Licensing · Maryland
How to Get an Occupational Therapy License in Maryland
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 Maryland you need a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing NBCOT exam score (OTR or COTA), and a license from the Maryland Board of Occupational Therapy Practice. Maryland is an OT Compact member and began accepting compact privilege applications on April 15, 2026.
Maryland licensing board
- Agency
- Maryland Board of Occupational Therapy Practice
- Website
- health.maryland.gov/botp
- Location
- Baltimore
- Phone
- (410) 402-8556
From NBCOT’s Occupational Therapy Regulatory Body Contact List (rev. July 2026). Agencies and contacts change; confirm on the board’s website.
Maryland OT license lookup
To verify an occupational therapist’s or OTA’s license in Maryland, use the board’s official tool: Verify a License ↗
A license lookup shows whether a Maryland license is active. OT Compact privileges are checked separately on CompactConnect. License lookup for every state →
Steps to a Maryland 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 Maryland.
- Pass the NBCOT exam: OTR for occupational therapists, COTA for assistants.
- Apply to the Maryland Board of Occupational Therapy Practice with your transcript or program verification, NBCOT score, fee and any background check the state requires.
- Complete any Maryland-specific requirement, such as a jurisprudence (law) exam, and keep your license current with renewals and continuing education.
OT Licensure Compact in Maryland
Maryland is an OT Compact member and began accepting compact privilege applications on April 15, 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 | April 15, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Jurisprudence requirement (compact) | State requirement (see board) |
| Maryland privilege fee (OT / OTA) | $125 / $125 |
| 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 Maryland
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 Maryland?
Use the Maryland Board of Occupational Therapy Practice’s official “Verify a License” tool: mdbot.mylicense.com. It shows whether an OT or OTA license is active.
Who issues occupational therapy licenses in Maryland?
The Maryland Board of Occupational Therapy Practice (Baltimore). Official website: https://health.maryland.gov/botp
What do I need for an OT license in Maryland?
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 Maryland Board of Occupational Therapy Practice for Maryland-specific items such as a jurisprudence exam, background check or temporary permit.
Does Maryland participate in the OT Licensure Compact?
Maryland is an OT Compact member and began accepting compact privilege applications on April 15, 2026.
How much do occupational therapists make in Maryland?
The median wage for OTs in Maryland was $106,980 a year, and $82,010 for OT assistants (BLS, May 2025).
Are there OT programs in Maryland?
Yes: 4 OT programs and 4 OTA programs listed by ACOTE.