Occupational Therapist Cover Letter Examples & Writing Guide

Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to express my strong interest in the Pediatric Occupational Therapist position at Therapy Source. With my Master's degree in Occupational Therapy and 4 years of pediatric experience, I am excited to help children develop skills for successful participation in daily activities. In my current role at KidsCare Therapy, I have successfully: • Treated 30+ children weekly with diverse conditions including autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, and developmental delays • Conducted comprehensive evaluations assessing fine motor, visual motor, and self-care skills • Developed individualized treatment plans using evidence-based interventions • Implemented sensory integration therapy addressing sensory processing challenges • Provided feeding therapy helping children with oral motor difficulties and food aversions • Collaborated with parents, teachers, and therapists ensuring coordinated care • Achieved meaningful progress with 90% of students meeting IEP goals Therapy Source's reputation for excellence in pediatric therapy inspires me. Your family-centered approach and play-based interventions create the ideal environment for child development. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my pediatric OT skills can contribute to Therapy Source. Sincerely, Emily Martinez, OTR/L

Dear Hospital for Special Surgery Team, I am excited to apply for the Certified Hand Therapist position at Hospital for Special Surgery. With hand therapy fellowship training and CHT certification, I am passionate about restoring upper extremity function following injury and surgery. At The Hand Center, I have provided hand therapy: • Treated 35+ patients weekly with upper extremity conditions including fractures, tendon repairs, and complex regional pain syndrome • Fabricated custom splints protecting healing structures while promoting optimal recovery • Managed post-surgical rehabilitation following procedures including total wrist arthroplasty and tendon transfers • Utilized advanced techniques including manual therapy, kinesiotaping, and edema management • Conducted work conditioning programs facilitating return to employment • Achieved Certified Hand Therapist credential demonstrating advanced expertise • Maintained 95% patient satisfaction with excellent functional outcomes Hospital for Special Surgery's reputation as the top orthopedic hospital inspires me. Your hand therapy program represents the gold standard in upper extremity rehabilitation. I look forward to discussing how my hand therapy expertise can contribute to HSS. Best regards, Dr. Michael Chen, OTD, OTR/L, CHT

Dear Sunrise Senior Living Team, I am writing to apply for the Geriatric Occupational Therapist position at Sunrise Senior Living. With geriatric specialization and passion for elder care, I am excited to help older adults maintain independence and quality of life. At Brookdale Senior Living, I have provided geriatric OT: • Treated residents in skilled nursing and assisted living settings focusing on functional independence • Conducted home safety assessments recommending modifications to prevent falls • Addressed activities of daily living including bathing, dressing, and meal preparation • Provided cognitive intervention for residents with dementia utilizing evidence-based approaches • Recommended adaptive equipment and assistive technology promoting independence • Led fall prevention programs reducing fall rates by 40% • Achieved high patient satisfaction with compassionate, person-centered care Sunrise Senior Living's commitment to resident well-being and quality of life inspires me. Your person-centered model aligns perfectly with occupational therapy philosophy. I would be honored to discuss how my geriatric OT expertise can contribute to Sunrise. Sincerely, Sarah Johnson, OTR/L, SCDCM

Dear LAUSD Team, I am excited to apply for the School-Based Occupational Therapist position with Los Angeles Unified School District. With school-based experience and pediatric specialization, I am committed to helping students access their educational curriculum. At Orange County Department of Education, I have provided school-based OT: • Served 60+ students across 4 school sites from preschool through high school • Conducted evaluations for special education eligibility determining OT needs • Developed IEP goals addressing handwriting, visual motor skills, and sensory regulation • Provided direct therapy and consultation supporting classroom participation • Trained teachers on accommodations and modifications for students with disabilities • Collaborated with multidisciplinary team including speech therapists, psychologists, and special educators • Ensured compliance with IDEA regulations and IEP timelines LAUSD's commitment to inclusive education and student success inspires me. Your comprehensive special education programs create opportunities to truly impact student outcomes. I look forward to discussing how my school-based OT expertise can contribute to LAUSD. Best regards, Amanda Foster, OTR/L

Dear Encompass Health Team, I am writing to express my interest in the Inpatient Rehabilitation Occupational Therapist position at Encompass Health. With acute care and inpatient rehab experience, I am excited to help patients regain independence following hospitalization. At Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, I have provided inpatient rehab OT: • Treated patients with stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury, and orthopedic conditions • Conducted comprehensive ADL assessments determining discharge needs • Implemented evidence-based interventions including task-specific training and compensatory strategies • Addressed cognitive impairments utilizing cognitive rehabilitation techniques • Provided upper extremity rehabilitation following neurological and orthopedic injuries • Coordinated discharge planning ensuring safe home transitions with appropriate equipment • Achieved excellent functional outcomes with 85% of patients discharging home Encompass Health's reputation for rehabilitation excellence inspires me. Your focus on functional outcomes and patient-centered care aligns with OT core values. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my inpatient rehab expertise can contribute to Encompass Health. Sincerely, David Kim, OTR/L

Dear CHOP Team, I am excited to apply for the NICU Occupational Therapist position at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. With NICU specialization and passion for early intervention, I am committed to supporting the development of our most vulnerable patients. At Boston Children's Hospital, I have provided NICU OT: • Supported premature infants and medically fragile newborns in Level III/IV NICU • Assessed neurodevelopmental and feeding skills in high-risk infants • Implemented developmental positioning and handling promoting optimal development • Provided oral feeding assessment and intervention supporting breastfeeding and bottle feeding • Educated parents on infant cues, positioning, and developmental activities • Collaborated with neonatology team on rounds providing rehabilitation perspective • Facilitated successful NICU discharge with appropriate follow-up care Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's reputation for neonatal care excellence inspires me. Your family-integrated care model creates the best possible environment for infant development. I look forward to discussing how my NICU OT expertise can contribute to CHOP. Best regards, Jennifer Lee, OTR/L, CNT

Dear VA Greater Los Angeles Team, I am writing to apply for the Occupational Therapist position in Mental Health at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. With mental health OT experience and passion for veteran care, I am excited to support recovery and community integration. At VA Boston Healthcare System, I have provided mental health OT: • Treated veterans with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders • Conducted occupational profile assessments identifying valued roles and activities • Implemented evidence-based interventions including cognitive behavioral approaches and mindfulness • Facilitated psychosocial skills groups addressing stress management, anger management, and life skills • Provided vocational rehabilitation supporting return to meaningful employment • Collaborated with psychiatry, psychology, and social work on treatment teams • Supported transition from homelessness to stable housing through life skills training The VA's mission to serve those who served inspires me. Your comprehensive mental health programs create opportunities to truly impact veteran wellness and recovery. I would be honored to discuss how my mental health OT expertise can contribute to VA Greater LA. Sincerely, Carlos Rodriguez, OTR/L