Understanding the North Carolina Occupational Therapy Licensure Process
As a Special Education Director, ensuring that your team of occupational therapists and assistants is properly licensed is crucial for compliance and quality service delivery. In North Carolina, the process of obtaining and renewing an occupational therapy license involves several key steps and requirements. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the licensure process, general requirements, and renewal instructions for occupational therapists (OT) and occupational therapy assistants (OTA) in North Carolina.
Applying for a License in North Carolina
The North Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy is responsible for licensing OTs and OTAs. To qualify for licensure, applicants must have graduated from an accredited program, completed required fieldwork, and passed the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. Importantly, a North Carolina license must be obtained before beginning practice, as temporary licenses are not offered.
General Requirements for Licensure
- Non-refundable fee of $100, payable by Visa, Mastercard, or Discover.
- Proof of good moral character.
- Completion of an accredited OT or OTA educational program (transcripts should not be sent to the Board).
- Successful completion of the NBCOT exam.
- Passing the Board's jurisprudence exam on the North Carolina Occupational Therapy Practice Act and Rules.
General Information about Licensure
Licenses must be renewed annually by June 30. An applicant must hold a valid license before starting work in North Carolina. The Board retains all documents and photos and may request additional information before issuing a license. Application materials are valid for twelve months, and incomplete applications will be discarded after this period.
Military-trained applicants or spouses can have the initial application fee waived by providing military orders and identification to the Board.
How to Apply for a License
Applications can be purchased online for $10. The Application Request Form must be filled out completely, and upon receipt, an online application will be created. Applicants will receive login details via email to complete and submit the application. The Board may require additional documentation from third parties, such as Moral Character Forms and NBCOT Verification. Applicants can check the status of their application online.
Online Renewal Instructions
Renewals are completed online from April 1 to June 30 annually. The renewal fee is $50, with an additional $50 for late renewals. To renew, you will need:
- Your North Carolina OT or OTA license number.
- The last four digits of your social security number or your previous renewal password.
- Proof of at least 15 continuing competence activity (CCA) points, including one in ethics.
- A valid credit card for payment.
Renewal involves updating personal information, employment details, and continuing competence activities. The Board performs random audits of CCA submissions. Renewal also includes answering moral character questions and affirming compliance with the Practice Act and Rules.
Privacy and Refund Policies
The Board is committed to protecting licensees' financial information, only acquiring necessary data and securing it rigorously. No refunds are provided, and financial information is disclosed to third parties only under specific conditions.
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