Occupational Therapist Licensure in Georgia
-
Timeline 6-9 weeks
-
Initial Costs $121
-
Renewal Costs $64
-
CE Requirements 24 Hours
-
Compact No
How to apply
To secure your Travel Occupational Therapist license in Georgia, you'll be working with the Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy. You will submit your application through the Georgia Online Application Licensing System (GOALS). Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Submit Your Application: Head over to the GOALS portal to create an account and submit your application online. This gets you into the system so the Board can match your incoming documents to your file.
- Register for Fingerprinting: Once you've applied, you must register for a background check through GAPS (Georgia Applicant Processing Service). Do not do this before applying, as you need your application to be in the system first. Follow the instructions on the GAPS website to find a Fieldprint location near you.
- Request Verifications: You'll need to request official license verifications from every state where you have held a license. Most states use NURSYS (for nurses) or a similar portal, but for OT, you likely need to contact each state board directly or use their online verification tool.
- Secure Your References: Georgia is unique in that it requires three references: two professional references (at least one from an OT) and one personal reference. These must be submitted on the specific Board forms, so download them early and send them to your contacts.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A secure and verifiable document (like your Driver's License or Passport) and your Social Security Number.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts (sent directly from your school), NBCOT Score Transfer (sent directly from NBCOT), and the three completed Reference Forms.
- Exams: While there is no separate jurisprudence exam for initial OT licensure (unlike PT), you are expected to be familiar with the Georgia Practice Act and Board Rules.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Georgia:
- Application Fee: $70
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $51 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $121
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Georgia Occupational Therapist renewal happens every two years and is due by March 31st of even-numbered years.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $64.
Note: There is a short late renewal period from April 1st through April 30th with a penalty fee, but the license lapses immediately after that window closes.
CE Requirements
24 Hours required every two years.
Deadline: March 31st of even-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Occupational Therapist CEUs: Georgia allows all 24 hours to be completed via home study or online courses, provided they meet the board's criteria for formal or informal programs.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be relevant to the practice of occupational therapy. The board accepts programs approved by the AOTA, GOTA, or other healthcare-related organizations. General portals like MedBridge are accepted for meeting these requirements.
Mandatory Topics
- Ethics (2 hours): Must include a review of the Georgia Occupational Therapy Act and Board Rules.
- Jurisprudence: There is no separate exam; the requirement is satisfied through the mandatory 2-hour Ethics course covering Georgia-specific laws and rules.
Excluded Topics: Business management, marketing, investment, personal growth, and basic CPR/First Aid do not count toward the 24-hour requirement.
New Licensee Rule: If your initial license was issued within one year of the renewal date, you only need 12 hours. If issued within 6 months of the renewal date, no hours are required for the first renewal cycle.
Reporting: Georgia uses CE Broker for mandatory tracking. You must record your hours in the CE Broker system before renewing your license. Keep your certificates for at least 4 years in case of an audit.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy:
- Address: 237 Coliseum Dr Macon, GA 31217-3805
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (404) 424-9966
- Fax: (866) 888-1308
- Email: PLB-Healthcare2@sos.ga.gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.
Start your job search
Find vetted recruiters who have the jobs you want!
Get matched with vetted recruiters from multiple agencies who have the most jobs in your preferences!
How to Apply
To secure your Travel Occupational Therapist license in Georgia, you'll be working with the Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy. You will submit your application through the Georgia Online Application Licensing System (GOALS). Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Submit Your Application: Head over to the GOALS portal to create an account and submit your application online. This gets you into the system so the Board can match your incoming documents to your file.
- Register for Fingerprinting: Once you've applied, you must register for a background check through GAPS (Georgia Applicant Processing Service). Do not do this before applying, as you need your application to be in the system first. Follow the instructions on the GAPS website to find a Fieldprint location near you.
- Request Verifications: You'll need to request official license verifications from every state where you have held a license. Most states use NURSYS (for nurses) or a similar portal, but for OT, you likely need to contact each state board directly or use their online verification tool.
- Secure Your References: Georgia is unique in that it requires three references: two professional references (at least one from an OT) and one personal reference. These must be submitted on the specific Board forms, so download them early and send them to your contacts.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A secure and verifiable document (like your Driver's License or Passport) and your Social Security Number.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts (sent directly from your school), NBCOT Score Transfer (sent directly from NBCOT), and the three completed Reference Forms.
- Exams: While there is no separate jurisprudence exam for initial OT licensure (unlike PT), you are expected to be familiar with the Georgia Practice Act and Board Rules.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Georgia:
- Application Fee: $70
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $51 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $121
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Georgia Occupational Therapist renewal happens every two years and is due by March 31st of even-numbered years.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $64.
Note: There is a short late renewal period from April 1st through April 30th with a penalty fee, but the license lapses immediately after that window closes.
CE Requirements
24 Hours required every two years.
Deadline: March 31st of even-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Occupational Therapist CEUs: Georgia allows all 24 hours to be completed via home study or online courses, provided they meet the board's criteria for formal or informal programs.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be relevant to the practice of occupational therapy. The board accepts programs approved by the AOTA, GOTA, or other healthcare-related organizations. General portals like MedBridge are accepted for meeting these requirements.
Mandatory Topics
- Ethics (2 hours): Must include a review of the Georgia Occupational Therapy Act and Board Rules.
- Jurisprudence: There is no separate exam; the requirement is satisfied through the mandatory 2-hour Ethics course covering Georgia-specific laws and rules.
Excluded Topics: Business management, marketing, investment, personal growth, and basic CPR/First Aid do not count toward the 24-hour requirement.
New Licensee Rule: If your initial license was issued within one year of the renewal date, you only need 12 hours. If issued within 6 months of the renewal date, no hours are required for the first renewal cycle.
Reporting: Georgia uses CE Broker for mandatory tracking. You must record your hours in the CE Broker system before renewing your license. Keep your certificates for at least 4 years in case of an audit.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy:
- Address: 237 Coliseum Dr Macon, GA 31217-3805
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (404) 424-9966
- Fax: (866) 888-1308
- Email: PLB-Healthcare2@sos.ga.gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.