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New Grad Occupational Therapy Jobs in Springfield, TN

hopebridge

Occupational Therapist

Clarksville, TN · On-site

$36 - $54/hr

Provide hands-on therapy that meets each child where they are * Collaborate across disciplines (ABA ... We expect that you're learning your new role and have wraparound support to help you as you join ...

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All JobsNew Grad Occupational Therapy JobsNew Grad Occupational Therapy Jobs in Springfield, TN

New Grad Occupational Therapy information

See Springfield, TN salary details

$22

$42

$63

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 Springfield, TN is $42.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.54 and $48.12 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 job categories do people searching New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs in Springfield, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs in Springfield, TN are:

What cities near Springfield, TN are hiring for New Grad Occupational Therapy jobs?

Cities near Springfield, TN 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 Springfield, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% As Needed, and 83% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,126 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

Occupational Therapy - Occupational Therapist (OT)

Select Specialty Hospital

Nashville, TN • On-site

$39 - $51.25/hr

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Select Specialty Hospital rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 92 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

259th of 1,065 rated hospitals

Job description

Occupational Therapy - Occupational Therapist (OT)

VIBRA TRAVELS is seeking a Travel OT Occupational Therapist to join our expanding network of healthcare professionals. We're looking for dependable, detail-focused travelers with experience in a healthcare setting. If you're ready to assist in life-changing procedures while traveling the country, this is your opportunity!

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy, where accepted. Masters degree required otherwise.
  • NBCOT registered and licensed per state of practice requirements.
  • Current, valid, and active license per state requirements in the state of employment required.
  • Current, valid, and active driver's license required.
  • Ability to travel using publicly available air and ground transportation.
  • One (1) year of experience as a OT Required.
  • Recent acute care experience for acute care and LTAC placements

Certificates, Licensures, Registrations:

  • NBCOT registered and licensed per state of practice requirements. Current, valid, and active registration or license per state requirements in the state of employment required.
  • Current BLS certification from a Vibra-approved vendor required, AHA preferred and required by some clients.
  • Additional certifications may be required by Vibra Travels (ex ACLS, PALS, NRP).

Unlike working for agency after agency, with our travel program, you get to work for a company:

  • Work with 1 recruiter from start to finish and assignment to assignment
  • Local and Non-local positions available
  • Competitive hourly rate in addition to tax-free stipend (if applicable)
  • No pay cuts mid-contract
  • Referral bonus (up to $1000 per referral!)
  • License reimbursement if traveling to new state where new license is required
  • Your pick of assignments at partner facilities from various health systems across the country

Vibra follows federal and state requirements for vaccinations, vaccination offerings, and disease screening. Some states and locations may have different vaccine or screening requirements.

Our recruitment team wants to get to know you. Share your passion! Please complete our online application and submit your resume for immediate consideration.

What Select Specialty Hospital employees say

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About Select Specialty Hospital

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Select Specialty Hospital is a top-tier healthcare services provider situated in Mechanicsburg, PA, US. Operating under the wider umbrella of the healthcare industry, Select Specialty Hospital is a part of a network of specialized acute care hospitals energized to provide superior, patient-centered treatment. Since its establishment, it has been a pioneer in providing long-term acute care (LTAC) services to patients transitioning from intensive care or requiring concentrated care for ongoing recovery.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Mechanicsburg, PA, US

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