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Occupational Therapy Program Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Eden Vista Stow

Therapy Program Director

Stow, OH · On-site

$32 - $50/hr

Qualifications Job Summary The Therapy Program Director (PD) is responsible for directing clinical ... Degree in Physical/ Occupational Therapy, or Physical/ Occupational Therapy Assistant, or Speech ...

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Occupational Therapy Program Director information

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$45.5K

$76.9K

$113.5K

How much do occupational therapy program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for occupational therapy program director in the United States is $76,926.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $89,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Occupational Therapy Program Director vs Occupational Therapist?

AspectOccupational Therapy Program DirectorOccupational Therapist
CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, licensure, and often administrative certificationsMaster's or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, licensure
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, academic settings, program administrationClinical settings, hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers
Primary ResponsibilitiesOverseeing OT education programs, curriculum development, faculty coordinationProviding direct patient care, therapy assessments, treatment planning

The Occupational Therapy Program Director focuses on managing and developing OT education programs, requiring administrative skills and academic credentials. In contrast, an Occupational Therapist provides hands-on patient care, utilizing clinical skills to improve clients' daily functioning. Both roles require OT licensure and a strong understanding of therapy practices, but their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Occupational Therapy Program Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Occupational Therapy Program Director, you need advanced knowledge of occupational therapy practices, leadership experience, and typically a master's or doctoral degree in occupational therapy or a related field. Familiarity with accreditation standards, curriculum development software, and educational management systems is often required. Strong communication, organizational, and mentoring skills help foster faculty development and ensure student success. These competencies are vital for maintaining program quality, meeting accreditation requirements, and leading teams effectively.

What Does an Occupational Therapy Program Director Do?

An occupational therapy program director oversees staff and sets guidelines for occupational therapy (OT) programs. In this career, your duties include developing patient treatment plans, creating strategies to improve OT programs, and handling administrative functions such as budgeting, reports, and documentation. Your responsibilities may also include teaching staff members and patients the proper techniques to use during OT, implementing steps to reach program goals, and coordinating with other departments. An occupational therapy program director may work at a school with an OT program or in a clinical setting.

What does an Occupational Therapy Program Director do?

An Occupational Therapy Program Director is responsible for overseeing the administrative, academic, and operational aspects of an occupational therapy educational program. This includes developing curriculum, ensuring accreditation standards are met, managing faculty and staff, and supporting student outcomes. They also foster relationships with clinical sites and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements. Their leadership ensures the program prepares students to become skilled occupational therapists.

How much does a director of occupational therapy make?

The salary of an occupational therapy program director typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the organization. They often hold advanced degrees and certifications, and leadership skills are essential for managing staff and program development.

Is MOT or OTD better?

For an Occupational Therapy Program Director, an OTD (Doctor of Occupational Therapy) is typically preferred as it reflects advanced clinical and leadership training necessary for overseeing programs. An MOT (Master of Occupational Therapy) may be sufficient for entry-level clinical roles but is less common for director positions that require higher qualifications and administrative skills.

What is the highest paid OT job?

The highest paid occupational therapy roles are often in specialized settings such as clinical director, healthcare administrator, or occupational therapy consultant, with salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. Advanced certifications, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities typically contribute to higher compensation in these positions.

What are some common challenges faced by Occupational Therapy Program Directors in managing both academic and administrative responsibilities?

Occupational Therapy Program Directors often juggle academic leadership, such as curriculum development and faculty mentoring, alongside administrative tasks like compliance, accreditation, and budgeting. Balancing these responsibilities while ensuring high educational standards and supporting student success can be challenging. Program Directors also regularly collaborate with university leadership, clinical partners, and accreditation bodies, requiring strong communication and organizational skills. Successfully managing these diverse duties provides valuable experience and opportunities for career advancement within academic administration.

Do OTD get paid more than MOT?

Occupational Therapy Program Directors typically earn higher salaries than Occupational Therapy Managers due to their leadership responsibilities and advanced qualifications. OTDs often have more extensive education and may hold administrative or supervisory roles, which can lead to higher compensation compared to MOTs. Salary differences also depend on experience, location, and the specific healthcare or educational setting.
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Occupational Therapy Program Director jobs near you

Program Director, Occupational Therapy

Tri-C

Cleveland, OH

Other

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

 SUMMARY
The Program Director, Occupational Therapy, is a full-time, year-roundprofessional staff position that oversees and manages the organization,administration, periodic review, planning, development, and generaleffectiveness of the OccupationalTherapy Program. The Program Director oversees and is responsible forthe program's compliance with the accreditation standards set forth by theAccreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. Other tasks assignedto the Program Director not to exceed 50% of total effort.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • The program director is responsible for the management and administration of the program, including planning, evaluation, budgeting, hiring recommendations, maintenance of accreditation, and commitment to strategies for professional development
  • Responsible for accreditation activities relating to the Occupational Therapy program
  • Provides leadership by assuring accreditation standards are met
  • Markets the Occupational Therapy program and recruits students
  • Prepares and administers budget
  • Supervises and assesses the performance of assigned staff
  • Serves as a liaison between the college and health care facilities
  • Oversees didactic and clinical instructional process including student evaluations and schedules
  • Counsels and advises students
  • Coordinates development of curriculum and revisions
  • Prepares course schedules and recommends instructional assignments
  • Performs didactic instruction and evaluation of program courses
  • Coordinates Advisory Committee and all program admission activities
  • Provides input for outcomes assessment and program objectives
  • Develops and maintains effective communication with prospective applicants, students, graduates, faculty, clinical instructors and community
  • Conducts faculty, clinical instructor, and staff meetings
  • Maintains required BCI and up to date immunizations
  • Performs other duties as assigned

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