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Entry Level Occupational Therapy Jobs in Virginia

Occupational Therapist

Crewe, VA · On-site

$109K - $127K/yr

... Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA), or successor organizations of ACOTE * Eligible to take, or has successfully completed, the entry-level certification examination for occupational therapists ...

Occupational Therapist

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$113K - $135K/yr

... Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA), or successor organizations of ACOTE * Eligible to take, or has successfully completed, the entry-level certification examination for occupational therapists ...

Occupational Therapist

Crewe, VA · On-site

$109K - $127K/yr

... Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA), or successor organizations of ACOTE * Eligible to take, or has successfully completed, the entry-level certification examination for occupational therapists ...

Occupational Therapist

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$113K - $135K/yr

... Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA), or successor organizations of ACOTE * Eligible to take, or has successfully completed, the entry-level certification examination for occupational therapists ...

Graduate of an accredited occupational therapy program * If foreign-trained, degree must be evaluated as equivalent to U.S. entry-level OT education by an AOTA-approved credentialing agency What We ...

Graduate of an accredited occupational therapy program * If foreign-trained, degree must be evaluated as equivalent to U.S. entry-level OT education by an AOTA-approved credentialing agency What We ...

Graduate of an accredited occupational therapy program * If foreign-trained, degree must be evaluated as equivalent to U.S. entry-level OT education by an AOTA-approved credentialing agency What We ...

Graduate of an accredited occupational therapy program * If foreign-trained, degree must be evaluated as equivalent to U.S. entry-level OT education by an AOTA-approved credentialing agency What We ...

Eligible to take, or has successfully completed, the entry-level certification examination for occupational therapy assistants, developed and administered by the National Board for Certification in ...

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Entry Level Occupational Therapy information

See Virginia salary details

$23

$44

$66

How much do entry level occupational therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level occupational therapy in Virginia is $44.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.37 and $50.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level occupational therapist?

Entry level occupational therapists are professionals who have recently completed their education and obtained the necessary licensure to practice occupational therapy. They typically work under supervision or mentorship as they gain experience, helping patients develop, recover, or improve the skills needed for daily living and working. Entry level occupational therapists may work in various settings, such as hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, or nursing homes. Their primary goal is to assist clients in achieving independence and improving their quality of life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level occupational therapist?

To thrive as an Entry Level Occupational Therapist, you need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in occupational therapy, state licensure, and foundational knowledge in anatomy, therapeutic techniques, and patient assessment. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), adaptive equipment, and standardized assessment tools is typical in the role. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and problem-solving abilities help you connect with clients and tailor interventions effectively. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering personalized care that improves patients’ independence and quality of life.

How do entry level occupational therapists typically collaborate with other healthcare professionals in a clinical setting?

Entry-level occupational therapists frequently work as part of multidisciplinary teams that may include physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, nurses, and physicians. Collaboration is essential for creating comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs. You’ll participate in team meetings, share progress updates, and coordinate interventions to ensure consistent care. This teamwork not only helps improve patient outcomes but also provides valuable learning opportunities for new therapists.

What is the difference between Entry Level Occupational Therapy vs Occupational Therapist?

AspectEntry Level Occupational TherapyOccupational Therapist
CredentialsMaster's degree in Occupational Therapy, passing the NBCOT examMaster's or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, licensed and certified
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, schools, outpatient centersSame as entry level, often with more responsibility and specialization
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist patients with daily activities, implement treatment plansDevelop treatment plans, supervise assistants, evaluate progress

Entry Level Occupational Therapy roles focus on assisting patients under supervision, while Occupational Therapists have advanced responsibilities, including developing treatment plans and supervising staff. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, but the level of responsibility distinguishes them.

What are the most commonly searched types of Occupational Therapy jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Occupational Therapy jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Occupational Therapy jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Occupational Therapy job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Occupational Therapy job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% As Needed, and 33% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,565 per year, or $45 per hour.

