Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant Licensure in Nebraska
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Timeline 6-9 weeks
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Initial Costs $175
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Renewal Costs $120
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CE Requirements 15 Hours
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Compact No
How to apply
To secure your Travel Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant license in Nebraska, you'll be working with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Unlike many other states, Nebraska primarily uses a paper-based process where you will download, fill out, and mail your application from their Licensure Page. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your official transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Download and Mail the Application: Head over to the DHHS website and download the "Occupational Therapist or Assistant" application packet. This is a fillable PDF, but you must print it, sign it, and mail it with your fee (check or money order only—no cards). Send it to the address listed on the form.
- Complete the Background Check: You need to submit fingerprints for a criminal background check. If you are in Nebraska, you can use Live Scan at a State Patrol office. If you are out of state, you must request fingerprint cards (FD-258) from the Licensure Unit or a local law enforcement agency, get printed, and mail the cards to the Nebraska State Patrol with the processing fee.
- Request Official Documents: Contact your school to send your official transcripts directly to the Nebraska Licensure Unit (electronic transcripts can go to
DHHS.RehabOffice@nebraska.gov). You also need to head over to NBCOT and request your official score report be sent directly to the Board.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A copy of your driver's license or passport (for citizenship/lawful presence verification), your social security number, and a check or money order for the application fee.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts from your OTA program and your NBCOT Score Report. If you hold licenses in other states, you'll need verification from them as well.
- Physical Agent Modalities (PAMs): Nebraska requires a separate certification to administer PAMs. If you plan to use them, you must submit the separate "Physical Agent Modalities Certification" application found on the same licensure page.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Nebraska:
- Application Fee: $120
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $55 (approximate)
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $175
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Nebraska Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant renewal happens every two years (on even-numbered years) and is due by August 1st.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $120.
Note: Nebraska does not have a grace period, so your renewal must be postmarked or completed online by the deadline to avoid immediate expiration.
CE Requirements
15 Hours required every 2 years.
Deadline: August 1st of even-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant CEUs: Nebraska allows you to complete all 15 hours online through formal home-study courses (those with a post-test and certificate). While "informal" self-study is capped at 2 hours, standard online continuing education from approved providers is considered formal and is not restricted.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be relevant to the practice of occupational therapy. Nebraska accepts courses from AOTA-approved providers, NBCOT, and state associations. Popular platforms like MedBridge are widely accepted and used by travelers.
Mandatory Topics
- No specific mandatory topics—choose what interests you!
Excluded Topics: Business management (capped at 7.5 hours), marketing, personal finance, and basic CPR/First Aid.
New Licensee Rule: If you are a new graduate or newly licensed in Nebraska within the 24 months prior to the renewal date, your CEU requirement is waived for your first renewal.
Reporting: Nebraska uses an audit-based system. You do not need to submit certificates during renewal unless specifically requested, but you must maintain your records for at least 4 years.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Nebraska Board of Occupational Therapy Practice:
- Address: PO Box 94986 Lincoln, NE 68509-4986
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (402) 471-2299
- Fax: (402) 742-1152
- Email: DHHS.RehabOffice@nebraska.gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.
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How to Apply
To secure your Travel Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant license in Nebraska, you'll be working with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Unlike many other states, Nebraska primarily uses a paper-based process where you will download, fill out, and mail your application from their Licensure Page. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your official transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Download and Mail the Application: Head over to the DHHS website and download the "Occupational Therapist or Assistant" application packet. This is a fillable PDF, but you must print it, sign it, and mail it with your fee (check or money order only—no cards). Send it to the address listed on the form.
- Complete the Background Check: You need to submit fingerprints for a criminal background check. If you are in Nebraska, you can use Live Scan at a State Patrol office. If you are out of state, you must request fingerprint cards (FD-258) from the Licensure Unit or a local law enforcement agency, get printed, and mail the cards to the Nebraska State Patrol with the processing fee.
- Request Official Documents: Contact your school to send your official transcripts directly to the Nebraska Licensure Unit (electronic transcripts can go to
DHHS.RehabOffice@nebraska.gov). You also need to head over to NBCOT and request your official score report be sent directly to the Board.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A copy of your driver's license or passport (for citizenship/lawful presence verification), your social security number, and a check or money order for the application fee.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts from your OTA program and your NBCOT Score Report. If you hold licenses in other states, you'll need verification from them as well.
- Physical Agent Modalities (PAMs): Nebraska requires a separate certification to administer PAMs. If you plan to use them, you must submit the separate "Physical Agent Modalities Certification" application found on the same licensure page.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Nebraska:
- Application Fee: $120
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $55 (approximate)
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $175
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Nebraska Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant renewal happens every two years (on even-numbered years) and is due by August 1st.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $120.
Note: Nebraska does not have a grace period, so your renewal must be postmarked or completed online by the deadline to avoid immediate expiration.
CE Requirements
15 Hours required every 2 years.
Deadline: August 1st of even-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant CEUs: Nebraska allows you to complete all 15 hours online through formal home-study courses (those with a post-test and certificate). While "informal" self-study is capped at 2 hours, standard online continuing education from approved providers is considered formal and is not restricted.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be relevant to the practice of occupational therapy. Nebraska accepts courses from AOTA-approved providers, NBCOT, and state associations. Popular platforms like MedBridge are widely accepted and used by travelers.
Mandatory Topics
- No specific mandatory topics—choose what interests you!
Excluded Topics: Business management (capped at 7.5 hours), marketing, personal finance, and basic CPR/First Aid.
New Licensee Rule: If you are a new graduate or newly licensed in Nebraska within the 24 months prior to the renewal date, your CEU requirement is waived for your first renewal.
Reporting: Nebraska uses an audit-based system. You do not need to submit certificates during renewal unless specifically requested, but you must maintain your records for at least 4 years.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Nebraska Board of Occupational Therapy Practice:
- Address: PO Box 94986 Lincoln, NE 68509-4986
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (402) 471-2299
- Fax: (402) 742-1152
- Email: DHHS.RehabOffice@nebraska.gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.