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Resume example

Occupational therapist resume example

An ergothérapeute helps people keep or regain independence in everyday activities: washing, dressing, cooking, working, moving around town.

In a rehabilitation centre (SMR), the day might include a kitchen session with a patient recovering from a stroke, a splint made to measure for a hand injury, and a wheelchair trial with the physiotherapist. In a nursing home, the focus shifts to positioning, fall prevention and adapting the environment for residents with dementia. Many occupational therapists also visit homes to recommend adaptations, such as grab bars, a walk-in shower or a stairlift, and write the reports that support funding requests to the MDPH or local authorities. The work is always prescribed and coordinated with doctors, and it relies on precise assessments that show what the person can do and where support is needed.

Resume example

[First name Last name]

Occupational Therapist (Ergothérapeute) | Neurological Rehabilitation, SMR

[City] · [phone] · [email]

Profile

Ergothérapeute for [x] years in a rehabilitation centre for neurological and orthopaedic patients. I run daily living rehabilitation, wheelchair and seating assessments and home visits before discharge, and I supervise students during their placements.

Experience

Ergothérapeute, neurological rehabilitation unit, [Centre], [City]

[month year] to present

  • Assessed and treated patients after stroke, spinal cord injury and brain injury
  • Made custom splints and adjusted them throughout the rehabilitation programme
  • Carried out home visits before discharge and recommended adaptations to families and social workers
  • Set up seating assessments with the physiotherapist for patients using wheelchairs full time
  • Wrote reports supporting MDPH applications for technical aids and home adaptations

Resume headlines

  • Occupational Therapist (Ergothérapeute) | Neurological Rehabilitation, SMR
  • Ergothérapeute | Home Adaptation, Technical Aids, MDPH Assessments
  • Occupational Therapist | Geriatrics, EHPAD, Fall Prevention and Positioning

Summaries for your profile

Entry level

Newly qualified ergothérapeute (Diplôme d'État) with placements in neurological rehabilitation, paediatrics and a home assessment service. Skilled in splinting and activities of daily living assessments, I am looking for a first post in an SMR.

Experienced

Ergothérapeute for [x] years in a rehabilitation centre for neurological and orthopaedic patients. I run daily living rehabilitation, wheelchair and seating assessments and home visits before discharge, and I supervise students during their placements.

Career change

Former carpenter who retrained as an ergothérapeute. My knowledge of building and furniture helps me design realistic home adaptations and talk with contractors about what can be done in a flat or a house.

Tips

  • Show the populations you know: neurology, orthopaedics, paediatrics, geriatrics, mental health.
  • List the assessments and tools you use by name.
  • Highlight home visits and environment adaptation, which recruiters see as core skills.
  • Mention continuing training (seating, Snoezelen, Bobath, driving assessment).
  • Include your registration number once your diploma is recorded.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Describing the job as mostly crafts or leisure activities.
  • Omitting the reports you have written for MDPH or funding bodies.
  • Leaving out teamwork with physiotherapists and doctors.
  • Forgetting to give the French title, which is how posts are advertised.

Working as an occupational therapist in France

Ergothérapeute is a regulated health profession in France. You need the Diplôme d'État d'ergothérapeute, obtained after three years in an approved training institute, and your diploma must be registered before you practise. Foreign diplomas, including from the UK or other EU countries, need an authorisation to practise, which may include a placement or a test. Most posts are salaried in rehabilitation centres, hospitals, nursing homes and disability services. Search for « ergothérapeute », « ergothérapeute SMR », « ergothérapeute EHPAD » or « ergothérapeute domicile ».

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Frequently asked questions

Is occupational therapy regulated in France?

Yes. Ergothérapeute is a regulated health profession that requires the Diplôme d'État, obtained after three years in an institut de formation en ergothérapie. Your diploma must be registered before you practise. Foreign diplomas require an authorisation to practise.

Where do occupational therapists work in France?

Mainly in rehabilitation centres (SMR), hospitals, nursing homes, structures for people with disabilities, MDPH evaluation teams and home care services. Private practice exists but is less common, because sessions are not reimbursed by the Assurance maladie.

My diploma is from the UK or another country. Can I work in France?

You need an authorisation to practise, issued after a review of your training. Depending on the differences, you may be asked to complete a placement or a test. French is essential, since you will write reports and train patients in daily activities.

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