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New Grad Occupational Therapy Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Occupational Therapist - PT

Santa Rosa, CA ยท On-site

$44 - $58/hr

  • Retirement

... new H1B filing. Contact us today to learn about our amazing immigration program! What You'll Do: * Provide a comprehensive occupational therapy evaluation based on MD orders. * Document findings on ...

Travel Occupational Therapist (OT)

Napa, CA ยท On-site

$1.8K - $2.2K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Occupational Therapy Assistant experience, but New Grads are welcome to apply * Other certifications or licenses may be required for this position Summary: The Occupational Therapist (OT) provides ...

Showing results 21-40

New Grad Occupational Therapy information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$25

$49

$73

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

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for new grad occupational therapy in Santa Rosa, CA is $49.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.31 and $55.72 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 Santa Rosa, CA?

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

What job categories do people searching New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most New Grad Occupational Therapy job openings:

Infographic showing various New Grad Occupational Therapy job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,183 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Sonoma Specialty Hospital

Sebastopol, CA โ€ข On-site

$60 - $67/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Description:

POSITION TITLE: Occupational Therapist

DEPARTMENT: Rehab Therapy

EMPLOYEE REPORTS TO: Director of Rehabilitation Services/Rehab Supervisor

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time, Tuesday - Saturday 8:30a-5:30p


DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

This job description is a record of the essential functions of the listed job. The job description provides the employee, CEO, Human Resources, applicants, and other agencies with a clear

understanding of the job, where it fits into the organization, and the skill and work requirements in

relation to other jobs. Jobs are always changing to some degree and the existence of the approved

job description is not intended to limit normal change and growth. The facility will make reasonable

accommodations to otherwise qualified individuals who are capable of performing the essential

functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.


POPULATION SERVED

The position involves direct patient care for a population of patients between the ages of

18 and older. Age specific experience and/or special training and/or expertise is required

to serve this population.


POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Director of Rehabilitation Therapy Services and/or Rehab Supervisor, the Occupational Therapist plans, organizes, develops, administers, directs,

and supervises Occupational Therapy treatment in accordance with current applicable

federal, state, and local standards, regulations and guidelines. The individual in this

position must have initiative and be innovative, and must possess a sense of responsibility,

integrity and sound judgment, follow standards of proper conduct, and abide by facility

policies and standards of care. This position does provide direct patient care to, adult and

geriatric patients, including comprehensive assessment, treatment planning and provision

of therapy. The Occupational Therapist contributes to program development, quality

improvement, program assessment, and departmental policy and procedure development.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Evaluates patient's functional status (muscle function, endurance, visual coordination, written and verbal communication skills, self-care ability, work capacity, etc.). Evaluates home environment for hazards or barriers to more independent living. Identifies equipment needs. Participates in the development of the individualized plan of care.
  • Develops treatment program and establishes goals for improved function.
  • Communicates plan of care to referring physician and other organization professionals. Also, as necessary, will develop program for caregiver's energy conservation.
  • May teach new skills or retrain patient in once familiar daily activities that have lost due to illness or injury, in accordance with organization policy.
  • May fabricate splints and instruct patient in the use of various types of adaptive equipment to improve function.
  • May train patient and family/caregiver in the use of prosthetic and/or orthotic devices.
  • Maintains appropriate clinical records, progress notes, and reports to the physician any changes in the patient's condition. Submits these records in accordance with organization policy.
  • Maintains contact/communication with team members in the patient's care to promote coordinated, efficient care.
  • Attends and contributes to in-services, interdisciplinary group meetings, and other meetings as required by organization policy to ensure comprehensive assessments for the patients of the organization.
  • Instructs and educates patient's/family/caregiver and other team members in patient's treatment regime.
  • Participates in hospice personnel orientation program.
  • Actively participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.
  • Participates in discharge planning for patient.



Requirements:

Education, Training and Licenses Required:

Certified by the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and licensed by the State of California (Business and Professions Code 2570-2570.32). BLS required. Advanced specialty practice areas of hand therapy and dysphagia require additional certification.

Experience required:

Two years of experience as an Occupational Therapist in one of the following settings: acute hospital, skilled nursing facility and/or outpatient clinic.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Required:

Thorough command of accepted Occupational Therapy evaluation and treatment techniques; good documentation, communication, organizational and problem-solving skills. Ability to interact effectively with patients of all ages and developmental stages.

Equipment Knowledge Required:

The Occupational Therapist will demonstrate competency in theory and practical use of diagnostic evaluation tools to assess activities of daily living, cognitive skills, neuromuscular and visual perceptual abilities to plan appropriate treatment.