Licensing · New Mexico
How to Get an Occupational Therapy License in New Mexico
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 New Mexico you need a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing NBCOT exam score (OTR or COTA), and a license from the New Mexico Board of Examiners for Occupational Therapy (Regulation and Licensing Department). New Mexico is not listed as a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, so practicing there requires a New Mexico license.
New Mexico licensing board
- Agency
- New Mexico Board of Examiners for Occupational Therapy (Regulation and Licensing Department)
- Location
- Santa Fe
- Phone
- (505) 476-4622
- occupationaltherapy@rld.nm.gov
From NBCOT’s Occupational Therapy Regulatory Body Contact List (rev. July 2026). Agencies and contacts change; confirm on the board’s website.
New Mexico OT license lookup
To verify an occupational therapist’s or OTA’s license in New Mexico, use the board’s official tool: Verify a License ↗
A license lookup shows whether a New Mexico license is active. OT Compact privileges are checked separately on CompactConnect. License lookup for every state →
Steps to a New Mexico 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 New Mexico.
- Pass the NBCOT exam: OTR for occupational therapists, COTA for assistants.
- Apply to the New Mexico Board of Examiners for Occupational Therapy (Regulation and Licensing Department) with your transcript or program verification, NBCOT score, fee and any background check the state requires.
- Complete any New Mexico-specific requirement, such as a jurisprudence (law) exam, and keep your license current with renewals and continuing education.
OT Licensure Compact in New Mexico
New Mexico is not listed as a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, so practicing there requires a New Mexico license. 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.
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 New Mexico
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 New Mexico?
Use the New Mexico Board of Examiners for Occupational Therapy (Regulation and Licensing Department)’s official “Verify a License” tool: www.rld.nm.gov. It shows whether an OT or OTA license is active.
Who issues occupational therapy licenses in New Mexico?
The New Mexico Board of Examiners for Occupational Therapy (Regulation and Licensing Department) (Santa Fe). Official website: https://www.rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/occupational-therapy/
What do I need for an OT license in New Mexico?
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 New Mexico Board of Examiners for Occupational Therapy (Regulation and Licensing Department) for New Mexico-specific items such as a jurisprudence exam, background check or temporary permit.
Does New Mexico participate in the OT Licensure Compact?
New Mexico is not listed as a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, so practicing there requires a New Mexico license.
How much do occupational therapists make in New Mexico?
The median wage for OTs in New Mexico was $99,170 a year, and $77,020 for OT assistants (BLS, May 2025).
Are there OT programs in New Mexico?
Yes: 1 OT program and 3 OTA programs listed by ACOTE.