Certification and Licensure
National Certification Examination
The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification exam is required for the Occupational Therapy Registered (OTR) credential and licensure in most states. Please note a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to take the NBCOT certification exam. NBCOT offers the Early Determination Review for prospective or current OT students to learn if a past issue will affect their certification exam eligibility before they undertake or complete their studies. Students are urged to contact NBCOT or the state licensing agency for further information.
Students are eligible to take the certification exam upon graduation from an accredited program. Students will need to submit a request for a final transcript from the Registrar that shows the OTD Degree has been awarded to the NBCOT. More information about the NBCOT can be found on their website or here https://www.mghihp.edu/academics/academic-resources-services/registrar/preparing-documents-licensure.
Licensure
Passing the NBCOT examination qualifies the student to enter professional practice as an Occupational Therapist Registered. A license is required to practice Occupational Therapy and requirements for licensure are specific to the state in which you are licensed. Each state has different laws and regulations for occupational therapy licensure.
Graduates are responsible to independently investigate procedures and follow each State’s documentation requirements for application for licensure. The AOTA provides information about State OT Statutes and Regulations on their website: https://www.aota.org/career/state-licensure/learn-the-steps-to-licensure
A licensure flow chart is available in Appendix C.