Licensing · Ohio
How to Get an Occupational Therapy License in Ohio
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 Ohio you need a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing NBCOT exam score (OTR or COTA), and a license from the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board. Ohio is an OT Compact member and began accepting compact privilege applications on January 12, 2026.
Ohio licensing board
- Agency
- Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board
- Website
- www.otptat.ohio.gov
- Location
- Columbus
- Phone
- (614) 466-3474
- board@otptat.ohio.gov
From NBCOT’s Occupational Therapy Regulatory Body Contact List (rev. July 2026). Agencies and contacts change; confirm on the board’s website.
Ohio OT license lookup
Use the license verification or lookup page on the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board website. We link only to lookup tools we could confirm on the board’s own site.
A license lookup shows whether a Ohio license is active. OT Compact privileges are checked separately on CompactConnect. License lookup for every state →
Steps to a Ohio 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 Ohio.
- Pass the NBCOT exam: OTR for occupational therapists, COTA for assistants.
- Apply to the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board with your transcript or program verification, NBCOT score, fee and any background check the state requires.
- Complete any Ohio-specific requirement, such as a jurisprudence (law) exam, and keep your license current with renewals and continuing education.
OT Licensure Compact in Ohio
Ohio is an OT Compact member and began accepting compact privilege applications on January 12, 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 | January 12, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Jurisprudence requirement (compact) | State requirement (see board) |
| Ohio privilege fee (OT / OTA) | $25 / $25 |
| 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 Ohio
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 Ohio?
Use the license verification page on the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board website (www.otptat.ohio.gov).
Who issues occupational therapy licenses in Ohio?
The Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board (Columbus). Official website: https://www.otptat.ohio.gov
What do I need for an OT license in Ohio?
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 Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board for Ohio-specific items such as a jurisprudence exam, background check or temporary permit.
Does Ohio participate in the OT Licensure Compact?
Ohio is an OT Compact member and began accepting compact privilege applications on January 12, 2026.
How much do occupational therapists make in Ohio?
The median wage for OTs in Ohio was $99,390 a year, and $62,700 for OT assistants (BLS, May 2025).
Are there OT programs in Ohio?
Yes: 15 OT programs and 13 OTA programs listed by ACOTE.