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Mississippi Occupational Therapist License

Mississippi Board of Occupational Therapy

Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Available
See board

What You'll Need

  • Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the educational institution to the MSDH Professional Licensure Division.
  • NBCOT Verification of Certification — Official verification sent directly from NBCOT to the board.
  • Proof of Citizenship — Copy of a birth certificate, passport, or work permit.
  • Passport-Style Photo — A recent photograph of the applicant to be uploaded or mailed with the application.

How to Apply

  1. Complete Accredited Education ▾
    Graduate from an occupational therapy program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
    Find Accredited Schools
  2. Pass the NBCOT Exam ▾
    Register for and pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) OTR examination.
  3. Submit Online Application ▾
    Create an account and complete the online application through the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) Professional Licensure portal.
  4. Pay Application and License Fees ▾
    Pay the non-refundable $100 application fee and the $150 initial license fee (total $250).
  5. Complete Background Check ▾
    Follow the MSDH instructions to complete a fingerprint-based criminal history background check.
  6. Submit Required Verifications ▾
    Request NBCOT to send verification of certification and have official transcripts sent directly from your university to the MSDH.
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Available

Transfer License

Requirements ▾
Occupational therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current NBCOT certification.

Steps

  1. Verify Out-of-State License ▾
    Request official verification of licensure from every state where you have ever held an OT license.
  2. Submit Endorsement Application ▾
    Complete the standard online application and select the endorsement pathway.
  3. NBCOT Active Status ▾
    Ensure your NBCOT certification is current and active.
    Check NBCOT Status
Total Fee
$0
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Mississippi Board of Occupational Therapy

Keeping Your License Active

Mississippi Occupational Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Mississippi Board of Occupational Therapy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$100
Endorsement application$100
Fingerprint check$35-$50 (varies by state)
Temporary permitSee board

Slow Downs

Missing Transcripts ▾
Failure to have transcripts sent directly from the university is a primary cause of delay.
Background Check Processing ▾
Fingerprint results can take several weeks; applicants should complete this step as early as possible.
Incomplete Application Forms ▾
Missing signatures or notarization on required paper components (if applicable) will stall the process.

Questions

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Board Info

Mississippi Board of Occupational Therapy
Phone(601) 957-6686
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25