Licensing · Pennsylvania
How to Get an Occupational Therapy License in Pennsylvania
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 Pennsylvania you need a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing NBCOT exam score (OTR or COTA), and a license from the Pennsylvania State Board of Occupational Therapy Education and Licensure. Pennsylvania is not listed as a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, so practicing there requires a Pennsylvania license.
Pennsylvania licensing board
- Agency
- Pennsylvania State Board of Occupational Therapy Education and Licensure
- Website
- www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/OccupationalTherapy/Pages/default.aspx
- Location
- Harrisburg
- Phone
- (833) 367-2762
- st-occupational@pa.gov
From NBCOT’s Occupational Therapy Regulatory Body Contact List (rev. July 2026). Agencies and contacts change; confirm on the board’s website.
Pennsylvania OT license lookup
To verify an occupational therapist’s or OTA’s license in Pennsylvania, use the board’s official tool: Verify a Professional or Occupational License ↗
A license lookup shows whether a Pennsylvania license is active. OT Compact privileges are checked separately on CompactConnect. License lookup for every state →
Steps to a Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.
- Pass the NBCOT exam: OTR for occupational therapists, COTA for assistants.
- Apply to the Pennsylvania State Board of Occupational Therapy Education and Licensure with your transcript or program verification, NBCOT score, fee and any background check the state requires.
- Complete any Pennsylvania-specific requirement, such as a jurisprudence (law) exam, and keep your license current with renewals and continuing education.
OT Licensure Compact in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is not listed as a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, so practicing there requires a Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania
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 Pennsylvania?
Use the Pennsylvania State Board of Occupational Therapy Education and Licensure’s official “Verify a Professional or Occupational License” tool: www.pa.gov. It shows whether an OT or OTA license is active.
Who issues occupational therapy licenses in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania State Board of Occupational Therapy Education and Licensure (Harrisburg). Official website: https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/OccupationalTherapy/Pages/default.aspx
What do I need for an OT license in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania State Board of Occupational Therapy Education and Licensure for Pennsylvania-specific items such as a jurisprudence exam, background check or temporary permit.
Does Pennsylvania participate in the OT Licensure Compact?
Pennsylvania is not listed as a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, so practicing there requires a Pennsylvania license.
How much do occupational therapists make in Pennsylvania?
The median wage for OTs in Pennsylvania was $98,440 a year, and $71,590 for OT assistants (BLS, May 2025).
Are there OT programs in Pennsylvania?
Yes: 34 OT programs and 8 OTA programs listed by ACOTE.