Are you an aspiring occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant looking to practice in Utah? Understanding the state's licensing requirements is crucial for a smooth and successful career start. At TinyEYE, we provide online therapy services to schools, and we believe in empowering professionals with the knowledge they need. Let's break down the essentials of Utah's occupational therapist licensing requirements in an easy-to-read format.
Why Licensing is Important
Licensing ensures that occupational therapists and assistants meet the professional standards necessary to provide safe and effective care. In Utah, a license is mandatory to practice occupational therapy, with few exceptions as outlined in the state's regulations.
Types of Licenses
Utah offers two main classifications for occupational therapy licenses:
- Occupational Therapist
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
General Licensing Requirements
To qualify for a license, applicants must:
- Submit an application in the prescribed form.
- Pay the required fee.
- Graduate from an accredited educational program.
- Complete supervised fieldwork experience.
- Pass a national examination.
- Consent to a criminal background check if applying to participate in the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact.
Specific Requirements for Occupational Therapists
For those aiming to become licensed occupational therapists, additional qualifications include:
- Graduating with a bachelor's or graduate degree from an accredited program.
- Completing a minimum of 24 weeks of supervised fieldwork experience.
Specific Requirements for Occupational Therapy Assistants
For occupational therapy assistants, the requirements are slightly different:
- Graduating from an accredited educational program for occupational therapy assistants.
- Completing a minimum of 16 weeks of supervised fieldwork experience.
Continuing Education and License Renewal
Once licensed, professionals must renew their licenses every two years and complete 24 hours of continuing professional education during each renewal cycle. This ensures that practitioners stay current with the latest advancements and practices in occupational therapy.
Supervision and Practice Limitations
Occupational therapy assistants must work under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist. They cannot write or approve individual treatment plans but can contribute to and maintain them. Occupational therapy aides have even more limited roles and must perform tasks under direct supervision.
Criminal Background Checks
Applicants requiring a criminal background check must submit fingerprint cards and consent to checks conducted by the Bureau of Criminal Identification and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The results of these checks are essential for license approval.
Exemptions and Special Cases
Some individuals, such as students in accredited programs or those fulfilling supervised fieldwork requirements, can engage in limited occupational therapy practices without a license, provided they are under appropriate supervision.
For more detailed information on Utah's occupational therapist licensing requirements, please follow this link.
