Licensing · Minnesota
How to Get an Occupational Therapy License in Minnesota
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 Minnesota you need a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing NBCOT exam score (OTR or COTA), and a license from the Minnesota Board of Occupational Therapy Practice. Minnesota is an OT Compact member and began accepting compact privilege applications on January 12, 2026.
Minnesota licensing board
- Agency
- Minnesota Board of Occupational Therapy Practice
- Location
- St. Paul
- Phone
- (612) 548-2179
- occupational.therapy@state.mn.us
From NBCOT’s Occupational Therapy Regulatory Body Contact List (rev. July 2026). Agencies and contacts change; confirm on the board’s website.
Minnesota OT license lookup
To verify an occupational therapist’s or OTA’s license in Minnesota, use the board’s official tool: License Lookup ↗
A license lookup shows whether a Minnesota license is active. OT Compact privileges are checked separately on CompactConnect. License lookup for every state →
Steps to a Minnesota 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 Minnesota.
- Pass the NBCOT exam: OTR for occupational therapists, COTA for assistants.
- Apply to the Minnesota Board of Occupational Therapy Practice with your transcript or program verification, NBCOT score, fee and any background check the state requires.
- Complete any Minnesota-specific requirement, such as a jurisprudence (law) exam, and keep your license current with renewals and continuing education.
OT Licensure Compact in Minnesota
Minnesota is an OT Compact member and began accepting compact privilege applications on January 12, 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 | January 12, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Jurisprudence requirement (compact) | Not required |
| Minnesota privilege fee (OT / OTA) | $50 / $50 |
| 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 Minnesota
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 Minnesota?
Use the Minnesota Board of Occupational Therapy Practice’s official “License Lookup” tool: otp.hlb.state.mn.us. It shows whether an OT or OTA license is active.
Who issues occupational therapy licenses in Minnesota?
The Minnesota Board of Occupational Therapy Practice (St. Paul). Official website: https://mn.gov/boards/occupational-therapy/
What do I need for an OT license in Minnesota?
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 Minnesota Board of Occupational Therapy Practice for Minnesota-specific items such as a jurisprudence exam, background check or temporary permit.
Does Minnesota participate in the OT Licensure Compact?
Minnesota is an OT Compact member and began accepting compact privilege applications on January 12, 2026.
How much do occupational therapists make in Minnesota?
The median wage for OTs in Minnesota was $93,050 a year, and $64,920 for OT assistants (BLS, May 2025).
Are there OT programs in Minnesota?
Yes: 9 OT programs and 4 OTA programs listed by ACOTE.