Licensing · Arkansas
How to Get an Occupational Therapy License in Arkansas
By Deepam Pawar, OT · Updated October 9, 2026 · Sources: NBCOT state board list, OT Compact Commission, state board websites
To practice as an OT or OTA in Arkansas you need a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing NBCOT exam score (OTR or COTA), and a license from the Arkansas State Medical Board. Arkansas is an OT Compact member and began accepting compact privilege applications on October 5, 2026.
Arkansas licensing board
- Agency
- Arkansas State Medical Board
- Website
- www.armedicalboard.org
- Location
- Little Rock
- Phone
- (501) 296-1807
- licensemonitor@armedicalboard.org
From NBCOT’s Occupational Therapy Regulatory Body Contact List (rev. July 2026). Agencies and contacts change; confirm on the board’s website.
Arkansas OT license lookup
Use the license verification or lookup page on the Arkansas State Medical Board website. We link only to lookup tools we could confirm on the board’s own site.
A license lookup shows whether a Arkansas license is active. OT Compact privileges are checked separately on CompactConnect. License lookup for every state →
Steps to a Arkansas license
- Graduate from an ACOTE-accredited program. OT: an entry-level master’s or OTD with at least 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork. OTA: an associate or bachelor’s with at least 16 weeks. See OT programs and OTA programs in Arkansas.
- Pass the NBCOT exam: OTR for occupational therapists, COTA for assistants.
- Apply to the Arkansas State Medical Board with your transcript or program verification, NBCOT score, fee and any background check the state requires.
- Complete any Arkansas-specific requirement, such as a jurisprudence (law) exam, and keep your license current with renewals and continuing education.
OT Licensure Compact in Arkansas
Arkansas is an OT Compact member and began accepting compact privilege applications on October 5, 2026. The compact lets an OT or OTA licensed in their home member state get a “privilege to practice” in other member states once both are issuing privileges. See the OT Compact map and every state’s status.
| Accepting compact applications | October 5, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Jurisprudence requirement (compact) | Not required |
| Arkansas privilege fee (OT / OTA) | $4 / $3 |
| Compact fee | $75 |
Source: OT Compact Commission, otcompact.gov (updated October 5, 2026). States issuing privileges at that date: AR, IN, MD, MN, MS, OH, TN, VA, WV, WI.
Pay in Arkansas
U.S. median for occupational therapists: $100,330. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Compare all states.
Frequently asked questions
How do I look up an occupational therapy license in Arkansas?
Use the license verification page on the Arkansas State Medical Board website (www.armedicalboard.org).
Who issues occupational therapy licenses in Arkansas?
The Arkansas State Medical Board (Little Rock). Official website: https://www.armedicalboard.org
What do I need for an OT license in Arkansas?
In every state the core requirements are a degree from an ACOTE-accredited occupational therapy (or OTA) program, completed fieldwork, and a passing score on the NBCOT certification exam, plus the state’s application and fee. Check the Arkansas State Medical Board for Arkansas-specific items such as a jurisprudence exam, background check or temporary permit.
Does Arkansas participate in the OT Licensure Compact?
Arkansas is an OT Compact member and began accepting compact privilege applications on October 5, 2026.
How much do occupational therapists make in Arkansas?
The median wage for OTs in Arkansas was $106,360 a year, and $78,940 for OT assistants (BLS, May 2025).
Are there OT programs in Arkansas?
Yes: 5 OT programs and 5 OTA programs listed by ACOTE.