2026 data Louisiana board official source

Louisiana Occupational Therapist License Requirements

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

Helps patients develop daily living and work skills. Requires masters or doctoral degree.

What the Louisiana data shows for Occupational Therapists

Louisiana sets the entry bar for occupational therapists at 3,730 training hours and a passing score on NBCOT Certification Exam. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under Louisiana's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Masters or Doctoral Degree".

The initial price tag is $239, and renewal costs $203 every 2 years. Maintaining the license requires 36 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: OT Licensure Compact: 25+ member states.

Licensing Requirements in Louisiana

Education / Training Hours
Masters or Doctoral Degree
3,730 hours
Exam Requirement
NBCOT Certification Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$239
Renewal Fee
$203
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
36 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Louisiana licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Occupational Therapist in Louisiana?
Louisiana's requirements cover 3730 hours of education or training, the NBCOT Certification Exam exam, and an initial fee of $239. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as an Occupational Therapist in Louisiana?
Louisiana licenses occupational therapists who complete its requirements (3730 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Louisiana licensing board.
Can I transfer my Occupational Therapist license to Louisiana from another state?
Reciprocity for occupational therapists nationally works like this: OT Licensure Compact: 25+ member states. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Louisiana. Verify the specifics with the Louisiana licensing board.
Does Louisiana require a background check for Occupational Therapist licensing?
Background screening is part of the occupational therapist licensing process in Louisiana. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
What are the continuing education requirements for Occupational Therapist in Louisiana?
Louisiana ties continued occupational therapist licensure to 36 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $203 renewal fee.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites