Are you passionate about helping others regain their independence and improve their quality of life? If so, a career as an Occupational Therapist (OT) in Kentucky might be your calling. Kentucky offers numerous opportunities for OTs, with a promising job market and competitive salaries. In this blog, we'll walk you through the essential steps to become a licensed Occupational Therapist in Kentucky.
Why Choose Occupational Therapy in Kentucky?
Kentucky, known for its rich history and vibrant culture, is also a fantastic place to build a career in occupational therapy. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the state employed approximately 1,500 Occupational Therapists as of the 2010 census. The BLS projects a robust growth rate of 33% in this sector from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. Moreover, OTs in Kentucky can expect a median yearly salary of $79,320, making it a financially rewarding career choice.
Understanding the Licensing Process
The Board of Licensure for Occupational Therapy is the governing body responsible for issuing licenses to OTs and Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) in Kentucky. Below are the detailed requirements and steps to obtain your license.
Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Requirements:
- Earn an Associate's degree or higher from an AOTA or ACOTE certified school.
- Provide a letter of supervision consent from a licensed OT if applying for a temporary license before passing the NBCOT test.
- Complete at least 2 months of supervised work experience under a licensed OT.
- Present at least one professional reference to the board.
- Pass a criminal background check.
- Score a minimum of 450 on the NBCOT COTA examination.
- Complete 12 Continuing Education contact hours per year for license renewal.
You can find the application form for the Occupational Therapy Assistant here.
Occupational Therapist (OT) Requirements:
- Earn a Bachelor's or Master's degree from an AOTA or ACOTE certified school.
- Provide a letter of supervision consent from a licensed OT if applying for a temporary license before passing the NBCOT test.
- Complete at least 6 months of supervised work experience as part of an internship under a licensed OT.
- Present at least one professional reference to the board.
- Pass a criminal background check.
- Score a minimum of 450 on the NBCOT OTR examination.
- Complete 12 Continuing Education contact hours per year for license renewal.
You can find the application form for the Occupational Therapist here.
Step-by-Step Guide to Licensure
Step 1: Graduate from an ACOTE Accredited College
To become an OTA, you must graduate with at least an Associate's degree from an ACOTE accredited school. Kentucky has five such schools:
- Brown Mackie College-Louisville
- Brown Mackie College-Northern Kentucky
- Brown Mackie College-Hopkinsville
- Madisonville Community College
- Jefferson Community and Technical College
For those aspiring to be an OT, you must earn a Bachelor's or Master's degree from an ACOTE accredited college or university. Kentucky offers two such programs:
- Spalding University
- Eastern Kentucky University
Step 2: Complete Supervised Clinical Work Requirements
Both OTAs and OTs must complete supervised clinical work:
- OTAs: At least 2 months under the direct supervision of a Registered OT.
- OTs: At least 6 months as part of an internship under a Registered OT.
Step 3: Pass the National Certification Exam
Both roles require passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam:
- OTAs: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) exam, minimum score of 450.
- OTs: Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) exam, minimum score of 450.
Step 4: Apply for a Kentucky State License
Submit a signed, completed application along with the necessary documents:
- OTAs: $35 fee, NBCOT scores, transcripts.
- OTs: $50 fee, NBCOT scores, transcripts.
Step 5: Maintain Professional Licensure
Both OTAs and OTs must complete 12 Continuing Education contact hours every two years to renew their licenses.
For more information, please follow this link.
