Licensing · Montana
How to Get an Occupational Therapy License in Montana
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 Montana you need a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing NBCOT exam score (OTR or COTA), and a license from the Montana Board of Physical, Rehabilitative, and Developmental Health Care Professionals. Montana is an OT Compact member but was not yet accepting compact privilege applications when we checked.
Montana licensing board
- Agency
- Montana Board of Physical, Rehabilitative, and Developmental Health Care Professionals
- Location
- Helena
- Phone
- (406) 444-6880
- dlibsdotp@mt.gov
From NBCOT’s Occupational Therapy Regulatory Body Contact List (rev. July 2026). Agencies and contacts change; confirm on the board’s website.
Montana OT license lookup
To verify an occupational therapist’s or OTA’s license in Montana, use the board’s official tool: Licensee Lookup System ↗
A license lookup shows whether a Montana license is active. OT Compact privileges are checked separately on CompactConnect. License lookup for every state →
Steps to a Montana 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 in Montana.
- Pass the NBCOT exam: OTR for occupational therapists, COTA for assistants.
- Apply to the Montana Board of Physical, Rehabilitative, and Developmental Health Care Professionals with your transcript or program verification, NBCOT score, fee and any background check the state requires.
- Complete any Montana-specific requirement, such as a jurisprudence (law) exam, and keep your license current with renewals and continuing education.
OT Licensure Compact in Montana
Montana 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 |
| Montana privilege fee (OT / OTA) | $190 / $190 |
| 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 Montana
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 Montana?
Use the Montana Board of Physical, Rehabilitative, and Developmental Health Care Professionals’s official “Licensee Lookup System” tool: ebizws.mt.gov. It shows whether an OT or OTA license is active.
Who issues occupational therapy licenses in Montana?
The Montana Board of Physical, Rehabilitative, and Developmental Health Care Professionals (Helena). Official website: https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/Physical-Rehabilitative-and-Developmental-Health-Care-Professionals/
What do I need for an OT license in Montana?
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 Montana Board of Physical, Rehabilitative, and Developmental Health Care Professionals for Montana-specific items such as a jurisprudence exam, background check or temporary permit.
Does Montana participate in the OT Licensure Compact?
Montana is an OT Compact member but was not yet accepting compact privilege applications when we checked.
How much do occupational therapists make in Montana?
The median wage for OTs in Montana was $88,990 a year, and $72,800 for OT assistants (BLS, May 2025).
Are there OT programs in Montana?
Yes: 2 OT programs and 0 OTA programs listed by ACOTE.