Jobs › Sanford Health

Occupational Therapist - Acute Care - FT

Sanford Health · Marshfield, WI · $35.50–$52.00 an hour · Full time

Posted Jul 6, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a patient with cognitive problems who did not see their own safety risks. How did you handle it?

What they are checking: Skill with cognition and communicating risk to patients and families.

Why acute care, and what would help you grow here?

What they are checking: Fit with fast-paced hospital work and openness to growth.

What would you do

You have more patients than time. How do you prioritize your caseload?

What they are checking: Smart prioritization based on discharge timing and patient need.

How do you work with PT, nursing and case management on discharge planning?

What they are checking: Teamwork that helps patients leave safely and on time.

A patient refuses therapy. What do you do?

What they are checking: Respect for choice, plus attempts to understand and motivate.

About the work

Walk me through an OT evaluation for a patient in the hospital after a stroke.

What they are checking: A focused acute evaluation of function, cognition and safety for discharge.

How do you decide whether a patient can safely go home or needs rehab?

What they are checking: Discharge recommendation skill, which is a major part of acute care OT.

How do you set realistic goals for a patient in a short hospital stay?

What they are checking: Goal-setting that fits acute care, which the posting stresses.

How do you teach a family member to help a patient with daily activities at home?

What they are checking: Caregiver education that improves outcomes after discharge.

How do you stay safe and keep patients safe when mobilizing someone with lines and tubes?

What they are checking: Awareness of medical equipment and precautions in the acute setting.

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The full job description

As published by Sanford Health.

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. 

 Work Shift: 8 Hours - Day Shifts (United States of America)

 Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

 Compensation: Salary Range: $35.50 - $52.00

Sign on Bonus! $20,000 with a commitment

 Union Position: No

 Department Details Summary Assesses clients/patients/residents and designs occupational therapy treatments. Help clients/patients/residents to develop, maintain and recover their ability to perform tasks in client’s/patient’s/resident's occupations of life. Job Description The therapist conducts evaluations and provides interventions for clients/patients/residents who have functional, cognitive or behavioral impairments. Occupational Therapist evaluate physical, cognitive, developmental and psychosocial abilities of clients/patients/residents; developing realistic therapy goals and administering appropriate occupational therapy programs. Documents client's/patient's/resident's information for evaluation; establishes therapeutic plans and modifies them if necessary. Provides clients/patients/residents education designed to enhance understanding and improve functional outcomes. Knowledge of and utilizes appropriate age-related treatments and evaluations relating to the needs of clients/patients/residents. Demonstrate and incorporate knowledge of current research into daily treatment of clients/patients/residents. May treat individuals of all ages with varying diagnosis and disorders. Will demonstrate documentation in accordance with departmental guidelines and meet all regulatory requirements. Demonstrates level of treatment associated with their specialty provided to their clients/patients/residents. Follows and adheres to accepted clinical practice guidelines of professional organization. Exhibits flexibility with acceptance of variable work schedules/assignments. Participates in activities to promote the department, Good Samaritan Society and Sanford Health. Will be interacting with individuals outside of the department including but not limited to: providers, case managers, family members, third party payers, public organizations, etc. May be asked to supervise assistants, aides, and students as they provide patient/resident care, treatment, or other services. Will be expected to provide ongoing education and training to peers in the area(s) of expertise as determined by the department leadership. Performs other related duties as requested by manager. Dependent on facility and location, work may focus on those receiving intervention in the post-acute, long term care, and home health care environments. Qualifications Appropriate education level required in accordance with state licensure. Must be licensed in the state(s) of practice as Occupational Therapist. When working at a Sanford Health Facility (not required but preferred for GSS Facilities): Must also be certified through the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). When applicable, may require valid driver's license. Obtains and subsequently maintains required department specific competencies and certifications. Basic Life Support (BLS) for health care providers required or within the first 60 days of employment. In the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota, new graduates in the process of testing with the board, will be considered with the possession of a temporary license. Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-877-949-5678 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org.

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