1

New Grad Occupational Therapy Jobs in Park Ridge, IL

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 Therapist

Lombard, IL · On-site

$39.50 - $52/hr

... New Graduates Welcome to Apply Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPT) is seeking a full-time Occupational Therapist to deliver exceptional, patient-centered care in our outpatient clinic in Lombard, IL

Showing results 21-40

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 9, 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?

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 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 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:

Occupational Therapy Assistant PRN

Aegis Therapies

Batavia, IL • On-site

$29 - $38.75/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Aegis Therapies rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 239 rated social care providers


Job description

Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA - Outpatient- PRN
Great Work/life Balance and Flexibility of hours
Consistent PRN Opportunities Available
Location: IN HOME at Batavia Home Rehab, Batavia, IL
Setting: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Outpatient,
Lovely Community - Work with higher functioning residents
Schedule: Monday to Friday, No Weekends, No Evenings
With an Occupational Therapy Assistant Outpatient career, you get the best of both worlds: the chance to improve the lives of seniors while maintaining greater flexibility in your schedule. You'll get to show off your outgoing personality and flex your business skills by helping market the clinic, create your own schedule and work independently.
Aegis Therapies, one of the nation's leading providers of contract rehabilitation and wellness services, is hiring an Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our supportive team and reap the benefits of some of the best career advantages in the industry.
Why Aegis Therapies:
  • Career Growth & Development: We invest in your future with specialized, ongoing training, career advancement opportunities and the strongest clinical support in the industry.
  • Flexibility - Redefining Work-life Balance: We offer you the opportunity to maintain flexibility and a healthy work-life balance, so you never have to choose between your career and the things that make life worth living.
  • Impactful Work: Make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients.
  • Supportive Environment: Collaborate with teams that value your expertise and dedication.

Benefits:
  • Support, local clinical mentorship, clinical education and unlimited CEUs
  • Leadership advancement opportunities
  • Flexible schedule, paid time off, plus one paid CEU day
  • Licensure and professional membership reimbursement
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration for providing the best patient care
  • Medical, dental, vision within 30 days or less
  • National opportunity to transfer while maintaining employment status
  • Multiple settings nationwide: CCRC, SNF, Assisted Living, Outpatient Clinics, Home Health
  • New Grads Welcomed!
  • And much more

You'll treat residents Monday-Friday - no evenings or weekends!
Plus, you'll treat residents in their room or in an on-site outpatient clinic so there's no need to travel to homes outside the building. At Aegis Therapies, we take a patient-centered approach that ensures you'll have the opportunity to truly make a difference. Apply today.
Qualifications:
  • Current license as Occupational Therapy Assistant or ability to obtain in the state of practice.
  • Previous experience in outpatient, preferred.

EEO Statement: Aegis Therapies and its Family of Companies is committed to a diverse workforce and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For detailed information on your rights, Click Here OR https://aegistherapies.com/equal-opportunity-employer-provider-of-healthcare-services/.

What Aegis Therapies employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Aegis Therapies logo

About Aegis Therapies

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Aegis Therapies, headquartered in Frisco, TX, US, is a leader in the field of physical, occupational, and speech therapies. Their official website, aegistherapies.com, details their commitment to deliver innovative, evidence-based therapies that make a significant difference in patients' lives. Founded with a noble mission to maximize functional potentials in all age groups, their services prominently revolve around rehabilitation, wellness, and home health. Their professional touch has made them one of the most sought-after therapy providers across the US. Aegis's core values involve creating and nurturing a patient-centric environment where every individual is treated with respect, integrity, and commitment.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Frisco, TX, US

Year founded

2001

Social media