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Occupational Therapist – Acute Care

Vanderbilt University Medical Center
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 11 Jun 2026

About the role

Discover Vanderbilt University Medical Center:  Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care, VUMC is a community of individuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where your uniqueness is sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt’s mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research.

Organization:

Acute Rehab PT/OT 3

Job Summary:

JOB SUMMARY
Provides occupational therapy services to patients who have impairments, developmental disabilities, functional limitations, disabilities, or changes in physical function and health status resulting from injury, disease or other causes with some guidance. Actively collaborates with the health care/educational team to meet patient care, outcomes and system improvement objectives.

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Occupational Therapist – Acute Care

Location: Vanderbilt Health | Nashville, TN
Job Type: Full-Time

Advance Your Occupational Therapy Career at Vanderbilt Health

Are you an Occupational Therapist with a passion for acute care and a desire to grow in a high-acuity hospital setting? Vanderbilt Health is seeking a Full-Time Occupational Therapist – Acute Care to join our rehabilitation team in Nashville, Tennessee.

This role is ideal for clinicians with prior acute care or inpatient experience who are looking to advance their practice in a nationally recognized academic medical center and Level 1 Trauma Center.

Why Choose Vanderbilt Health

  • Day-one benefits including medical, dental, vision, and retirement

  • Career advancement ladder with structured growth from OT Level 1 through Level 4

  • Free continuing education through department-hosted CE courses

  • Comprehensive onboarding with structured orientation across hospital units

  • Formal mentorship program to support clinical development and growth

  • Collaborative, team-based culture with opportunities to participate in initiatives

  • Magnet-designated and nationally recognized health system known for excellence in patient-centered care

Your Impact as an Acute Care Occupational Therapist

  • Provide evidence-based evaluations and interventions for medically complex hospitalized patients

  • Deliver care across diverse settings, including ICU, surgical units, and emergency services

  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized plans of care

  • Educate patients and caregivers on functional independence and safe discharge planning

  • Document care and outcomes in compliance with hospital and regulatory standards

  • Participate in quality improvement and departmental initiatives

Qualifications

  • Licensed Occupational Therapist or eligible for licensure in the state of Tennessee

  • Prior acute care or inpatient experience preferred

  • Strong communication skills and commitment to interdisciplinary, patient-centered care

Ready to Make an Impact?

Join a team where your expertise is valued and your clinical skills continue to grow. Apply today to become an Occupational Therapist – Acute Care at Vanderbilt Health!

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Analyzes comprehensive information from formal and informal assessment that is pertinent to the patient's care and management to determine a rehabilitation treatment diagnosis.
• Collaborates with stakeholders in establishing the plan of care, coordinates and implements care delivery while anticipating patient care needs across the rehabilitation continuum.
• Applies appropriate, evidence-based interventions to ensure effective outcomes and re-evaluates performance to assess patient's progress towards goals.
• Employs strategies to promote successful return to home, community, and school/vocational

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Company

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

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