For aspiring occupational therapists in Texas, obtaining a temporary license can be a crucial step towards achieving full licensure. In this blog, we'll break down the essentials of the temporary occupational therapy license process in Texas, making it easy to understand and follow.
What is a Temporary Occupational Therapy License?
A temporary license is available to applicants who are taking the NBCOT exam for the first time. This license allows them to practice under supervision while they await their exam results. It's important to note that this option is not available to those who have previously been licensed in any U.S. state or territory, unless they meet specific conditions.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a temporary license, applicants must meet all the provisions of the following sections of the OT Rules:
- §364.1, Requirements for Licensure
- §364.2, Initial Licensure by Examination
Additionally, they must not have been previously licensed as an occupational therapy practitioner in any U.S. state or territory, except under specific circumstances outlined in the regulations.
Required Documentation
Applicants need to provide several key documents to be considered for a temporary license:
- Receipt confirming that the NBCOT examination score has been ordered to be reported to the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners.
- The Confirmation of Exam Registration and Eligibility to Examine form from NBCOT.
- Temporary License fee, which is different from the regular application fee.
- Temporary OT/OTA License Supervision Form signed by a currently licensed Texas OT who will be the applicant's supervisor.
Supervision Requirements
Once a temporary license is issued, the licensee must adhere to specific supervision requirements:
- An OT with a temporary license must have on-the-premises supervision by an OT with a regular license.
- An OTA with a temporary license must have on-the-premises supervision from an OT or OTA with a regular license.
- All documentation completed by the temporary license holder must be approved and co-signed by the supervising occupational therapist(s).
Important Considerations
If a temporary license holder fails to take the examination, fails to take it within the eligibility window, or fails to have the score reported, the temporary license will be void and must be returned to the Board. Additionally, an extra temporary license will not be issued.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the following sections of the OT Rules:
- §364.3, Temporary License
- Chapter 364, Requirements for Licensure
- §373.2, Supervision of a Temporary Licensee
Temporary licensure is a valuable option for those on their way to becoming fully licensed occupational therapists. It allows them to gain practical experience under supervision while they complete the final steps of their certification process.
For more information, please follow this link.
