Licensing · Virginia
How to Get an Occupational Therapy License in Virginia
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 Virginia you need a degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, a passing NBCOT exam score (OTR or COTA), and a license from the Virginia Board of Medicine (Department of Health Professions). Virginia is an OT Compact member and began accepting compact privilege applications on March 20, 2026.
Virginia licensing board
- Agency
- Virginia Board of Medicine (Department of Health Professions)
- Website
- www.dhp.virginia.gov
- Location
- Richmond (Henrico)
- Phone
- (804) 367-4472
From NBCOT’s Occupational Therapy Regulatory Body Contact List (rev. July 2026). Agencies and contacts change; confirm on the board’s website.
Virginia OT license lookup
To verify an occupational therapist’s or OTA’s license in Virginia, use the board’s official tool: License Lookup ↗
A license lookup shows whether a Virginia license is active. OT Compact privileges are checked separately on CompactConnect. License lookup for every state →
Steps to a Virginia 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 Virginia.
- Pass the NBCOT exam: OTR for occupational therapists, COTA for assistants.
- Apply to the Virginia Board of Medicine (Department of Health Professions) with your transcript or program verification, NBCOT score, fee and any background check the state requires.
- Complete any Virginia-specific requirement, such as a jurisprudence (law) exam, and keep your license current with renewals and continuing education.
OT Licensure Compact in Virginia
Virginia is an OT Compact member and began accepting compact privilege applications on March 20, 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 | March 20, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Jurisprudence requirement (compact) | Not required |
| Virginia privilege fee (OT / OTA) | $75 / $40 |
| 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 Virginia
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 Virginia?
Use the Virginia Board of Medicine (Department of Health Professions)’s official “License Lookup” tool: dhp.virginiainteractive.org. It shows whether an OT or OTA license is active.
Who issues occupational therapy licenses in Virginia?
The Virginia Board of Medicine (Department of Health Professions) (Richmond (Henrico)). Official website: https://www.dhp.virginia.gov
What do I need for an OT license in Virginia?
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 Virginia Board of Medicine (Department of Health Professions) for Virginia-specific items such as a jurisprudence exam, background check or temporary permit.
Does Virginia participate in the OT Licensure Compact?
Virginia is an OT Compact member and began accepting compact privilege applications on March 20, 2026.
How much do occupational therapists make in Virginia?
The median wage for OTs in Virginia was $100,710 a year, and $74,960 for OT assistants (BLS, May 2025).
Are there OT programs in Virginia?
Yes: 11 OT programs and 5 OTA programs listed by ACOTE.