Essential Guide to Becoming an Occupational Therapist in Virginia

Are you looking to practice as an Occupational Therapist (OT) or Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) in Virginia? TinyEYE is here to guide you through the essential steps for completing your application successfully. Here's everything you need to know to navigate the process smoothly.

Understanding the Application Process

First and foremost, remember that application fees are non-refundable, so it's crucial to read the instructions carefully before proceeding. This application is for a full and unrestricted license to practice as an OT or OTA in Virginia. The Board recommends that new graduates complete this application when applying for the NBCOT exam.

Initial Steps

A graduate of an accredited OT/OTA program may practice with the designated title of "Occupational Therapist/Assistant, License Applicant” or "O.T./L - Applicant” until they receive a failing score on the licensure examination from the NBCOT or for six months from the date of graduation, whichever occurs sooner.

Qualifications and Regulations

Before you dive into the application, familiarize yourself with the qualifications required for a full license by reviewing the laws and regulations governing OT practice in Virginia. These can be found on the Virginia Board of Medicine's website.

Application Timeline

The Board works as efficiently as possible to process applications, but the time from filing an application until the issuance of a license is dependent on external entities. Typically, you should not expect the process to take less than 8-12 weeks, so plan accordingly if you are pursuing a practice position in Virginia.

Tracking Your Application

The Board provides an electronic checklist for your convenience in tracking your application. Allow approximately 10-15 business days for your initial application checklist to be updated on the Board's website. Supporting documentation will be added as it is received. Processing of documents may take up to 15 business days after they are received.

If your checklist does not indicate that necessary documents have been received, email the Board at otmedbd@dhp.virginia.gov with "Occupational Therapy Application Question” in the subject line. E-mails will be answered within 2 business days.

Application Checklist

1. Complete the online application at this link, which includes paying the nonrefundable application fee of $130.00 for OT and $70.00 for OTA applications.
2. List all employment activities from the date of graduation in the "employment activity” section of the application.
3. Complete the online NPDB Self Query. Be ready to provide identifying information and pay the $4.00 fee. Verify your identity and forward the unopened NPDB report to the Virginia Board of Medicine.
4. Verification of OT license from a jurisdiction within the United States, its territories, or Canada must be received by the Board.
5. Contact the National Board of Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) to request a verification of your certification be sent to the Board.
6. School transcripts verifying your professional education in OT must be provided directly by the school and should not be faxed.

Important Notes

• Include "Occupational Therapy Application” in the subject line of all emails to the Board.
• Applications not completed within 12 months may be purged without notice.
• Submission of an application does not guarantee a license. A review of your application could result in a finding that you may not be eligible pursuant to Virginia laws and regulations.

For more information, please follow this link.