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New Grad Occupational Therapy Jobs in Springfield, TN

Travel Occupational Therapist

Gallatin, TN · On-site

$1.6K - $2.0K/wk

Therapy * Start Date: ASAP * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours, days ... License reimbursement if traveling to new state where new license is required  * Your pick of ...

New

Travel Occupational Therapist

Nashville, TN · On-site

$1.7K - $2.1K/wk

Therapy * Start Date: ASAP * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours, days ... License reimbursement if traveling to new state where new license is required  * Your pick of ...

Physical Therapist

Springfield, TN · On-site

$75 - $95/hr

Structured onboarding and ongoing 1:1 mentorship for new-grad PTs * In-house Residency & Fellowship programs (OCS, SCS, hand & manual therapy) * Robust CEU opportunities through IAMT + $1500 annual ...

New

Showing results 21-40

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:

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.

Travel Occupational Therapist - Acute Rehab

Focus Staff

Gallatin, TN • On-site

$37.75 - $49.75/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

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


Job description

Focus Staff is seeking a travel Occupational Therapist for a travel job in Gallatin, Tennessee.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Occupational Therapist
  • Discipline: Therapy
  • Start Date: 09/28/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 8 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel

Embark on a rewarding journey as a Travel Occupational Therapist with Focus Staff in Gallatin, TN. Make a meaningful impact on patients' lives across diverse settings while exploring new locations and dynamic environments, all while enhancing your skills and advancing your occupational therapy career.
Contract Length: 13 Weeks
Start Date: 09/28/2026
Shift: 5x8 Days

Why travel OTs join Focus Staff:

  • Rewarding Your Commitment: Weekly direct deposits, housing stipends, 401(k), loyalty and referral bonuses.
  • Your Wellbeing, Our Priority: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance from day one with no waiting period.
  • Journey Made Simple: Licensure reimbursement, and exclusive hotel discounts.
  • Flexibility Meets Support: Dedicated recruiters, 24/7 clinician support, flexible scheduling, and pet insurance to support your full lifestyle on assignment.

Travel Occupational Therapists requirements:

  • Minimum of 1-2 years of experience
  • Master's or Doctoral Degree in Occupational Therapy from an ACOTE-accredited program.
  • Current certification from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
  • Current, valid TN professional license as an Occupational Therapist.

About Focus Staff:

Focus Staff is a traveler-first healthcare staffing agency connecting talented travel nurses and allied health professionals with top assignments nationwide, prioritizing your unique needs and giving you complete control over your journey. Our mission is to help you create the life you love while exploring the country, advancing your healthcare career with competitive pay, and doing what you do best, providing exceptional patient care that makes a difference.
Ready to turn your professional expertise into a national adventure? Apply today!
Other Information:
Job Title: Travel Occupational Therapist (OT)
Employment Time: Contract/Travel
Date Posted: 08/28/2026 02:53:56 PM
Valid Through: 12/28/2026
Job City: Gallatin
Job State: TN
Job Country: USA
Shift: 5x8 Days
Job ID: a0xVt00000U0hLRIAZ
Hiring Organization: Focus Staff

Focus Staff is an EEO/AA (Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action) Employer.

Estimated pay package based on bill rate at time job was posted. Bill rates can change frequently and without notice. Exact pay package may vary based on several factors, including, but not limited to, guaranteed hours, travel distance, demand, experience, etc.

Focus Staff Job ID #a0xVt00000U0hLRIAZ. Pay package is based on 8 hour shifts and 40.0 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: Travel OT - Occupational Therapist

About Focus Staff

Your Journey, Our Focus. Travel Confidently, Care Boldly with Focus Staff.

At Focus Staff, we’re here to make your travel healthcare career rewarding, seamless, and stress-free.

Whether you’re a travel nurse, therapist, or allied health professional, we take care of the details so you can focus on what you do best — caring for others. Our mission is simple: to help healthcare heroes like you thrive, no matter where your journey takes you.

With thousands of job opportunities across all 50 states, our dedicated recruiters work closely with you to match you to the right assignment, based on what matters most to you — pay, location, benefits, or career growth.

From day one, you’ll enjoy premium benefits like medical coverage that bridges between assignments, 401K matching, travel and licensing reimbursements, and personalized housing support. Plus, our team is here for you 24/7, with clinical support available whenever you need guidance or backup.

At Focus Staff, we believe in making every assignment a smooth, comfortable, and empowering experience. Let’s make your next adventure your best one yet.



Focus Staff logo

About Focus Staff

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Focus Staff is a travel healthcare professional staffing agency. We place awesome people in awesome places across every state in the U.S. and the Virgin Islands. If you're an adventurer or a facility that needs high-quality staff, give us a shot. One promise we can unequivocally make: we'll always be totally honest and transparent. Period.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Dallas, TX, US

Year founded

2008