Occupational Therapist Certification MarylandJust a few miles from the capital of our country, Maryland is a place near greatness and a great place to live. Maryland also happens to be an excellent in which to become a licensed Occupational Therapist. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics has compiled data from the 2010 census that shows Maryland having employed roughly 2,350 Occupational Therapists in that year. The BLS is currently forecasting rapid growth for the Occupational Therapy sector, which is expected to expand 33% faster than the average, during the 2010 to 2020 timeframe. The BLS compiled salary data from the 2010 census showing that an Occupational Therapist in Maryland can expect a median salary of $80,560 per year. Show
Occupational therapy professionals may obtain or renew licenses through the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice. There are two levels of licensure in Maryland the Occupational Therapy Assistant and the Occupational Therapist. While you are waiting to sit for your examination you can apply for a temporary license to practice at either level. If you want to become an Occupational Therapist in Maryland, or an Occupational Therapy Assistant you will need to fulfill the following steps:
Occupational Therapy Assistant:
Occupational Therapist
For more detailed information about how to practice occupational therapy in Maryland, please continue reading. Step 1: Complete Your Education at an ACOTE Approved SchoolOccupational Therapy Assistant:If you wish to serve as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Maryland, you must first graduate from an ACOTE accredited school with at least an Associate’s degree in an occupational therapy related field. Maryland has two schools with the required accreditation:
Licensed Occupational Therapist:Maryland state law requires that Licensed Occupational Therapists possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an ACOTE accredited school prior to licensure. Maryland is the home of one school with the appropriate accreditation:
Step 2: Complete an Internship or PracticumOccupational Therapy Assistant:Prior to licensure as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, you must complete at least two months of clinical occupational therapy work under the supervision of a Licensed Occupational Therapist. Licensed Occupational Therapist:In order to obtain your license as an Occupational Therapist in Maryland, you must perform at least six months of clinical occupational therapy work under the supervision of a Licensed Occupational Therapist. Step 3: Acquire National CertificationOccupational Therapy Assistant:Prior to obtaining a state license, you must first become nationally certified as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. You must take the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) exam offered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and score at least in the 70th percentile to become nationally certified. Licensed Occupational Therapist:To become nationally certified as an Occupational Therapist, you must take the Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) exam which is offered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and score at least in the 70th percentile. Step 4: Pass the State Exam and Apply for a LicenseMaryland requires that you take the Jurisprudence Examination and pass with a score of 100 percent prior to licensure. This is an open book exam and counts as one continuing competency contact hour. In order to obtain state licensure, you must complete the following steps:
The review of qualifying documentation and issuance of licenses may take several weeks or months. Step 5: Maintain LicenseOccupational Therapy Assistant:If you wish to maintain your Occupational Therapy Assistant license, you must complete 12 continuing education contact hours per year. Licensed Occupational Therapist:In order to renew your license as an Occupational Therapist at the end of the two year licensure period, you must complete 12 continuing education contact hours per year. For additional information, please visit the following organizations:
How long does it take to get Maryland OT license?In order to obtain your license as an Occupational Therapist in Maryland, you must perform at least six months of clinical occupational therapy work under the supervision of a Licensed Occupational Therapist.
Does the Maryland Board of Occupational Therapy regulate billing procedures?The Board does not regulate billing procedures but does sanction licensees for billing fraud.
How do I get a copy of my Maryland medical license?E-mail Customer Service at [email protected] or call Customer Service at 410-764-4705 or 1-800-492-6836 ext.
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