Occupational Therapist Resume Keywords for ATS

ATS systems for Occupational Therapist roles prioritise HCPC registration status, clinical specialisms (e.g. paediatrics, mental health, neurology), and evidence of outcome-focused interventions. Employers filter for specific assessment tools, care settings, and compliance with NHS or local authority frameworks, so exact terminology from job descriptions is critical.

ATS keywords for a Occupational Therapist Resume

Use these as a checklist — include the ones that genuinely apply to you, matched to the wording of the job you are targeting.

Core skills

Functional assessmentsActivities of daily living (ADL)Sensory integrationCognitive rehabilitationManual handlingSplinting and orthoticsHome adaptations and equipment prescriptionRisk assessmentCare planningDischarge planningNeurorehabilitationPaediatric therapyMental health interventions

Tools & software

MOHO (Model of Human Occupation)COPM (Canadian Occupational Performance Measure)Barthel IndexFIM (Functional Independence Measure)SystmOneRiOEMISSensory assessment tools

Soft skills

Person-centred careMultidisciplinary team workingClinical reasoningEmpathy and compassionCommunication with service users and carersTime management and caseload prioritisation

Certifications & qualifications

HCPC registrationRCOT membershipDegree in Occupational Therapy (BSc/MSc)Postgraduate qualification in specialist areaSafeguarding training (Level 2/3)Moving and Handling certification

How to get a Occupational Therapist Resume past the ATS

Always include 'HCPC registration' or 'HCPC registered' prominently, as this is a mandatory filter for UK OT roles.
Mirror the exact clinical specialism terms from the job advert (e.g. 'stroke rehabilitation' not just 'neuro'), as ATS scans for precise matches.
List assessment tools by their full name and acronym (e.g. 'Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM)') to capture varied search strings.
Include care setting keywords such as 'community', 'acute hospital', 'mental health trust', or 'special educational needs' if relevant to your experience.
Use NHS-specific terminology like 'care pathways', 'MDT meetings', 'CQC standards', and 'clinical governance' where applicable.
Quantify caseload size, waiting time reductions, or outcome improvements to pass both ATS and human review stages.

Before & after: Occupational Therapist Resume bullets

Before: Worked with patients to improve their independence.

After: Delivered person-centred functional assessments and ADL interventions for a caseload of 35+ stroke patients, improving Barthel Index scores by an average of 15 points over 6-week rehabilitation programmes.

Before: Assessed children and recommended equipment.

After: Conducted sensory integration assessments and prescribed adaptive equipment for 20+ children with SEN per month, collaborating with MDT to implement EHCP recommendations and reduce school exclusion risk.

Before: Helped discharge patients safely from hospital.

After: Led discharge planning and home adaptation assessments for 40+ older adults monthly, liaising with social services to reduce delayed transfers of care by 18% within acute hospital setting.

Occupational Therapist Resume keywords — FAQ

What keywords should a Occupational Therapist put on their Resume?

A Occupational Therapist Resume should include core skills such as Functional assessments, Activities of daily living (ADL), Sensory integration, Cognitive rehabilitation, Manual handling, Splinting and orthotics, and name specific tools like MOHO (Model of Human Occupation), COPM (Canadian Occupational Performance Measure), Barthel Index, FIM (Functional Independence Measure), SystmOne. Always match the exact terms used in the job description you are applying to.

How do I make my Occupational Therapist Resume ATS-friendly?

Use a plain-text skills section, mirror the keywords from the job posting word-for-word, spell out acronyms once alongside their short form, and quantify your achievements. Always include 'HCPC registration' or 'HCPC registered' prominently, as this is a mandatory filter for UK OT roles.

What skills do employers look for in a Occupational Therapist?

Beyond technical skills, employers screen for Person-centred care, Multidisciplinary team working, Clinical reasoning, Empathy and compassion. Relevant qualifications include HCPC registration, RCOT membership, Degree in Occupational Therapy (BSc/MSc).