Are you an occupational therapist looking to practice in Pennsylvania? Navigating the licensure process can seem daunting, but don't worry! We've broken down the key steps to help you obtain your OT license in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Follow this guide to ensure you meet all the requirements and submit a complete application.
Application Process
First things first, you need to complete your application. Keep in mind:
- If your application is not completed within six months, certain sections and supporting documents will need updates.
- Background check documents cannot be older than 90 days from the date of issuance.
- If your application is not completed within one year, you will need to submit a new application and pay the application fee again.
- You may not practice in Pennsylvania until you have been issued a license, certificate, registration, permit, or authorization.
Application Fee
An application fee of $30.00 is required. Please note that all fees are non-refundable.
Child Abuse Continuing Education (CE)
All health-related licensees, including occupational therapists, are considered "mandatory reporters" under the Child Protective Services Law. As a condition of licensure, you must complete 3 hours of approved training on child abuse recognition and reporting. The Department of Human Services (DHS) offers this training, and your completion will be electronically submitted to the Bureau.
Make sure to register for the course using the information provided on your application. A list of DHS-approved child abuse education providers can be found on the Department of State Website.
Criminal History Check
List all the states you have lived or worked in during the last 5 years and provide a recent Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) from each state. The reports must be dated within 180 days of your application submission date.
To obtain a Pennsylvania record check, visit https://epatch.pa.gov. For a list of other state identification agency websites, visit the State Police Criminal Record History - Out of State List.pdf on the PA government website.
If you have lived, worked, or completed training/studies outside of Pennsylvania in the past 5 years, you can provide both a state CHRC from your current state and an FBI Identity History Summary Check, available at https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks.
Note: For applicants in California, Arizona, or Ohio, you must obtain your FBI Identity History Summary Check due to state-specific laws.
Databank Report
Provide an official notification of information (Self Query) from the National Practitioner Data Bank. Upload the "Response to your Self Query" to your online application.
Education Verification
Complete your personal information on the Verification of Education form and forward it to your school/university for completion. The school must return the completed form directly to the Board.
Foreign Education Evaluation
Graduates of foreign schools must request a credential evaluation from NBCOT, sent directly to the Board office in a sealed official envelope from NBCOT.
Letter of Good Standing (LOGS)
Contact the licensing authorities of all states, territories, or countries where you have held a license and request letters of good standing. The letters must include license issue and expiration dates, status, and disciplinary standing, and be sent directly to the Board.
Malpractice Insurance
Upload proof of professional liability insurance coverage for a minimum of $1,000,000.00 per occurrence. The certificate must include your name and indicate coverage for occupational therapy services in Pennsylvania.
By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth application process and be on your way to practicing occupational therapy in Pennsylvania. For more information, please follow this link.
