Are you an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant in Indiana? Staying compliant with the state's continuing education requirements is crucial for maintaining your license. Here's a simple breakdown of what you need to know!
Understanding Continuing Competency Requirements
Indiana requires occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to complete continuing competency hours for license renewal. The amount of required hours depends on how long your license has been valid:
- Less than 12 months: No continuing competency required.
- 12 to 24 months: 9 hours of continuing competency required.
- More than 24 months: 18 hours of continuing competency required.
Category I vs. Category II Credits
Of the 18 hours required, at least 9 hours must be Category I courses. The remaining hours can be Category II credits. Here's what counts for each category:
Category I Continuing Competency Courses:
- Formally organized courses
- Workshops
- Seminars
- Symposia
- Home study programs, including approved online or web-based, audio, and video instructional programs
- Undergraduate or graduate courses from an accredited institution related to the management, practice, and education of occupational therapy
Category II Continuing Competency Activities:
- Publications of books, articles, or films related to occupational therapy (max 5 hours)
- Preparation for teaching a course in an accredited OT program (max 6 hours)
- Supervision of fieldwork for Level I and Level II students (1 hour per 32 hours of supervision, max 6 hours)
- In-house or in-service seminars specifically designed for training or teaching
- Active participation with professional organizations as an officer or committee chairperson
- Supervising OT students during observational hours
- Research activities other than publications and presentations
Key Points to Remember
- All 18 hours can be obtained through distance learning from an approved provider.
- Category I courses must be at least one contact hour in length.
- Retain verification of completion for three years after the last renewal date.
- Present verification at the committee's request.
CE Sponsor Information
Programs must be approved by the Committee or sponsored by recognized organizations such as the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) or the Indiana Occupational Therapy Association (IOTA).
If you or your organization are applying to be a sponsor, submit a written application at least 30 days before the program date. The application should include details about the sponsoring organization, program content, and evaluation techniques.
Approval is valid for up to two years, and it's your responsibility to monitor attendance to ensure reliable verification.
Staying compliant with these requirements is essential for your career in occupational therapy. For more detailed information, please follow this link.
