Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant Licensure in Washington
-
Timeline 9 weeks or more
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Initial Costs $200
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Renewal Costs $137
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CE Requirements 30 Hours
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Compact No
How to apply
To secure your Travel Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant license in Washington, you'll be working with the Washington State Board of Occupational Therapy. You will submit your application through the Secure Access Washington (SAW) portal. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Gather Your Verifications: Head over to the licensing boards of every state where you hold or have held a license and request official verification. These must be sent directly to the Washington Department of Health (DOH). If the state uses NURSYS or a similar digital system, check if Washington accepts it; otherwise, use the standard verification form.
- Request Official Transcripts & Scores: Contact your OTA program to have your official transcripts sent directly to the Washington DOH. You'll also need to log into your NBCOT portal and request a score transfer to Washington.
- Create Your Account: Go to the Secure Access Washington (SAW) portal. You'll need to create an account and then "Add a Service" to access the Department of Health's online application system (often referred to as HELMS).
- Hit Submit & Take the Exam: Complete the online application. As part of the process, you will need to pass the Washington Occupational Therapy Jurisprudence Exam. It is an open-book exam, and you must score 100% to pass.
- Fingerprinting (Wait for It): After you apply, the DOH will notify you if a fingerprint-based background check is required (it usually is for out-of-state applicants). Do not get fingerprinted until you receive this notification and the specific fingerprint card from the Department. Once you get the card, take it to a local law enforcement agency to get printed and mail it back.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A valid driver's license or ID, your Social Security Number, and a complete employment history (chronology of activities) since graduation.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts (sent directly from your school), NBCOT Scores (sent directly from NBCOT), and License Verifications from all other states.
- Exams: You must pass the Washington Jurisprudence Exam (open book, 100% passing score required).
- Heads Up: Washington requires 3 hours of Suicide Prevention training, but this is typically due at your first renewal (check your specific approval letter to be sure).
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Washington:
- Application Fee: $166
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $34 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $200
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Washington Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant renewal happens every two years and is due by your birthday.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $137.
Note: Watch out—licenses expire on your specific birthday, not at the end of the month!
CE Requirements
30 hours required every 2 years.
Deadline: On or before your birth anniversary every two years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for those managing Travel Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant CEUs: Washington currently allows all 30 hours to be completed through online, home-study, or pre-recorded courses, provided they meet the board's competency standards.
Provider Restrictions: Washington does not pre-approve specific providers but requires that activities be relevant to the practice of occupational therapy. Courses from AOTA-approved providers and major platforms like MedBridge are widely accepted.
Mandatory Topics
- Health Equity (2 hours): Required every renewal cycle starting after January 1, 2024.
- Suicide Prevention (3 hours): A one-time requirement that must be completed during the first renewal cycle.
- Jurisprudence: No formal exam is required, but practitioners must attest to following the Washington Occupational Therapy Practice Act.
Excluded Topics: CPR, first aid, business management, marketing, and personal financial or estate planning.
New Licensee Rule: If your initial license is issued within 90 days of your upcoming birth anniversary, you do not need to renew or report hours until the following year.
Reporting: Washington uses an audit-based system. You do not need to submit certificates at the time of renewal, but you must maintain your records for 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 Washington Occupational Therapy Practice Board:
- Address: PO Box 47852 Olympia, WA 98504-7852
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (360) 236-4883
- Fax: (360) 236-2901
- Email: hsqa.csc@doh.wa.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 Washington, you'll be working with the Washington State Board of Occupational Therapy. You will submit your application through the Secure Access Washington (SAW) portal. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Gather Your Verifications: Head over to the licensing boards of every state where you hold or have held a license and request official verification. These must be sent directly to the Washington Department of Health (DOH). If the state uses NURSYS or a similar digital system, check if Washington accepts it; otherwise, use the standard verification form.
- Request Official Transcripts & Scores: Contact your OTA program to have your official transcripts sent directly to the Washington DOH. You'll also need to log into your NBCOT portal and request a score transfer to Washington.
- Create Your Account: Go to the Secure Access Washington (SAW) portal. You'll need to create an account and then "Add a Service" to access the Department of Health's online application system (often referred to as HELMS).
- Hit Submit & Take the Exam: Complete the online application. As part of the process, you will need to pass the Washington Occupational Therapy Jurisprudence Exam. It is an open-book exam, and you must score 100% to pass.
- Fingerprinting (Wait for It): After you apply, the DOH will notify you if a fingerprint-based background check is required (it usually is for out-of-state applicants). Do not get fingerprinted until you receive this notification and the specific fingerprint card from the Department. Once you get the card, take it to a local law enforcement agency to get printed and mail it back.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A valid driver's license or ID, your Social Security Number, and a complete employment history (chronology of activities) since graduation.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts (sent directly from your school), NBCOT Scores (sent directly from NBCOT), and License Verifications from all other states.
- Exams: You must pass the Washington Jurisprudence Exam (open book, 100% passing score required).
- Heads Up: Washington requires 3 hours of Suicide Prevention training, but this is typically due at your first renewal (check your specific approval letter to be sure).
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Washington:
- Application Fee: $166
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $34 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $200
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Washington Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant renewal happens every two years and is due by your birthday.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $137.
Note: Watch out—licenses expire on your specific birthday, not at the end of the month!
CE Requirements
30 hours required every 2 years.
Deadline: On or before your birth anniversary every two years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for those managing Travel Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant CEUs: Washington currently allows all 30 hours to be completed through online, home-study, or pre-recorded courses, provided they meet the board's competency standards.
Provider Restrictions: Washington does not pre-approve specific providers but requires that activities be relevant to the practice of occupational therapy. Courses from AOTA-approved providers and major platforms like MedBridge are widely accepted.
Mandatory Topics
- Health Equity (2 hours): Required every renewal cycle starting after January 1, 2024.
- Suicide Prevention (3 hours): A one-time requirement that must be completed during the first renewal cycle.
- Jurisprudence: No formal exam is required, but practitioners must attest to following the Washington Occupational Therapy Practice Act.
Excluded Topics: CPR, first aid, business management, marketing, and personal financial or estate planning.
New Licensee Rule: If your initial license is issued within 90 days of your upcoming birth anniversary, you do not need to renew or report hours until the following year.
Reporting: Washington uses an audit-based system. You do not need to submit certificates at the time of renewal, but you must maintain your records for 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 Washington Occupational Therapy Practice Board:
- Address: PO Box 47852 Olympia, WA 98504-7852
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (360) 236-4883
- Fax: (360) 236-2901
- Email: hsqa.csc@doh.wa.gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.