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Entry Level Occupational Therapy Jobs in Virginia

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 ...

COTA

Lawrenceville, VA · On-site

$28.25 - $37.75/hr

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) Job Summary: The Staff Certified Occupational ... May perform other duties as assigned Entry-level to Experienced. Physical Requirements: A. Ability ...

Showing results 21-40

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 9, 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 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.

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.

How easy is it to get a job in entry level occupational therapy?

Entry level occupational therapy jobs are generally accessible to recent graduates with a relevant degree and licensure. Job availability depends on geographic location, demand in healthcare settings, and the candidate's clinical skills and certifications. Competition can vary, but strong clinical experience and networking improve employment prospects.

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.
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 are popular job titles related to Entry Level Occupational Therapy jobs in Virginia? For Entry Level Occupational Therapy jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles 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 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,565 per year, or $45 per hour.

Home Health COTA, Norfolk

Amedisys, Inc.

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$36 - $45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Amedisys rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 121 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview
Home Health COTA
Full Time, Weekdays
Pay Range: $36.00/hr to $45.00/hr
Territory: Norfolk
Join Amedisys-one of the largest and most trusted home health and hospice companies in the U.S.-where flexibility, purpose and growth come together to help patients heal where they feel most comfortable, at home.
What's in it for you
  • Choice of PPO or HSA medical plans with free telehealth.
  • Paid time off.
  • Up to $1,000 in free healthcare services with Amedisys HSA plan.
  • Up to $500 in wellness rewards for activities-use for spa, gym, sports, hobbies, pets and more.*
  • Mental health support with up to five free counseling sessions through the Employee Assistance program.
  • 401(k) with a company match.
  • Family support with infertility treatment coverage*, adoption reimbursement, paid parental and family caregiver leave.
  • Mileage reimbursement.
  • And more.

*Benefit eligibility can vary by position and shift status.
*Participation requires enrollment in an Amedisys medical plan.
Responsibilities
  • Provides skilled interventions in accordance with the physician approved plan of care and under the direction and supervision of an occupational therapist.
  • Provides documentation of each visit according to AOTA documentation guidelines and accepted regulatory standards for inclusion in the patient's clinical record.
  • Observes, records and reports the patient's response to treatment and any change in the patient's condition to the supervising OT, physician and other appropriate clinical staff.
  • Provides patient/caregiver resources for future ADL/IADL needs.
  • Promotes wellness and prevention by promotion of occupational engagement.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of available community resources/services.
  • Makes recommendations for follow-up care in coordination with the care center that admitted the patient/client.
  • Keeps abreast of occupational therapy trends and knowledge for the service provision, documentation skills and care coordination.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Current license to practice as an occupational therapy assistant, specific to the state you are assigned to work.
  • Graduate of an occupational therapy assistant program, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA), or successor organizations of ACOTE.
  • 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 Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT).
  • One year related occupational therapy assistant experience to ensure knowledge and skills are sufficient to safely provide occupational therapy services to patients.
    • If less than one year of experience, then approval from regional clinical leaders required as well as appropriate mentoring and/or residency program established.
  • Current CPR certification.

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets and may vary depending on location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Amedisys is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified employees and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, disability, military status, sexual orientation, genetic predisposition or carrier status or any other legally protected characteristic.

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About Amedisys

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

*Caregiving is our Calling* At Amedisys whether we're caring for patients directly or supporting those who do, each of us is a caregiver at heart. Every team member contributes to our mission of providing exceptional, clinically distinct care in the home to thousands of patients and families every day.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baton Rouge, LA, US

Year founded

1982