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Occupational Therapy Program Director Jobs in California

Reliant Rehabilitation

Occupational Therapist

Daly City, CA · On-site

$46.75 - $61.50/hr

Contribute to the growth and sustainability of a strong occupational therapy program. Advance clinical and professional competencies through collaboration, self-directed learning, and continuing ...

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Occupational Therapy Program Director information

See California salary details

$44.9K

$75.9K

$112K

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

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for occupational therapy program director in California is $75,919.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,100.00 and $87,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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.

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The top searched job categories for Occupational Therapy Program Director jobs in California are:

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Cities in California with the most Occupational Therapy Program Director job openings:

Occupational Therapy Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Occupational Therapy Program Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,919 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

Occupational Therapy, Founding Program Director

California Baptist University

Riverside, CA • On-site

$115K - $165K/yr

Other

Re-posted 16 days ago

California Baptist University rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

500th of 621 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Occupational Therapy, Founding Program Director
Position Summary
The College of Health Science at California Baptist University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position to serve as the founding program director for an OTD program. Candidates must embrace the mission of California Baptist University and evidence a clear understanding of, and commitment to, excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service through the integration of the Christian faith and learning. The successful candidate will join a dynamic faculty in the CBU College of Health Science and Department of Allied Health Professions. Starting date: on or before July 1, 2027.
Pay Range
The compensation for this appointment will range from $115,000-$165,000 annually and reflects what California Baptist University reasonably expects to pay for this faculty appointment. Actual compensation may vary based on the qualifications and experience of the applicant, as well as market conditions. In addition to wages, CBU offers a robust suite of employee benefits.
Qualifications
Qualified applicants will have a terminal degree and meet all ACOTE educational and professional requirements to hold the role of OTD Program Director. Previous leadership experience in a successful OTD or MOT is preferred, minimum of three years as a full-time faculty member in an entry level OT program required. Current certification to practice as an Occupational Therapist in the US with eligibility to gain licensure in CA is required.
Teaching Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of building a high-quality OTD program with a projected program launch in Fall 2028. CBU faculty members will demonstrate a strong commitment to excellent teaching and be expected to maintain an active program of scholarship and service. The successful candidate will demonstrate willingness and ability to integrate Christian faith in the classroom. Teaching load after program build is to be determined.
Nondiscrimination Statement
State and Federal law permit California Baptist University to discriminate on the basis of religion in order to fulfill its purpose. The University does not discriminate contrary to either State or Federal law.
Quick Link to Posting
https://jobs.calbaptist.edu/postings/10389

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