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Occupational Therapy Program Director Jobs in Rochester, NY

Reserve Occupational Therapist

Rochester, NY · On-site

$39.75 - $52.25/hr

... Therapy program focused on maximizing military readiness, health living, and performance optimization ★ For pre-occupational therapy students there is a full-tuition scholarship opportunity for an ...

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Occupational Therapy Program Director information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$44.9K

$75.9K

$112K

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 Rochester, NY is $75,935.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,200.00 and $87,900.00 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.
What are popular job titles related to Occupational Therapy Program Director jobs in Rochester, NY? For Occupational Therapy Program Director jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Occupational Therapy Program Director jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Occupational Therapy Program Director job openings:

(OT) Occupational Therapist

Blossom Healthcare Center

Rochester, NY

$42 - $46/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Blossom Healthcare Center is currently seeking an (OT) Occupational Therapist.

(OT) Occupational Therapist Duties Include:

  • Evaluate and develop a treatment plans for residents based on medical diagnosis.

  • Implement treatment plans that will improve residents’ goals toward their functional independence.

  • Assess and Document the progress of the Residents in detailed re-certifications, progress reports and daily notes.

  • (OT) Occupational Therapists maintain Resident confidence by monitoring confidential information processing.

  • Maintain documentation of Resident care services by auditing Resident & Dept. records.

  • Assume the responsibility clinically supervising occupational therapy assistants.

  • Participate in care plan meeting and documentation.

  • Plan, develop and organize OT related reports, data tracking as directed by Rehab Director.

  • Assist in departmental projects as needed.

(OT) Occupational Therapist Requirements Include:

  • Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Program.

  • Current New York State OT License.

  • Experience is a plus.

We offer the Following:

  • Competitive Compensation.

  • Great Benefits Package.

  • Professional Growth & Stability.

  • Innovative Training Programs And much more!

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer –M/F/D/V