Licensing · Mississippi
How to Get an Occupational Therapy License in Mississippi
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 Mississippi you need a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing NBCOT exam score (OTR or COTA), and a license from the Mississippi State Department of Health, Bureau of Professional Licensure. Mississippi is an OT Compact member and began accepting compact privilege applications on October 5, 2026.
Mississippi licensing board
- Agency
- Mississippi State Department of Health, Bureau of Professional Licensure
- Website
- msdh.ms.gov
- Location
- Jackson
- Phone
- (601) 364-7360
From NBCOT’s Occupational Therapy Regulatory Body Contact List (rev. July 2026). Agencies and contacts change; confirm on the board’s website.
Mississippi OT license lookup
To verify an occupational therapist’s or OTA’s license in Mississippi, use the board’s official tool: License Verification ↗
A license lookup shows whether a Mississippi license is active. OT Compact privileges are checked separately on CompactConnect. License lookup for every state →
Steps to a Mississippi 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 Mississippi.
- Pass the NBCOT exam: OTR for occupational therapists, COTA for assistants.
- Apply to the Mississippi State Department of Health, Bureau of Professional Licensure with your transcript or program verification, NBCOT score, fee and any background check the state requires.
- Complete any Mississippi-specific requirement, such as a jurisprudence (law) exam, and keep your license current with renewals and continuing education.
OT Licensure Compact in Mississippi
Mississippi 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 |
| Mississippi privilege fee (OT / OTA) | $200 / $150 |
| 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 Mississippi
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 Mississippi?
Use the Mississippi State Department of Health, Bureau of Professional Licensure’s official “License Verification” tool: msdh.ms.gov. It shows whether an OT or OTA license is active.
Who issues occupational therapy licenses in Mississippi?
The Mississippi State Department of Health, Bureau of Professional Licensure (Jackson). Official website: https://msdh.ms.gov
What do I need for an OT license in Mississippi?
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 Mississippi State Department of Health, Bureau of Professional Licensure for Mississippi-specific items such as a jurisprudence exam, background check or temporary permit.
Does Mississippi participate in the OT Licensure Compact?
Mississippi is an OT Compact member and began accepting compact privilege applications on October 5, 2026.
How much do occupational therapists make in Mississippi?
The median wage for OTs in Mississippi was $94,930 a year, and $61,650 for OT assistants (BLS, May 2025).
Are there OT programs in Mississippi?
Yes: 2 OT programs and 4 OTA programs listed by ACOTE.