Occupational Therapist Licensure in Nebraska
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Timeline 9 weeks or more
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Initial Costs $195
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Renewal Costs $120
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CE Requirements 20 Hours
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Compact No
How to apply
To secure your Travel Occupational Therapist license in Nebraska, you'll be working with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). You will submit your application through the One Stop License Portal (or via mail if using the paper forms). Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your official transcripts to avoid delays.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Submit Your Application: Head over to the One Stop License Portal to create an account and start your application. If you prefer or are required to use the paper method, download the "Occupational Therapist or Assistant" application packet from the DHHS website, fill it out, and mail it to the address listed on the form.
- Complete the Background Check: Nebraska requires a criminal background check for all new applicants. You will need to have your fingerprints taken. If you are in Nebraska, you can go to a Nebraska State Patrol location. If you are out of state, you must request fingerprint cards from the Licensure Unit and have them completed at a local law enforcement agency, then mail them back to the Board.
- Request Official Transcripts: Contact your university registrar to send your official transcripts directly to the Nebraska DHHS Licensure Unit. These must come straight from the school; copies you send yourself will not be accepted.
- Verify Your NBCOT Score: Log in to your NBCOT account and request a score transfer to be sent directly to Nebraska. This serves as your proof of passing the national examination.
- Physical Agent Modalities (PAMs) Certification: If you plan to use PAMs (like ultrasound or electrical stimulation), Nebraska requires a separate certification. You must submit an application for PAMs certification and provide proof of completing a board-approved training course.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A copy of your driver’s license or lawful presence document, your Social Security Number, and a list of all other state licenses you hold (past and present).
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts (sent directly from your school), NBCOT Score Transfer (sent directly from NBCOT), and Fingerprint Cards (if applying from out of state).
- Exams: You must have passed the NBCOT Exam. There is no separate jurisprudence exam for OTs in Nebraska, but you must be certified to use PAMs.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Nebraska:
- Application Fee: $120
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $45 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $30 (approximate)
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $195
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 Occupational Therapist renewal happens every two years and is due by August 1st of even-numbered years.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $120.
Note: You must complete 20 hours of continuing education within the 24-month renewal period to maintain your license.
CE Requirements
20 Hours required every two years.
Deadline: August 1st of even-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Occupational Therapist CEUs: Nebraska allows all 20 hours to be completed via home study or online courses, provided they meet the board's criteria for clinical relevance.
Provider Restrictions: Nebraska does not pre-approve individual courses. Instead, they accept programs approved by the AOTA, NBCOT, or state/national OT associations. General education portals like MedBridge are widely accepted as they are AOTA-approved providers.
Mandatory Topics
- No specific mandatory topics—choose what interests you!
- Jurisprudence: While required for initial licensure, there is no recurring Law/Ethics exam required for standard renewals.
Excluded Topics: CPR, basic first aid, business management, marketing, personal financial planning, and social work courses not related to OT clinical practice.
New Licensee Rule: If you were issued your initial Nebraska license within the 24-month period prior to your first expiration date, you are exempt from continuing education requirements for that first renewal cycle.
Reporting: Nebraska uses an audit-based system. You do not need to submit certificates at the time of renewal, but you must maintain documentation for at least 4 years in case you are selected for a random audit.
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 Occupational Therapist license in Nebraska, you'll be working with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). You will submit your application through the One Stop License Portal (or via mail if using the paper forms). Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your official transcripts to avoid delays.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Submit Your Application: Head over to the One Stop License Portal to create an account and start your application. If you prefer or are required to use the paper method, download the "Occupational Therapist or Assistant" application packet from the DHHS website, fill it out, and mail it to the address listed on the form.
- Complete the Background Check: Nebraska requires a criminal background check for all new applicants. You will need to have your fingerprints taken. If you are in Nebraska, you can go to a Nebraska State Patrol location. If you are out of state, you must request fingerprint cards from the Licensure Unit and have them completed at a local law enforcement agency, then mail them back to the Board.
- Request Official Transcripts: Contact your university registrar to send your official transcripts directly to the Nebraska DHHS Licensure Unit. These must come straight from the school; copies you send yourself will not be accepted.
- Verify Your NBCOT Score: Log in to your NBCOT account and request a score transfer to be sent directly to Nebraska. This serves as your proof of passing the national examination.
- Physical Agent Modalities (PAMs) Certification: If you plan to use PAMs (like ultrasound or electrical stimulation), Nebraska requires a separate certification. You must submit an application for PAMs certification and provide proof of completing a board-approved training course.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A copy of your driver’s license or lawful presence document, your Social Security Number, and a list of all other state licenses you hold (past and present).
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts (sent directly from your school), NBCOT Score Transfer (sent directly from NBCOT), and Fingerprint Cards (if applying from out of state).
- Exams: You must have passed the NBCOT Exam. There is no separate jurisprudence exam for OTs in Nebraska, but you must be certified to use PAMs.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Nebraska:
- Application Fee: $120
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $45 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $30 (approximate)
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $195
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 Occupational Therapist renewal happens every two years and is due by August 1st of even-numbered years.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $120.
Note: You must complete 20 hours of continuing education within the 24-month renewal period to maintain your license.
CE Requirements
20 Hours required every two years.
Deadline: August 1st of even-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Occupational Therapist CEUs: Nebraska allows all 20 hours to be completed via home study or online courses, provided they meet the board's criteria for clinical relevance.
Provider Restrictions: Nebraska does not pre-approve individual courses. Instead, they accept programs approved by the AOTA, NBCOT, or state/national OT associations. General education portals like MedBridge are widely accepted as they are AOTA-approved providers.
Mandatory Topics
- No specific mandatory topics—choose what interests you!
- Jurisprudence: While required for initial licensure, there is no recurring Law/Ethics exam required for standard renewals.
Excluded Topics: CPR, basic first aid, business management, marketing, personal financial planning, and social work courses not related to OT clinical practice.
New Licensee Rule: If you were issued your initial Nebraska license within the 24-month period prior to your first expiration date, you are exempt from continuing education requirements for that first renewal cycle.
Reporting: Nebraska uses an audit-based system. You do not need to submit certificates at the time of renewal, but you must maintain documentation for at least 4 years in case you are selected for a random audit.
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.