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Occupational Therapy Internship Jobs in Riverside, CA

Occupational Therapist II-Outpatient

Irvine, CA · On-site

$42.75 - $56.25/hr

... therapy, and individualized exercise programs--or have strong experience delivering ... Additionally, oversees student internships, contributes to clinical education, and helps develop ...

Travel Speech-Language Pathologist

Ontario, CA · On-site

$1.7K - $2.2K/wk

Work as part of a multidisciplinary team with physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, and ... Supervise and mentor clinical fellows, speech-language pathology assistants, or student interns as ...

New

Occupational Therapy Internship information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$24

$47

$69

How much do occupational therapy internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for occupational therapy internship in Riverside, CA is $47.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.38 and $53.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an occupational therapy intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Occupational Therapy Intern, you need foundational knowledge of human anatomy, therapeutic techniques, and occupational therapy principles, usually supported by enrollment in or completion of an accredited OT program. Familiarity with documentation software, adaptive equipment, and standardized assessment tools is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a proactive approach to learning help interns build rapport with clients and collaborate effectively with supervisors. These skills ensure interns can provide meaningful support, learn efficiently, and contribute positively to client outcomes in clinical settings.

What is the difference between Occupational Therapy Internship vs Occupational Therapist?

AspectOccupational Therapy InternshipOccupational Therapist
CredentialsTypically enrolled in or recent graduate of an accredited OT program, may have student or intern statusLicensed and certified with required state and national credentials
Work EnvironmentSupervised clinical settings, hospitals, clinics, or schools as part of trainingIndependent practitioners working with clients in various healthcare or community settings
Job RoleAssist with patient care under supervision, observe, and learn clinical skillsAssess, plan, and implement therapy programs for clients with various needs

In summary, an Occupational Therapy Internship is a supervised training period for students or recent graduates, focusing on gaining practical experience. An Occupational Therapist is a licensed professional who independently provides therapy services. The internship prepares individuals for licensure and practice as an Occupational Therapist.

What is an occupational therapy internship?

An Occupational Therapy Internship is a supervised practical experience for students or recent graduates pursuing a career in occupational therapy. During the internship, interns work alongside licensed occupational therapists in various settings such as hospitals, clinics, schools, or rehabilitation centers. The purpose is to gain hands-on experience, develop clinical skills, and apply academic knowledge to real-world situations. Interns often assist with patient assessments, treatment planning, and therapeutic interventions while learning about documentation and professional ethics. Completion of an internship is typically required for occupational therapy licensure and professional certification.

What types of hands-on experiences can I expect during an occupational therapy internship?

During an Occupational Therapy Internship, you can expect to participate in a variety of hands-on experiences such as assisting with patient assessments, helping to develop individualized treatment plans, and supporting patients during therapeutic activities. Interns often work closely with licensed occupational therapists, gaining exposure to different patient populations and settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, or schools. This role also typically involves observing therapy sessions, documenting patient progress, and learning how to adapt activities to meet diverse client needs. These experiences provide valuable practical skills and a deeper understanding of the occupational therapy process.
What are the most commonly searched types of Occupational Therapy jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Occupational Therapy jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Occupational Therapy Internship jobs in Riverside, CA? For Occupational Therapy Internship jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Occupational Therapy Internship jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Occupational Therapy Internship job openings:
Infographic showing various Occupational Therapy Internship job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,458 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Occupational Therapist II-Outpatient

City of Hope

Irvine, CA

$43.25 - $57/hr

Other

Re-posted 12 days ago


City Of Hope rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 89 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Occupational Therapist II

Join the transformative team at City of Hope, where we're changing lives and making a real difference in the fight against cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope's growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California, a new cancer center in Orange County, California, and treatment facilities in Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix. Our dedicated and compassionate employees are driven by a common mission: To deliver the cures of tomorrow to the people who need them today. 

We are seeking a skilled Occupational Therapist to join our team. The ideal candidate will be certified in lymphedema management providing manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), compression therapy, and individualized exercise programs-or have strong experience delivering lifestylebased interventions that support patients through all stages of treatment.

Provides high-quality patient care and family education through comprehensive evaluations, individualized treatment planning, and the implementation of occupational therapy interventions in alignment with professional regulations and the standards of City of Hope National Medical Center. Serves as a rehabilitation consultant for complex cases, supporting innovative and effective treatment strategies. Additionally, oversees student internships, contributes to clinical education, and helps develop clinical programs and treatment protocols.

As a successful candidate, you will: 

  • Demonstrates intermediate level skills in developing treatment goals and plans based

  • on evaluation data, rehabilitation potential, discharge plans, and in coordination with

  • goals and plans of patient, family and other care team members.

  • Demonstrates intermediate level skill and creativity in implementing patient treatment programs which are safe, effective, and efficient.

  • Demonstrates intermediate level skills in modifying treatment plans according to patient needs and progress, terminates treatment appropriately, and develops appropriate discharge and post discharge plans.

  • Completes evaluations, progress notes, reassessments, discharge summaries, and third-party reimbursement reports per established departmental, institutional and regulatory requirements within required time frames.

  • Collaborates with physician and other healthcare professionals to ensure ongoing

  • integrated patient care.

  • Establishes and maintains therapeutic relationships with patient and caregivers.

  • Acts as a preceptor to occupational therapy and occupational therapist assistant students at a minimum of 1 x/year as students are available.

  • Provides leadership and motivation to level I staff, assistants, aides; acts as role model with behavior consistent with leadership and with City of Hope's mission and values.

  • Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Your qualifications should include: 

Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited school

  • 2 years of recent occupational therapy experience

  • Current Occupational Therapist license in the State of California, or licensed applicant status in the state of California.

  • BLS through the American Heart Association

  • For pediatric service, CCS Panel provider or complete application within 60 days of hire or when hours attained

Additional Information:

  • This position is open to both levels I and II

City of Hope employees pay is based on the following criteria: work experience, qualifications, and work location.

City of Hope is an equal opportunity employer.

To learn more about our Comprehensive Benefits, please CLICK HERE.


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About City of Hope

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

City of Hope is an independent biomedical research and treatment organization for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a leader in bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy such as CAR T cell therapy. City of Hopes translational research and personalized treatment protocols advance care throughout the world. Human synthetic insulin, monoclonal antibodies and numerous breakthrough cancer drugs are based on technology developed at the institution. AccessHope, a subsidiary launched in 2019 serves employers and their health care partners by providing access to City of Hopes specialized cancer expertise. City of Hope is ranked among the nations Best Hospitals in cancer by U.S. News & World Report and received Magnet Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Its main campus is located near Los Angeles, with additional locations throughout Southern California and in Arizona.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Duarte, CA, US

Year founded

1913