Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant Licensure in Tennessee
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Timeline 6-9 weeks
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Initial Costs $120
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Renewal Costs $85
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CE Requirements 24 Hours
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Compact No
How to apply
To secure your Travel Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant license in Tennessee, you'll be working with the Tennessee Board of Occupational Therapy. You will submit your application through LARS (Licensure and Regulatory System). Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Hit Submit: Head over to LARS to create your account and start the online application. This is your home base for the entire process.
- Declaration of Citizenship: This is a mandatory step for Tennessee. Download the "Declaration of Citizenship" form (PH-4183), sign it, and get it notarized. You will need to upload this along with a copy of your ID (like your driver's license).
- Background Check: You must complete a criminal background check. Tennessee uses IdentoGO for this process. You will need the Board's specific ORI number, which is typically found in the application instructions, to ensure the results are sent to the right place.
- Transcripts & Scores: Request your official transcripts from your school and your verification of certification from NBCOT. These documents must be sent directly from the source to the Board; they will not accept copies from you.
- Jurisprudence Exam: You will need to successfully complete the Jurisprudence Exam, which covers the state's specific laws and rules. This is often an open-book exam included as part of the licensure process.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A recent passport-style photograph, your notarized Declaration of Citizenship form, a copy of your driver's license, and a letter of recommendation attesting to your good moral character.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts, NBCOT Verification, and Verification of Licensure from every state where you have held a license.
- Exams: Tennessee Jurisprudence Exam.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Tennessee:
- Application Fee: $85
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $35 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $120
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Tennessee Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant renewal happens every two years and is due by the last day of your birth month.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $85.
Note: Tennessee does not provide a grace period for practicing with an expired license, so ensure your 24 hours of continuing education are finished before your birth month ends.
CE Requirements
24 Continuing Competency Credits required every 2 years.
Deadline: The last day of the month preceding your birth month every two years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant CEUs: Tennessee currently allows all 24 credits to be completed through online or home-study formats, provided they meet board criteria.
Provider Restrictions: Courses should be approved by the AOTA, TOTA, or other recognized healthcare organizations. General online portals like MedBridge are accepted and commonly used by travelers to fulfill these requirements.
Mandatory Topics
- Ethics, Jurisprudence, and/or the Tennessee Occupational Therapy Practice Act: (2 credits)
- Jurisprudence: The 2-hour requirement above must include content on the Tennessee Practice Act and Board Rules.
Excluded Topics: Credits are not granted for CPR, basic life support, business or office management, marketing, or personal financial self-help courses.
New Licensee Rule: New graduates and those newly licensed in Tennessee are generally exempt from continuing competency requirements for their first renewal cycle.
Reporting: Tennessee uses CE Broker for digital tracking. You must report your credits to the system, and it is advised to maintain your own records for at least 4 years in the event of an audit.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Tennessee Board of Occupational Therapy:
- Address: 665 Mainstream Dr Fl 2 Nashville, TN 37243-1003
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (615) 741-3807
- Fax: (615) 741-7698
- Email: Unit2HRB.Health@tn.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 Tennessee, you'll be working with the Tennessee Board of Occupational Therapy. You will submit your application through LARS (Licensure and Regulatory System). Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Hit Submit: Head over to LARS to create your account and start the online application. This is your home base for the entire process.
- Declaration of Citizenship: This is a mandatory step for Tennessee. Download the "Declaration of Citizenship" form (PH-4183), sign it, and get it notarized. You will need to upload this along with a copy of your ID (like your driver's license).
- Background Check: You must complete a criminal background check. Tennessee uses IdentoGO for this process. You will need the Board's specific ORI number, which is typically found in the application instructions, to ensure the results are sent to the right place.
- Transcripts & Scores: Request your official transcripts from your school and your verification of certification from NBCOT. These documents must be sent directly from the source to the Board; they will not accept copies from you.
- Jurisprudence Exam: You will need to successfully complete the Jurisprudence Exam, which covers the state's specific laws and rules. This is often an open-book exam included as part of the licensure process.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A recent passport-style photograph, your notarized Declaration of Citizenship form, a copy of your driver's license, and a letter of recommendation attesting to your good moral character.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts, NBCOT Verification, and Verification of Licensure from every state where you have held a license.
- Exams: Tennessee Jurisprudence Exam.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Tennessee:
- Application Fee: $85
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $35 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $120
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Tennessee Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant renewal happens every two years and is due by the last day of your birth month.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $85.
Note: Tennessee does not provide a grace period for practicing with an expired license, so ensure your 24 hours of continuing education are finished before your birth month ends.
CE Requirements
24 Continuing Competency Credits required every 2 years.
Deadline: The last day of the month preceding your birth month every two years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant CEUs: Tennessee currently allows all 24 credits to be completed through online or home-study formats, provided they meet board criteria.
Provider Restrictions: Courses should be approved by the AOTA, TOTA, or other recognized healthcare organizations. General online portals like MedBridge are accepted and commonly used by travelers to fulfill these requirements.
Mandatory Topics
- Ethics, Jurisprudence, and/or the Tennessee Occupational Therapy Practice Act: (2 credits)
- Jurisprudence: The 2-hour requirement above must include content on the Tennessee Practice Act and Board Rules.
Excluded Topics: Credits are not granted for CPR, basic life support, business or office management, marketing, or personal financial self-help courses.
New Licensee Rule: New graduates and those newly licensed in Tennessee are generally exempt from continuing competency requirements for their first renewal cycle.
Reporting: Tennessee uses CE Broker for digital tracking. You must report your credits to the system, and it is advised to maintain your own records for at least 4 years in the event of an audit.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Tennessee Board of Occupational Therapy:
- Address: 665 Mainstream Dr Fl 2 Nashville, TN 37243-1003
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (615) 741-3807
- Fax: (615) 741-7698
- Email: Unit2HRB.Health@tn.gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.