Licensing · Iowa
How to Get an Occupational Therapy License in Iowa
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 Iowa you need a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing NBCOT exam score (OTR or COTA), and a license from the Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy. Iowa is an OT Compact member but was not yet accepting compact privilege applications when we checked.
Iowa licensing board
- Agency
- Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy
- Website
- ibplicense.iowa.gov
- Location
- Des Moines
- Phone
- (515) 281-4413
From NBCOT’s Occupational Therapy Regulatory Body Contact List (rev. July 2026). Agencies and contacts change; confirm on the board’s website.
Iowa OT license lookup
Use the license verification or lookup page on the Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy website. We link only to lookup tools we could confirm on the board’s own site.
A license lookup shows whether a Iowa license is active. OT Compact privileges are checked separately on CompactConnect. License lookup for every state →
Steps to a Iowa 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 Iowa.
- Pass the NBCOT exam: OTR for occupational therapists, COTA for assistants.
- Apply to the Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy with your transcript or program verification, NBCOT score, fee and any background check the state requires.
- Complete any Iowa-specific requirement, such as a jurisprudence (law) exam, and keep your license current with renewals and continuing education.
OT Licensure Compact in Iowa
Iowa is an OT Compact member but was not yet accepting compact privilege applications when we checked. 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 | Not yet |
|---|---|
| Jurisprudence requirement (compact) | Not required |
| Iowa privilege fee (OT / OTA) | TBD / TBD |
| 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 Iowa
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 Iowa?
Use the license verification page on the Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy website (ibplicense.iowa.gov).
Who issues occupational therapy licenses in Iowa?
The Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy (Des Moines). Official website: https://ibplicense.iowa.gov/
What do I need for an OT license in Iowa?
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 Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy for Iowa-specific items such as a jurisprudence exam, background check or temporary permit.
Does Iowa participate in the OT Licensure Compact?
Iowa is an OT Compact member but was not yet accepting compact privilege applications when we checked.
How much do occupational therapists make in Iowa?
The median wage for OTs in Iowa was $89,910 a year, and $64,140 for OT assistants (BLS, May 2025).
Are there OT programs in Iowa?
Yes: 4 OT programs and 3 OTA programs listed by ACOTE.