The role of an NHS Occupational Therapist is one of the most rewarding and vital positions within healthcare. As an Occupational Therapist in the NHS, you play a central role in helping patients regain independence, improve quality of life, and return to daily routines after illness, injury, or disability. The job description includes assessing patients, designing personalised rehabilitation plans, working alongside multidisciplinary teams, and supporting both mental and physical recovery. Salaries for NHS Occupational Therapists typically range from £28,000 to over £44,000 per year, depending on experience and Band level. For Band 5 entry-level therapists, pay starts around £28,000, while Band 6 and Band 7 Occupational Therapists can earn between £34,000 and £44,000, with additional enhancements for out-of-hours or specialist roles.
Crafting an interview-winning NHS Occupational Therapist CV is essential to standing out in such a competitive and meaningful profession. As someone who has been coaching professionals for over 25 years, I, Jerry Frempong, have seen first-hand how the right CV can unlock opportunities and set the tone for a successful career. In this guide, we will walk through a step-by-step process to create a powerful CV, share a CV template, highlight the CV example structure, and offer personalised advice for graduates, mid-level professionals, and senior managers.
Why your NHS Occupational Therapist CV matters more than ever
The NHS receives thousands of job applications each month, and hiring managers have just seconds to scan each CV. A well-structured, compelling CV makes all the difference, demonstrating not only your clinical expertise but also your empathy, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. Think of your CV as your professional story – one that showcases the depth of your skills while aligning with NHS values of compassion, respect, and excellence.
By using a strong cv template that is tailored to your profession, you can communicate your strengths clearly and persuasively. If you need inspiration, a cv example designed for NHS Occupational Therapists can help you identify the right language, achievements, and structure to include.
Core responsibilities of an NHS Occupational Therapist
When writing your CV, be sure to highlight responsibilities and achievements that match the core functions of the role, such as:
Assessing patients’ functional needs following illness, injury, or disability
Designing rehabilitation programmes to restore mobility and independence
Collaborating with doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and social workers
Providing equipment, adaptations, and environmental modifications
Supporting patients with mental health challenges and cognitive impairments
Training families and caregivers on ongoing rehabilitation techniques
Maintaining patient records and ensuring compliance with NHS protocols
By demonstrating alignment with these responsibilities, your CV will immediately resonate with NHS recruiters.
Salary expectations and career progression
A unique advantage of a career in the NHS is the structured pay progression. Entry-level NHS Occupational Therapists typically start at Band 5, with opportunities to move into more senior Band 6 and Band 7 roles through experience and specialist training. Senior roles often include leadership responsibilities, such as supervising junior staff or managing service improvements. When presenting your CV, don’t just showcase what you’ve done – highlight how you have developed professionally and are ready to step into greater responsibility.
Structuring your NHS Occupational Therapist CV
Your CV should be clear, concise, and formatted for maximum readability. Here’s the structure I recommend:
Personal Profile: A powerful opening paragraph summarising your expertise, values, and career goals. This is your elevator pitch – make it count.
Key Skills: Bullet-pointed list of core skills such as patient assessment, rehabilitation planning, leadership, communication, and interdisciplinary teamwork.
Professional Experience: Reverse chronological order, detailing job titles, employer names, dates, responsibilities, and key achievements.
Education & Training: Degree in Occupational Therapy (HCPC registered), plus relevant CPD courses or specialist training.
Professional Memberships: Include memberships such as RCOT (Royal College of Occupational Therapists).
Additional Information: Languages, IT skills, publications, or voluntary work if relevant.
Using a cv template designed for healthcare professionals ensures you present this information in a polished and professional way.
Example of a strong personal profile for an NHS Occupational Therapist CV
“Compassionate and HCPC-registered NHS Occupational Therapist with over 5 years’ experience supporting patients across acute hospital, community, and rehabilitation settings. Skilled in creating tailored rehabilitation programmes, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and empowering patients to achieve independence. Adept at balancing clinical expertise with empathetic patient care, with proven outcomes in improving recovery times and quality of life.”
This kind of introduction immediately positions you as a confident and capable professional while showing alignment with NHS values.
Advice for graduates entering Occupational Therapy
If you are a recent graduate, your CV should focus heavily on placements, training, and transferable skills. Don’t worry if you lack extensive paid experience – highlight your clinical rotations, dissertation projects, volunteer work, and any roles where you demonstrated teamwork, communication, or problem-solving. Employers want to see your passion for the profession, your adaptability, and your willingness to learn. A strong cv example will show you how to present these details effectively.
Key graduate tips:
Emphasise HCPC registration and completion of your degree
Highlight practical skills gained during placements
Show evidence of teamwork and patient-centred care
Keep your CV concise – ideally 2 pages
Advice for mid-level Occupational Therapists
If you’ve been working for several years, you need to move beyond responsibilities and focus on measurable achievements. Demonstrate how you’ve contributed to service improvements, led projects, or mentored junior colleagues. At this stage, NHS recruiters will look for evidence of leadership potential and specialist expertise.
Key mid-level tips:
Include achievements such as reduced waiting lists, improved patient outcomes, or introduction of new therapies
Showcase CPD and specialist training (neurology, paediatrics, mental health)
Use action verbs like “spearheaded,” “coordinated,” “facilitated”
Present your experience in a way that shows readiness for Band 6 or 7 roles
Advice for senior management level Occupational Therapists
If you are applying for Band 7 or higher, your CV should demonstrate strategic leadership and service management. At this stage, recruiters will want to see how you’ve shaped policies, led teams, and contributed to wider NHS goals.
Key senior-level tips:
Showcase leadership roles, such as managing multi-disciplinary teams
Highlight budget management, service development, and performance outcomes
Demonstrate involvement in research, audits, or national projects
Emphasise your ability to mentor and develop future leaders
The do’s and don’ts of an NHS Occupational Therapist CV
Do’s:
Tailor your CV for every role you apply for
Use keywords from the NHS job description to match person specifications
Keep formatting consistent and professional
Focus on achievements, not just responsibilities
Keep it within 2–3 pages maximum
Don’ts:
Never use generic statements that could apply to any profession
Don’t overload with jargon – keep it clear and accessible
Avoid including irrelevant jobs or experiences
Don’t use fancy fonts or overcomplicated layouts – NHS recruiters want clarity
Never send your CV without proofreading for grammar and spelling
General tips to stand out with your NHS Occupational Therapist CV
Use quantifiable results wherever possible (e.g., “improved patient recovery time by 20%”)
Keep your language active and professional
Align your CV with NHS values and patient-centred care
Consider including a short section on personal values – NHS employers love to see your human side
Always accompany your CV with a tailored, enthusiastic cover letter
Final thoughts – and how I can help you succeed
Creating a powerful NHS Occupational Therapist CV is not just about ticking boxes – it’s about presenting your professional story in the most compelling way. Whether you are a graduate seeking your first role, a mid-level therapist ready to step up, or a senior professional applying for leadership positions, your CV is your passport to interview success.
With over 25 years of experience as a UK-based career coach, I’ve helped thousands of professionals land their dream NHS jobs. Using a proven cv template and guiding you step by step, I can ensure your CV and LinkedIn profile reflect your very best self.
If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, I invite you to book a personalised consultation with me today. Together, we will create a CV that not only wins interviews but also sets you apart as the outstanding NHS Occupational Therapist you are.
👉 Book an appointment now to improve your CV and LinkedIn profile
