Licensing · North Dakota
How to Get an Occupational Therapy License in North Dakota
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 North Dakota you need a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing NBCOT exam score (OTR or COTA), and a license from the North Dakota State Board of Occupational Therapy Practice. North Dakota is an OT Compact member but was not yet accepting compact privilege applications when we checked.
North Dakota licensing board
- Agency
- North Dakota State Board of Occupational Therapy Practice
- Website
- www.ndotboard.com
- Location
- Bismarck
- Phone
- (701) 250-0847
- ndotboard@aptnd.com
From NBCOT’s Occupational Therapy Regulatory Body Contact List (rev. July 2026). Agencies and contacts change; confirm on the board’s website.
North Dakota OT license lookup
Use the license verification or lookup page on the North Dakota State Board of Occupational Therapy Practice website. We link only to lookup tools we could confirm on the board’s own site.
A license lookup shows whether a North Dakota license is active. OT Compact privileges are checked separately on CompactConnect. License lookup for every state →
Steps to a North Dakota 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 North Dakota.
- Pass the NBCOT exam: OTR for occupational therapists, COTA for assistants.
- Apply to the North Dakota State Board of Occupational Therapy Practice with your transcript or program verification, NBCOT score, fee and any background check the state requires.
- Complete any North Dakota-specific requirement, such as a jurisprudence (law) exam, and keep your license current with renewals and continuing education.
OT Licensure Compact in North Dakota
North Dakota 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) |
| North Dakota privilege fee (OT / OTA) | TBD / TBD |
| 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 North Dakota
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 North Dakota?
Use the license verification page on the North Dakota State Board of Occupational Therapy Practice website (www.ndotboard.com).
Who issues occupational therapy licenses in North Dakota?
The North Dakota State Board of Occupational Therapy Practice (Bismarck). Official website: https://www.ndotboard.com
What do I need for an OT license in North Dakota?
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 North Dakota State Board of Occupational Therapy Practice for North Dakota-specific items such as a jurisprudence exam, background check or temporary permit.
Does North Dakota participate in the OT Licensure Compact?
North Dakota is an OT Compact member but was not yet accepting compact privilege applications when we checked.
How much do occupational therapists make in North Dakota?
The median wage for OTs in North Dakota was $83,200 a year, and $60,970 for OT assistants (BLS, May 2025).
Are there OT programs in North Dakota?
Yes: 3 OT programs and 2 OTA programs listed by ACOTE.