Licensing · Rhode Island
How to Get an Occupational Therapy License in Rhode Island
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 Rhode Island you need a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing NBCOT exam score (OTR or COTA), and a license from the Rhode Island Board of Occupational Therapy (Department of Health). Rhode Island is an OT Compact member but was not yet accepting compact privilege applications when we checked.
Rhode Island licensing board
- Agency
- Rhode Island Board of Occupational Therapy (Department of Health)
- Location
- Providence
- Phone
- (401) 222-2828
- doh.elicense@health.ri.gov
From NBCOT’s Occupational Therapy Regulatory Body Contact List (rev. July 2026). Agencies and contacts change; confirm on the board’s website.
Rhode Island OT license lookup
Use the license verification or lookup page on the Rhode Island Board of Occupational Therapy (Department of Health) website. We link only to lookup tools we could confirm on the board’s own site.
A license lookup shows whether a Rhode Island license is active. OT Compact privileges are checked separately on CompactConnect. License lookup for every state →
Steps to a Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island.
- Pass the NBCOT exam: OTR for occupational therapists, COTA for assistants.
- Apply to the Rhode Island Board of Occupational Therapy (Department of Health) with your transcript or program verification, NBCOT score, fee and any background check the state requires.
- Complete any Rhode Island-specific requirement, such as a jurisprudence (law) exam, and keep your license current with renewals and continuing education.
OT Licensure Compact in Rhode Island
Rhode Island 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 |
| Rhode Island privilege fee (OT / OTA) | $140 / $140 |
| 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 Rhode Island
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 Rhode Island?
Use the license verification page on the Rhode Island Board of Occupational Therapy (Department of Health) website (health.ri.gov).
Who issues occupational therapy licenses in Rhode Island?
The Rhode Island Board of Occupational Therapy (Department of Health) (Providence). Official website: https://health.ri.gov/licenses/detail.php?id=234
What do I need for an OT license in Rhode Island?
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 Rhode Island Board of Occupational Therapy (Department of Health) for Rhode Island-specific items such as a jurisprudence exam, background check or temporary permit.
Does Rhode Island participate in the OT Licensure Compact?
Rhode Island is an OT Compact member but was not yet accepting compact privilege applications when we checked.
How much do occupational therapists make in Rhode Island?
The median wage for OTs in Rhode Island was $100,040 a year, and $66,710 for OT assistants (BLS, May 2025).
Are there OT programs in Rhode Island?
Yes: 2 OT programs and 2 OTA programs listed by ACOTE.