OT Program Director

You lead an occupational therapy department or run your own OT practice. The clinical work that defined your career has given way to budgets, staffing, program development, and outcomes reporting. You're shaping the direction of OT services for your organization — deciding what programs to build, which populations to serve, and how to keep the department financially viable while maintaining quality.

What you'll actually do

• 01Manage the OT department budget, staffing, and program development
• 02Hire and evaluate occupational therapists and OTAs
• 03Develop new therapy programs based on community needs and reimbursement trends
• 04Monitor clinical outcomes and implement quality improvement initiatives
• 05Navigate insurance and regulatory requirements — they change constantly
• 06Represent OT at interdisciplinary leadership meetings
• 07Try to maintain some clinical contact because you miss actually treating patients

Career Path

Where this role sits in the bigger picture — and where it can take you.