy, excellent patient service skills, and a deep understanding of occupational therapy techniques in an acute care setting.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct patient assessments to identify their physical, mental, and cognitive limitations.
• Develop and implement individualized therapy programs designed to restore, reinforce, and enhance performance.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to evaluate patient progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
• Provide education to patients and their families on how to manage their conditions and achieve therapeutic goals.
• Document patient’s progress and treatment outcomes in a timely and accurate manner.
• Keep up-to-date with the latest best practices in acute care occupational therapy.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with all federal and state health and safety regulations.

 

Qualifications

• A degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy program.
• Current state licensure or certification to practice as an Occupational Therapist.
• Experience in acute care settings is preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local level regulations.
• Ability to handle physical workload and work under pressure.
• Compassionate and sensitive to patients’ needs and concerns.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Acute Care Occupational Therapist
• Work Environment: Hospital setting. This position requires prolonged standing and patient interaction. Some weekend or evening hours may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Rehabilitation Services.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $78,000 minimum to $98,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Acute Care Occupational Therapist Do?

Acute Care Occupational Therapists work primarily in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and other medical settings to assist patients in recovering from acute conditions, such as strokes, surgeries, or injuries.

They use therapeutic treatments and interventions to help patients regain or enhance their ability to perform daily activities.

This may include everything from teaching a patient how to safely get in and out of bed, to relearning how to eat or dress independently.

Acute Care Occupational Therapists often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and physical therapists, to develop individualized treatment plans that align with the patient’s overall healthcare objectives.

They also assess patients’ physical, cognitive, and emotional abilities to determine the best way to facilitate recovery.

In addition to direct patient care, they are responsible for maintaining detailed patient records, documenting progress, and adjusting treatment plans as necessary.

Furthermore, they often educate patients and their families about the recovery process, including strategies to cope with physical and mental changes, and training on the use of adaptive equipment.

Their ultimate goal is to help patients regain their independence and improve their quality of life.

 

Acute Care Occupational Therapist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Acute Care Occupational Therapist should possess a set of skills and qualifications that align with the demands of the role, such as:

• Comprehensive knowledge of acute care treatments and therapies to meet the needs of patients in critical or acute health conditions.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to build rapport with patients and their families, and to work effectively with multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
• Strong communication skills to clearly explain treatment plans, to understand patients’ concerns and needs, and to document and report patient progress.
• Empathy and compassion for understanding the emotional and physical needs of patients in acute care settings.
• Superb problem-solving abilities to assess patients’ conditions and develop appropriate, individualized treatment plans.
• Ability to perform under pressure, manage stress, and adapt to changing conditions in acute care environments.
• Physical fitness to assist patients in mobility exercises and therapeutic activities.
• Knowledge of medical laws and ethics to ensure all treatment plans and interactions comply with established standards.
• Detail-oriented nature to accurately document patient information, treatment plans and progress reports.
• Time management skills to efficiently balance multiple patients and tasks.

 

Acute Care Occupational Therapist Experience Requirements

Acute Care Occupational Therapists generally need to have completed a master’s or doctoral degree in occupational therapy.

While still studying, students will usually undertake clinical internships or fieldwork in healthcare settings, where they gain hands-on experience treating patients with various health conditions.

Entry-level Acute Care Occupational Therapists might have 1 to 2 years of experience, often obtained through internships or part-time roles in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or home care services.

These professionals can also gain valuable experience by serving in roles like Rehabilitation Therapist, Physical Therapist or other healthcare-related positions.

Acute Care Occupational Therapists with more than 3 years of experience typically have honed their clinical skills and specialized knowledge through working in acute care settings.

They are skilled in patient evaluation, treatment planning, and intervention execution for those with severe injuries or illnesses.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are likely to have leadership experience and might be ready for roles such as Senior Occupational Therapist or Rehabilitation Services Manager.

Such positions often require experience in managing a team, coordinating patient care, and developing occupational therapy programs.

In addition to these, continuing education in the form of workshops, seminars, or advanced certifications in specialized areas of occupational therapy is often highly desirable and may be a requirement for certain roles.

 

Acute Care Occupational Therapist Education and Training Requirements

Acute Care Occupational Therapists are required to have a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.

This program typically takes about two years to complete and includes both classroom and fieldwork training.

In the classroom, students study subjects like biology, anatomy, and behavioral sciences.

Fieldwork involves supervised experience in areas such as acute care settings, pediatrics, and mental health.

Following the completion of the master’s program, students will need to pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to become a Certified Occupational Therapist (OTR).

To work in acute care, additional specialized training or experience in acute care settings may be required.

This could involve a clinical residency or fellowship.

Additionally, some states may have specific licensing requirements for Occupational Therapists, which typically involves passing a state examination.

Continuing education is essential in this field to stay up-to-date with the latest treatment methods and approaches.

Therapists may also pursue board certification in areas such as gerontology, pediatrics, mental health, or physical rehabilitation to further specialize their practice.

Maintaining certification requires ongoing professional development and re-certification through the NBCOT every three years.

 

Acute Care Occupational Therapist Salary Expectations

The average salary for an Acute Care Occupational Therapist is approximately $84,270 (USD) per year.

The actual income can vary based on factors such as years of experience, geographic location, level of education, and the specific healthcare setting in which they work.

 

Acute Care Occupational Therapist Job Description FAQs

What are the daily duties of an Acute Care Occupational Therapist?

An Acute Care Occupational Therapist’s daily duties typically involve assessing patient conditions, developing individual treatment plans, and using various therapeutic techniques to help patients regain or maintain their independence in performing daily tasks.

They often collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care, and document patient progress for reference.

 

What is the difference between an Acute Care Occupational Therapist and a Pediatric Occupational Therapist?

The main difference lies in the patient population they serve.

Acute Care Occupational Therapists primarily work with adult patients who are recovering from severe illness, injury, or surgery.

Their goal is to help patients regain functional abilities to return to their daily life or work.

Pediatric Occupational Therapists, on the other hand, work with children who have developmental, emotional, physical, or mental disabilities, helping them develop the necessary skills for daily activities at school and at home.

 

What should you look for in an Acute Care Occupational Therapist resume?

When reviewing resumes, look for a valid license to practice occupational therapy and a degree from an accredited occupational therapy program.

Experience in an acute care setting is typically preferred.

Other important skills include patient assessment, development of care plans, and use of therapeutic techniques.

Good communication, problem-solving abilities, and empathetic nature are also essential qualities to look for.

 

What qualities make a good Acute Care Occupational Therapist?

A good Acute Care Occupational Therapist is patient, compassionate, and empathetic, able to understand and address the emotional, physical, and psychological needs of patients.

They should have strong problem-solving skills to develop individualized treatment plans.

Additionally, they need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with other healthcare professionals and to explain treatment plans to patients and their families.

 

Do Acute Care Occupational Therapists need a specialized degree?

Yes, Acute Care Occupational Therapists need to hold a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.

Some may even hold a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy.

Additionally, they need to be licensed in the state where they practice.

Some employers may also prefer therapists with additional certifications or specializations in acute care or related fields.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve demystified what it truly means to be an Acute Care Occupational Therapist.

And guess what?

It’s not just about treating patients.

It’s about crafting a healthier, more fulfilling future, one patient at a time.

With our in-depth Acute Care Occupational Therapist job description template and real-world examples, you’re all ready to embark on your journey.

But why stop there?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precision-focused listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient interaction is a step towards a healthier future.

Let’s create that future. Together.

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