Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant Licensure in Rhode Island
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Timeline 6-9 weeks
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Initial Costs $165
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Renewal Costs $140
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CE Requirements 20 Hours
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Compact No
How to apply
To secure your Travel Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant license in Rhode Island, you'll be working with the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). You will submit your application through the RIDOH Online Licensing Portal. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your official transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Request Official Documents: Head over to your university registrar and the NBCOT to request your official documents. You must have your official transcripts sent directly from your school to the Rhode Island Department of Health. Similarly, request your score transfer/verification directly from the NBCOT to be sent to the Board.
- Complete the Background Check (BCI): Rhode Island requires a specific Criminal Background Check (BCI) from the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office. If you are not local, you can typically mail in your request with a copy of your ID and the required fee. Check the RI Attorney General's website for the specific mail-in instructions and forms.
- Submit Your Application: Create an account and hit submit on your application via the RIDOH Online Licensing Portal. You will need to upload a recent passport-quality headshot and pay the application fee during this process.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A recent passport-style photo (headshot), your Social Security Number, and a valid Driver's License or ID.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts (sent directly from your school), NBCOT Verification (sent directly from NBCOT), and License Verifications from any other states where you hold a license.
- Exams: You need to have passed the NBCOT exam. There is currently no separate Jurisprudence Exam required for Rhode Island.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Rhode Island:
- Application Fee: $140
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $5 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $20 (approximate)
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $165
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Rhode Island Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant renewal happens biennially and is due by March 31st of even-numbered years.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $140.
Note: Be sure to complete your 20 hours of continuing education, as proof is required for renewal.
CE Requirements
20 Contact Hours required every 2 years.
Deadline: March 31st of even-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant CEUs: Rhode Island currently has no limit on home-study or distance learning. You can complete all 20 hours through online platforms!
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), the Rhode Island Occupational Therapy Association (RIOTA), or be provided by a regionally accredited college or university. General portals like MedBridge are accepted as they are AOTA-approved providers.
Mandatory Topics
- No specific mandatory topics—choose what interests you!
Excluded Topics: CPR/BLS certification, business management, marketing, and personal development courses.
New Licensee Rule: If you were initially licensed during the current biennial period (within the 2 years prior to the deadline), you are exempt from continuing education requirements for your first renewal.
Reporting: Rhode Island uses an audit-based system. You are not required to report hours at the time of renewal, but you must maintain your certificates of completion for at least 4 years in case of a random audit.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Rhode Island Board of Occupational Therapy Practice:
- Address: 3 Capitol Hl Ste 104 Providence, RI 02908-5034
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (401) 222-2828
- Fax: (401) 222-1272
- Email: doh.elicense@health.ri.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 Rhode Island, you'll be working with the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). You will submit your application through the RIDOH Online Licensing Portal. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your official transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Request Official Documents: Head over to your university registrar and the NBCOT to request your official documents. You must have your official transcripts sent directly from your school to the Rhode Island Department of Health. Similarly, request your score transfer/verification directly from the NBCOT to be sent to the Board.
- Complete the Background Check (BCI): Rhode Island requires a specific Criminal Background Check (BCI) from the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office. If you are not local, you can typically mail in your request with a copy of your ID and the required fee. Check the RI Attorney General's website for the specific mail-in instructions and forms.
- Submit Your Application: Create an account and hit submit on your application via the RIDOH Online Licensing Portal. You will need to upload a recent passport-quality headshot and pay the application fee during this process.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A recent passport-style photo (headshot), your Social Security Number, and a valid Driver's License or ID.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts (sent directly from your school), NBCOT Verification (sent directly from NBCOT), and License Verifications from any other states where you hold a license.
- Exams: You need to have passed the NBCOT exam. There is currently no separate Jurisprudence Exam required for Rhode Island.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Rhode Island:
- Application Fee: $140
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $5 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $20 (approximate)
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $165
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Rhode Island Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant renewal happens biennially and is due by March 31st of even-numbered years.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $140.
Note: Be sure to complete your 20 hours of continuing education, as proof is required for renewal.
CE Requirements
20 Contact Hours required every 2 years.
Deadline: March 31st of even-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant CEUs: Rhode Island currently has no limit on home-study or distance learning. You can complete all 20 hours through online platforms!
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), the Rhode Island Occupational Therapy Association (RIOTA), or be provided by a regionally accredited college or university. General portals like MedBridge are accepted as they are AOTA-approved providers.
Mandatory Topics
- No specific mandatory topics—choose what interests you!
Excluded Topics: CPR/BLS certification, business management, marketing, and personal development courses.
New Licensee Rule: If you were initially licensed during the current biennial period (within the 2 years prior to the deadline), you are exempt from continuing education requirements for your first renewal.
Reporting: Rhode Island uses an audit-based system. You are not required to report hours at the time of renewal, but you must maintain your certificates of completion for at least 4 years in case of a random audit.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Rhode Island Board of Occupational Therapy Practice:
- Address: 3 Capitol Hl Ste 104 Providence, RI 02908-5034
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (401) 222-2828
- Fax: (401) 222-1272
- Email: doh.elicense@health.ri.gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.