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New Grad Occupational Therapy Jobs in Park Ridge, IL

Regional Director of Therapy

Chicago, IL

$91K - $107K/yr

We provide physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to long term care providers ... New Grad Tuition Reimbursement Available! * Flexible Scheduling. * CEU and State Licensure ...

We provide physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to long term care providers ... New Grad Tuition Reimbursement Available! * Flexible Scheduling. * CEU and State Licensure ...

Occupational Therapist

Streamwood, IL · On-site

$50K - $80K/yr

Vision insurance Occupational Therapist (OT) New Leader Academy Full-Time | Competitive Salary + Excellent Benefits New Leader Academy is seeking a compassionate and skilled Occupational Therapist to ...

Occupational Therapy Assistant PRN

Batavia, IL · On-site

$29 - $38.75/hr

Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA - Outpatient- PRN Great Work/life Balance and Flexibility of ... New Grads Welcomed! * And much more You'll treat residents Monday-Friday - no evenings or weekends!

Occupational Therapy Assistant PRN

Batavia, IL · On-site

$29 - $38.75/hr

Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA - Outpatient- PRN Great Work/life Balance and Flexibility of ... New Grads Welcomed! * And much more You'll treat residents Monday-Friday - no evenings or weekends!

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New Grad Occupational Therapy information

See Park Ridge, IL salary details

$22

$44

$65

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

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for new grad occupational therapy in Park Ridge, IL is $44.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.08 and $50.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a New Grad Occupational Therapist, and why are they important?

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 are New Grad Occupational Therapists?

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 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.

What are popular job titles related to New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs in Park Ridge, IL? For New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs in Park Ridge, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs in Park Ridge, IL look for? The top searched job categories for New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs in Park Ridge, IL are:
What cities near Park Ridge, IL are hiring for New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs? Cities near Park Ridge, IL with the most New Grad Occupational Therapy job openings:

$45 - $55/wk

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Therapy Management Corporation rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

TMC is a national contract therapy with operations in 24 states. We provide physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to long term care providers. We have an excellent leadership opportunity for a therapist or an assistant to oversee multiple locations. in Pennsylvania. We offer fun, fast-paced, and the opportunity to make a difference every day.   We offer a company culture that creates a great place to work. Opportunities galore: upward mobility, fulfilling work, and an opportunity to make a difference. We believe in doing the right thing, for the right reason, all the time. We encourage innovation, giving back, and provide the resources to continually refine clinical and professional skills.    
If being part of a company and a team where you will be given the tools, support, respect, and empowerment to succeed and provide excellent care, TMC is the place for you. Please get in touch.   With TMC, therapy doesn't just make a living; it makes a difference. Come be part of something bigger than a job!  
Multi-Site leadership of four or more locations overseeing physical therapists, occupational therapists, and pathologists, your key responsibilities will include managerial, clinical, and administrative duties. The top focus is team members, patients, and customer experiences. Your role will be pivotal in ensuring the highest standards of care and operational efficiency.
Here are your core responsibilities: 
  • Clinical Oversight: Ensure the delivery of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy across all locations is performed at the highest standards of clinical excellence and evidence-based practice. Monitor and assess the quality of care provided, intervening when necessary to guide improvements. 
  • Compliance and Regulation: Regularly review and enforce compliance with all relevant healthcare regulations and standards, pertaining to physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services. This includes ensuring that all practitioners maintain current licensure and certifications. 
  • Staff Development: Mentor and lead ongoing professional development and training programs for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists to foster their clinical skills, professional growth, and adherence to best practices in patient care. 
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Facilitate and encourage effective collaboration among all disciplines, PT, OT, and SLP to ensure a multidisciplinary approach is used to maximize outcomes. 
  • Resource Management: Allocate physical, financial, and human resources efficiently across sites to meet the operational needs of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services, optimizing patient care and staff satisfaction. Physical Therapists and Assistants, Occupational Therapists and Assistants, and Speech Language Pathologists are welcome to apply.
  • Degree in an accredited Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy, or Speech Language Pathology Program. Certified assistants also qualify
  • Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) or Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA).  
  • Current license/certification in the state of practice
  • 2+ Years Experience in healthcare, long-term care setting preferred. 
  • Knowledge of Medicare, insurance, and resident rights
TMC is an equal opportunity employer.
  • New Grad Tuition Reimbursement Available!
  • Flexible Scheduling.
  • CEU and State Licensure Reimbursements.
  • 13 Days of PTO and 6 Paid Holidays.
  • Plus one free Floating Holiday every year!
  • Internal Growth and Leadership Opportunities.
  • Mental Wellbeing Support Program.
  • Health, Dental, and Vision.
  • Retirement benefits (including 401k company match).

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