Licensing · Missouri
How to Get an Occupational Therapy License in Missouri
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 Missouri you need a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing NBCOT exam score (OTR or COTA), and a license from the Missouri Board of Occupational Therapy. Missouri is an OT Compact member but was not yet accepting compact privilege applications when we checked.
Missouri licensing board
- Agency
- Missouri Board of Occupational Therapy
- Website
- pr.mo.gov/octherapy.asp
- Location
- Jefferson City
- Phone
- (573) 751-0877
From NBCOT’s Occupational Therapy Regulatory Body Contact List (rev. July 2026). Agencies and contacts change; confirm on the board’s website.
Missouri OT license lookup
To verify an occupational therapist’s or OTA’s license in Missouri, use the board’s official tool: Licensee Search ↗
A license lookup shows whether a Missouri license is active. OT Compact privileges are checked separately on CompactConnect. License lookup for every state →
Steps to a Missouri 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 Missouri.
- Pass the NBCOT exam: OTR for occupational therapists, COTA for assistants.
- Apply to the Missouri Board of Occupational Therapy with your transcript or program verification, NBCOT score, fee and any background check the state requires.
- Complete any Missouri-specific requirement, such as a jurisprudence (law) exam, and keep your license current with renewals and continuing education.
What the Missouri board says
- Missouri’s board offers a limited permit application and a jurisprudence exam.
Quote from the board’s website
“Application for Limited Permit Limited Permit Renewal Form Jurisprudence Exam”
Quoted from the board’s website, checked October 9, 2026.
OT Licensure Compact in Missouri
Missouri 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) | State requirement (see board) |
| Missouri privilege fee (OT / OTA) | $30 / $10 |
| 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 Missouri
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 Missouri?
Use the Missouri Board of Occupational Therapy’s official “Licensee Search” tool: mopro.mo.gov. It shows whether an OT or OTA license is active.
Who issues occupational therapy licenses in Missouri?
The Missouri Board of Occupational Therapy (Jefferson City). Official website: https://pr.mo.gov/octherapy.asp
What do I need for an OT license in Missouri?
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 Missouri Board of Occupational Therapy for Missouri-specific items such as a jurisprudence exam, background check or temporary permit.
Does Missouri participate in the OT Licensure Compact?
Missouri is an OT Compact member but was not yet accepting compact privilege applications when we checked.
How much do occupational therapists make in Missouri?
The median wage for OTs in Missouri was $97,290 a year, and $66,070 for OT assistants (BLS, May 2025).
Are there OT programs in Missouri?
Yes: 9 OT programs and 8 OTA programs listed by ACOTE.