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New Grad Occupational Therapy Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Broad River Rehab

Occupational Therapist / OTR / OT

Dresden, TN · On-site

$33.75 - $44.50/hr

Master's or doctorate degree in occupational therapy * New Graduates Welcome At Broad River Rehab ... PTO, 401(k) New Grad mentorship Program and 100% company paid CEUs At Broad River Rehab, we hire ...

Broad River Rehab

Occupational Therapist / OTR / OT

Spencer, TN · On-site

$31.75 - $41.75/hr

Master's or doctorate degree in occupational therapy * New Graduates Welcome At Broad River Rehab ... PTO, 401(k) New Grad mentorship Program and 100% company paid CEUs At Broad River Rehab, we hire ...

tmc

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Signal Mountain, TN · On-site

$32 - $34/hr

New graduate tuition reimbursement opportunities * Career advancement and leadership development Qualifications: * Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) or license eligible in the state of ...

tmc

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Signal Mountain, TN · On-site

$32 - $34/hr

New graduate tuition reimbursement opportunities * Career advancement and leadership development Qualifications: * Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) or license eligible in the state of ...

Ensign Therapy

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$24.75 - $33.50/hr

New Grads are welcome! At Legacy Park Health and Rehabilitation, we believe that exceptional care starts with a strong set of values that guide everything we do. As an Occupational Therapy Assistant ...

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All JobsNew Grad Occupational Therapy JobsNew Grad Occupational Therapy Jobs in Tennessee

New Grad Occupational Therapy information

See Tennessee salary details

$21

$41

$60

How much do new grad occupational therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for new grad occupational therapy in Tennessee is $41.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.14 and $46.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a new grad occupational therapist?

New Grad Occupational Therapists are individuals who have recently completed their occupational therapy degree and have either just obtained or are in the process of obtaining their professional licensure. They are typically in their first year of practice and are gaining hands-on experience by working with patients to help them develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. New grads often work under the guidance of more experienced therapists and participate in mentorship or orientation programs to transition smoothly into their careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a new grad occupational therapist?

To thrive as a New Grad Occupational Therapist, you need a solid understanding of human anatomy, therapeutic techniques, and assessment skills, usually validated by a master's degree in occupational therapy and passing the NBCOT exam. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), standardized assessment tools, and documentation software is typically required. Strong interpersonal communication, problem-solving, and empathy are valuable soft skills that help build trust and motivate patients. These competencies ensure that new graduates can deliver effective, patient-centered care and adapt to diverse clinical environments.

What types of support and mentorship are typically available to new grad occupational therapists during their first year on the job?

New grad occupational therapists often receive structured support through formal mentorship programs, regular supervision sessions, and peer collaboration. Many employers pair new graduates with experienced OTs who provide guidance on caseload management, documentation, and clinical decision-making. Additionally, new grads may participate in orientation programs and continuing education workshops to further develop their skills. This supportive environment helps ease the transition from academic training to independent practice and fosters professional growth.

What is the difference between New Grad Occupational Therapy vs Occupational Therapist?

AspectNew Grad Occupational TherapyOccupational Therapist
CredentialsMaster's degree in Occupational Therapy, passing the NBCOT exam, state licensureMaster's or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, licensed and certified
Work EnvironmentEntry-level settings such as hospitals, schools, outpatient clinicsVaried settings including hospitals, rehab centers, schools, private practices
ExperienceLess than 1 year, supervised or mentoredTypically 1+ years of experience, independent practice

In summary, New Grad Occupational Therapists are recent graduates beginning their careers with supervision, while Occupational Therapists have more experience and independence. Both roles require similar credentials, but experience level and responsibilities differ.

Can you start as a new graduate occupational therapist as soon as you graduate with a master's?

New graduate occupational therapists can typically begin working once they have completed their master's degree and obtained the necessary licensure or certification required by their region. Most employers require proof of graduation and licensure before employment, and some may offer supervised or entry-level positions to new graduates. Licensing exams are usually scheduled after graduation and are essential for independent practice.

How much do new graduate occupational therapists make after grad school?

New graduate occupational therapists typically earn between $55,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on location, setting, and workload. Entry-level salaries may vary based on state licensure requirements and demand for healthcare professionals in the area.

What are popular job titles related to New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs in Tennessee?

For New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most New Grad Occupational Therapy job openings:

New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various New Grad Occupational Therapy job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,656 per year, or $41.2 per hour.

Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA / OTA

Broad River Rehabilitation

Bells, TN • On-site

$26 - $34.75/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Broad River Rehab rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA / OTA / OTA/L - Full Time - 30+ hours/week - Bells, TN - TENNESSEE - Option for Part Time!

Broad River Rehab is seeking a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our skilled nursing facility in Bells, TN.

  • Full time, 30+ hours/week (shared between 2 facilities)
  • Part time option - Bells only; approximately 15-25 hours/week
  • Flexible schedule

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant is a skilled licensed therapist who performs direct care under the clinical supervision of the Occupational Therapist.

Qualifications:

  • Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant license in Tennessee
  • Associate’s degree - Occupational Therapy Assistant
  • New graduates welcome

At Broad River Rehab we value our staff and their dedication to our mission of making a difference in every resident’s life. That is why we make it a priority to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package.

  • Low-Cost Health, Dental and Vision Insurance Options
  • 401(k)
  • Generous PTO ~ Accrual begins immediately up to 168 hours allowed for the 1st year with PTO Cash out options
  • Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Short and Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Licensure reimbursement
  • 100% company-paid CEUs
  • New Grad Mentorship Program
  • Part Time Benefits include: PTO, 401(k) New Grad mentorship Program and 100% company paid CEUs

    At Broad River Rehab, we hire people who share our vision and who work diligently to provide the kind of care that will help change patients’ lives for the better. Apply today!

    I hope to hear from you soon!

    Linda DeCesare, Recruitment Manager
    ldecesare@broadriverrehab.com
    Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA / OTA / OTA/L - Full Time - 30+ hours/week - Bells, TN - TENNESSEE - Option for Part Time!
    Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA / OTA / OTA/L - Full Time - 30+ hours/week - Bells, TN - TENNESSEE - Option for Part Time!
    Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA / OTA / OTA/L - Part Time - Bells, TN - TENNESSEE
    Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA / OTA / OTA/L - Part Time - Bells, TN - TENNESSEE

    #LI-LD1

    What Broad River Rehab employees say

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    Benefits

    Hours and flexibility

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    Get the full story on Breakroom

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    About Broad River Rehab

    Sourced by ZipRecruiter

    All therapy companies are not the same. Broad River Rehab is simply better – and we can prove it. Through our knowledgeable and compassionate therapy team, we deliver quality physical, speech and occupational therapy services to our clients based upon their individual needs. But we’re much more than just therapy providers. We’re data analytics experts, too. We invest in ensuring our therapists have the passion, knowledge, data tools, and experience to meet the clinical and operational needs of our clients and the people we care for together.

    Industry

    Hospitals

    Company size

    1,001 - 5,000 Employees

    Headquarters location

    Arden, NC, US

    Year founded

    2015

    Social media

    Facebook

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