Licensing · Michigan
How to Get an Occupational Therapy License in Michigan
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 Michigan you need a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing NBCOT exam score (OTR or COTA), and a license from the Michigan Bureau of Professional Licensing (Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs). Michigan is an OT Compact member but was not yet accepting compact privilege applications when we checked.
Michigan licensing board
- Agency
- Michigan Bureau of Professional Licensing (Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs)
- Location
- Lansing
- Phone
- (517) 241-0560
From NBCOT’s Occupational Therapy Regulatory Body Contact List (rev. July 2026). Agencies and contacts change; confirm on the board’s website.
Michigan OT license lookup
To verify an occupational therapist’s or OTA’s license in Michigan, use the board’s official tool: Find / Verify a BPL Licensed Professional ↗
A license lookup shows whether a Michigan license is active. OT Compact privileges are checked separately on CompactConnect. License lookup for every state →
Steps to a Michigan 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 Michigan.
- Pass the NBCOT exam: OTR for occupational therapists, COTA for assistants.
- Apply to the Michigan Bureau of Professional Licensing (Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs) with your transcript or program verification, NBCOT score, fee and any background check the state requires.
- Complete any Michigan-specific requirement, such as a jurisprudence (law) exam, and keep your license current with renewals and continuing education.
OT Licensure Compact in Michigan
Michigan 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 |
| 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 Michigan
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 Michigan?
Use the Michigan Bureau of Professional Licensing (Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs)’s official “Find / Verify a BPL Licensed Professional” tool: aca-prod.accela.com. It shows whether an OT or OTA license is active.
Who issues occupational therapy licenses in Michigan?
The Michigan Bureau of Professional Licensing (Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs) (Lansing). Official website: https://www.michigan.gov/healthlicense
What do I need for an OT license in Michigan?
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 Michigan Bureau of Professional Licensing (Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs) for Michigan-specific items such as a jurisprudence exam, background check or temporary permit.
Does Michigan participate in the OT Licensure Compact?
Michigan is an OT Compact member but was not yet accepting compact privilege applications when we checked.
How much do occupational therapists make in Michigan?
The median wage for OTs in Michigan was $89,910 a year, and $63,260 for OT assistants (BLS, May 2025).
Are there OT programs in Michigan?
Yes: 13 OT programs and 5 OTA programs listed by ACOTE.