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Entry Level Therapy Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Amedisys, Inc.

OT Assistant

Greeneville, TN

$30 - $35/hr

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 ...

Amedisys, Inc.

OT Assistant

Johnson City, TN · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

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 ...

Amedisys, Inc.

Occupational Therapist

Murfreesboro, TN

$52.50 - $60/hr

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

Amedisys, Inc.

Occupational Therapist

Cookeville, TN

$90K - $101K/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 ...

Amedisys, Inc.

Occupational Therapist

Murfreesboro, TN

$52.50 - $60/hr

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

Amedisys, Inc.

OT Assistant

Greeneville, TN · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

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 Therapy information

See Tennessee salary details

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How much do entry level therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level therapy in Tennessee is $15.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $16.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Therapist, you need a bachelor's or master's degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field, along with foundational knowledge in therapeutic techniques and frameworks. Familiarity with client management software, electronic health records, and sometimes basic certifications like CPR or first aid is typically required. Strong communication, active listening, empathy, and ethical judgment are essential soft skills for building trust and rapport with clients. These skills and qualifications ensure effective support for clients' mental health needs and contribute to positive therapeutic outcomes.

What are some common challenges entry-level therapists face during their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level therapists often encounter challenges such as managing a diverse caseload, balancing administrative duties with client sessions, and building therapeutic rapport with clients from various backgrounds. Navigating professional boundaries and coping with emotional fatigue are also common. New therapists can overcome these obstacles by seeking regular supervision, participating in peer consultation groups, and prioritizing self-care. Many organizations also provide mentorship programs and ongoing training to support early-career therapists as they develop their skills.

What is an entry level therapy job?

Entry level therapy jobs are positions in the mental health or rehabilitation fields that require minimal prior professional experience and are suitable for recent graduates or those new to the profession. These roles may include positions like mental health technician, behavioral therapist assistant, or rehabilitation aide, and often involve supporting licensed therapists and helping clients with their treatment plans. Most entry level therapy jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, and may provide on-the-job training. These roles can be a stepping stone toward advanced licensure and more independent practice as a therapist.
What are the most commonly searched types of Therapy jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Therapy jobs in Tennessee are:
Entry Level Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Therapy job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,973 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant COTA Part Time

Amedisys, Inc.

Chattanooga, TN

$26 - $34.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Amedisys rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 122 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

157th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview
Shift - Part Time 2 to 3 days per week 
Area covered will be primarily : Ooltewah, Apison, Shallowford area 
 
Make a difference every day as an Amedisysoccupational therapist assistant
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.
 
Attractive pay
  • 36.00 to 37.50
 

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.

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.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: PART_TIME

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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

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