Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Tennessee
Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Tennessee are active and growing, with strong demand across skilled nursing facilities, pediatric outpatient clinics, school systems, and inpatient rehabilitation centers at every level from entry-level through senior clinician. The largest concentrations of hiring are in Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville, where established employers like Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Baptist Memorial Health Care, and Encompass Health consistently bring on occupational therapy assistants. Pediatrics, geriatric rehabilitation, and school-based therapy are the most in-demand specialties across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 84+ Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant - NHC Columbia
Columbia, TN
Join a supportive in-house therapy team where patient care, teamwork, and professional growth truly matter. NHC Columbia offers excellent compensation, great benefits, and a family-oriented culture that celebrates and empowers our partners (employees).
What We Offer:
- Competitive pay + performance raises
- Earned Time Off
- Health, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Insurance
- 401(k) with company contributions
- Continuing education support
- Stock options & provided uniforms
What you need:
- AOTA-accredited OTA degree
- NBCOT certified or eligible
- Tennessee OTA license
- Team-focused, positive attitude
- SNF experience a plus
If you love serving the geriatric population and value compassion and professionalism, we want to meet you!
Apply today: nhccare.com/locations/columbia/ (https://nhccare.com/locations/columbia/)
EOE
Skills
Preferred- Training - Therapy
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant - NHC Columbia
Columbia, TN
Join a supportive in-house therapy team where patient care, teamwork, and professional growth truly matter. NHC Columbia offers excellent compensation, great benefits, and a family-oriented culture that celebrates and empowers our partners (employees).
What We Offer:
- Competitive pay + performance raises
- Earned Time Off
- Health, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Insurance
- 401(k) with company contributions
- Continuing education support
- Stock options & provided uniforms
What you need:
- AOTA-accredited OTA degree
- NBCOT certified or eligible
- Tennessee OTA license
- Team-focused, positive attitude
- SNF experience a plus
If you love serving the geriatric population and value compassion and professionalism, we want to meet you!
Apply today: nhccare.com/locations/columbia/ (https://nhccare.com/locations/columbia/)
EOE
Skills
Preferred- Training - Therapy
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
See All 84 Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Tennessee
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Find JobsOccupational Therapy Assistant Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- National HealthCare Corporation16
- Broad River Rehab12
- Evolve Therapy Services7
- Ahava Therapy Services5
- Powerback Rehabilitation4
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in occupational therapy assistant jobs across Tennessee.
- Active Occupational Therapy Assistant license issued or recognized by the Tennessee Health Related Boards
- Associate degree from a ACOTE-accredited occupational therapy assistant program
- Current National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy certification in good standing
- Experience in a clinical setting such as skilled nursing, pediatrics, or inpatient rehabilitation
- Ability to implement treatment plans under a licensed occupational therapist's supervision
- Basic Life Support certification or willingness to obtain prior to start date
Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become an occupational therapy assistant in Tennessee?
To become an occupational therapy assistant in Tennessee, you must earn an associate degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program, pass the NBCOT certification exam, and obtain a license through the Tennessee Health Related Boards. The Tennessee Occupational Therapy Practice Act governs licensure, and applicants must submit proof of education, exam results, and a background check before practicing in the state.
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Tennessee?
Occupational therapy assistants in Tennessee earn a median of about $62,420 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $23,910 for the lowest 10% to over $78,950 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire occupational therapy assistants in Tennessee?
Employers hiring occupational therapy assistants in Tennessee right now include National HealthCare Corporation, Broad River Rehab, and Evolve Therapy Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Tennessee's dense network of long-term care facilities, hospital-based rehabilitation programs, and public school systems makes it one of the more consistent hiring environments for this role in the Southeast.
Which Tennessee cities have the most occupational therapy assistant jobs?
Nashville, Memphis, and Columbia have the most occupational therapy assistant openings in Tennessee. Nashville leads because of its large and expanding health system presence, including major medical centers and outpatient networks, while Memphis draws hiring through its regional hospital systems and pediatric institutions, and Knoxville benefits from university-affiliated clinics and a growing senior population driving rehabilitation demand.
Are there remote occupational therapy assistant jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, but they're rare. Occupational therapy assistant work is hands-on by nature, requiring direct patient contact, so the vast majority of roles are on-site. About 0% of occupational therapy assistant openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, and those positions typically involve documentation support, telehealth coordination, or supervisory administrative functions rather than direct treatment delivery.
How can I get hired as an occupational therapy assistant in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing your fieldwork rotations at Tennessee facilities and converting those relationships into your first hire. Large health systems like Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Encompass Health locations across Tennessee regularly bring on new graduates through structured onboarding programs. Candidates coming from roles like rehab aide, therapy technician, or home health aide have a natural stepping stone. Holding an active Tennessee license and NBCOT certification before applying gives you a clear edge over candidates who are still pending credentials.
Where can I find and apply to occupational therapy assistant jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to occupational therapy assistant jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to the state. Find roles that fit your experience and specialty and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 84 Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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