Clinical Assistant Professor Doctor of Occupational Therapy (Non-Tenure Track, F1032A, F0784A, F0170

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Old Dominion University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

313th of 627 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Job Title
Clinical Assistant Professor Doctor of Occupational Therapy (Non-Tenure Track, F1032A, F0784A, F0170A)
Department
SCHOOL OF PHYSICAL THERAPY & ATHLETIC TRAINING
Position Number
F1032A , F0784A, F0170A
Job Description
Join Old Dominion University in Shaping the Future of Occupational Therapy!
Old Dominion University (ODU) invites applications for Clinical Assistant Professor, ten-month faculty appointments in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program within the School of Rehabilitation Sciences in the Ellmer College of Health Sciences. We are seeking innovative and collaborative educator-scholars who are passionate about advancing occupational therapy education, scholarship, and service.
At ODU, the OTD program is defined by an occupation-centered curriculum designed to prepare practice scholars and leaders who will shape the future of the profession. Our approach is deeply rooted in active and engaged learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom and into the Hampton Roads community. Students learn not only from expert faculty, but also from the rich partnerships we have cultivated with community organizations, health systems, and interdisciplinary colleagues across the university.
Our state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities create an environment where simulation, collaboration, and practice thrive. Within the School of Rehabilitation Sciences, students and faculty work together in an interdisciplinary rehabilitation clinic that offers advanced patient care while also serving as a living laboratory for innovation in teaching, practice, and research. These experiences are further enriched by ODU's commitment to interprofessional education, ensuring that our students graduate prepared to lead within diverse health and service systems.
The program is equally proud of its holistic admissions process. Our faculty and community partners are dedicated to creating a supportive, collaborative academic culture that fosters both excellence and belonging. Students graduate not only with advanced knowledge and clinical expertise, but also with a clear pathway to leadership, scholarship, and service in occupational therapy.
Located in Norfolk, Virginia, ODU is a vibrant, research-intensive, public institution with a strong tradition of innovation, inclusivity, and community engagement. The Hampton Roads region offers a unique blend of cultural diversity, coastal living, and professional opportunity that makes it an ideal place to live and work.
Faculty members contribute through teaching, scholarship, mentorship, and service, with responsibilities aligned to their expertise and interests. We welcome applicants with records of clinical practice, teaching, and scholarly activity, as well as those eager to contribute to the program's continued growth and innovation.
Position Type
FullTime
Type of Recruitment
General Public
Type of Recruitment
General Public
Minimum required education and/or special licenses, registrations, trainings, or certifications
  1. Earned PhD, OTD, or other relevant doctoral degree from an accredited institution.
  2. Initial certification with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
  3. Licensed or eligible for licensure as an occupational therapist in Virginia.

Minimum required level and type of experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities
  1. Clinical practice experience in occupational therapy.
  2. Evidence of teaching, advising, and scholarly activities.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Active member of the American Occupational Therapy Association.
  • Familiarity with ACOTE accreditation standards.
  • Experience with occupational therapy education, curriculum design, and program evaluation.
  • Experience teaching entry-level occupational therapy content.
  • Experience mentoring graduate student research or capstone projects.
  • Record of scholarly publications and/or impactful clinical research.

Conditions of Employment
All final candidates will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check prior to beginning employment.
Location
Norfolk, VA
Job Open Date
10/20/2025
Application Review Date
12/08/2025
Open Until Filled
Yes
Application Instructions
Interested candidates must apply at LINK and attach the following with their online application:
  1. A letter of application addressing interest in and qualifications
  2. A current curriculum vitae
  3. A statement of scholarly interests and accomplishments
  4. A statement of teaching philosophy and approaches.
  5. Unofficial graduate transcripts
  6. Names, email addresses and telephone numbers of three references from academic and professional sources.

Applications should be submitted by December 08, 2025, for full consideration. The position will remain open until it is filled.
Telework Friendly
No
Reasonable Accommodation Request
If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please contact the Division of Talent Management and Culture at (757)683-3141.
Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or © consistent with contractor's legal duty to furnish information.
About the College
Old Dominion University is a residential, research-extensive public institution with a total student enrollment of about 25,000 students, approximately 6,000 of whom are graduate students. Old Dominion University is a minority serving institution (MIS); one third of the students are from minority backgrounds and over 1,100 are international students from 94 countries. Old Dominion University has a diverse faculty of over 750, of which 40% are women. The University's primary campus is located in Norfolk, VA, one of the seven cities that make up the historic Hampton Roads region of Virginia which, with a diverse population of 1.7 million, is a major recreation area and home to the Port of Virginia and the largest naval base in the world.
About the Department
In addition to the OTD Program, the School of Rehabilitation Sciences offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program, a Master of Athletic Training program, an undergraduate Recreational Therapy program, and a college-wide Kinesiology and Rehabilitation doctoral program. ODU recently merged with Eastern Virginia Medical School to form the new Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences. This has created an exciting new collaborative environment with the programs available from each entity.

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