Applications and Temporary Licenses
In the State of Minnesota, you must have a current Minnesota Occupational Therapy or Minnesota Occupational Therapy Assistant license before practicing or using protected titles. Any licensing or processing fees are your responsibility and are nonrefundable. The Board reserves the right to reject or cancel any outdated applications. Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are received by the Board office.
Below is a brief description of each application method. Before applying, review each method to determine the one that best fits your circumstances.
Full License Methods:
General: Persons that have received professional education from an accredited educational program for occupational therapy and have passed the NBCOT examination within the past two (2) years.
Equivalency: Persons that hold a
current certificate issued by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and may hold or have held a credential in another state.
Reciprocity: Persons that
DO NOT hold a current certificate issued by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), but hold a
current and unrestricted credential for the practice of occupational therapy in another state or jurisdiction.
Temporary License Methods:
New Graduate: Persons that have completed professional education from an accredited educational program for occupational therapy within the past two (2) years, have not taken the NBCOT examination AND have an employer and qualified occupational therapist to serve as a supervisor.
Another State or NBCOT Certified: Persons that hold current and unrestricted credential for the practice of occupational therapy in another state or jurisdiction and/or hold a current certificate issued by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
Criminal Background Check:
Minnesota Statute §214.075 requires that all applicants for initial licensure, licensure by endorsement, reinstatement of a license after a year, or interstate licensure compact applicants complete a criminal background check. Health Licensing Boards may not issue a license to applicants that refuse to consent to a Criminal Background Check. Upon completion of your application for licensure you will receive information on completing the Criminal Background Check process via email from the Criminal background Check office. Any questions regarding the process should be directed to the
Criminal Background Check Office.
