Occupational Therapist Licensure in Pennsylvania
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Timeline 4-6 weeks
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Initial Costs $160
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Renewal Costs $55
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CE Requirements 24 Hours
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Compact No
How to apply
To secure your Travel Occupational Therapist license in Pennsylvania, you'll be working with the State Board of Occupational Therapy Education and Licensure. You will submit your application through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS). Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Create Your PALS Account: Head over to the PALS portal to create your account and start the application. This system is your hub for the entire process, so keep your login handy. Hit submit on the initial forms to generate the necessary codes for your background check.
- Complete the Act 31 Child Abuse Training: Pennsylvania requires all health-related licensees to complete 3 hours of Board-approved training in child abuse recognition and reporting. You must take this course from an approved provider, and they will electronically submit your certificate directly to the Board.
- Schedule Your Fingerprints: Once you've submitted your application, you'll receive a service code. Use this to register for your fingerprinting appointment with IdentoGO. Do not try to schedule this before you have the specific code from your application.
- Request Official Documents: Contact your university to send your official transcripts directly to the Board. You'll also need to head over to the NBCOT website to request a score transfer. Remember, these must come directly from the source—copies you send yourself won't be accepted.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A valid Driver's License, your Social Security Number, and a detailed employment history for the past 5 years.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts from your OT program and your NBCOT Score Transfer.
- Special Requirements: The Act 31 Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting training certificate (submitted electronically by the provider).
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Pennsylvania:
- Application Fee: $100
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $60 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $160
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Pennsylvania Occupational Therapist renewal happens biennially and is due by June 30th of odd-numbered years.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $55.
Note: Ensure you complete your 30 hours of continuing education, including the mandatory child abuse recognition and reporting course, before the deadline to avoid a lapsed license.
CE Requirements
24 Contact Hours required every two years.
Deadline: June 30th of odd-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Occupational Therapist CEUs: there is currently no limit on home-study or online courses. You can complete all 24 hours through distance learning.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Occupational Therapy, AOTA, or NBCOT. General portals like MedBridge are accepted as they are AOTA-approved providers.
Mandatory Topics
- Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting (2 Contact Hours): Required for every renewal per Act 31. This must be taken from a provider approved by the Department of Human Services.
- No other specific mandatory topics—choose what interests you!
Excluded Topics: CPR, first aid, business/office management, marketing, and courses for personal financial gain or self-improvement.
New Licensee Rule: If you are a new grad or newly licensed in PA, your requirements are prorated at 1 hour per month of licensure. However, the 2-hour Child Abuse Recognition course is mandatory regardless of when you were licensed.
Reporting: Pennsylvania uses an audit-based system. You do not need to submit certificates unless audited, but you must maintain your records for at least 4 years.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Pennsylvania State Board of OT Education and Licensure:
- Address: 2601 North Third St - PO Box 2649 Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (717) 783-1389
- Fax: (717) 787-7769
- Email: ST-OCCUPATIONAL@PA.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 Pennsylvania, you'll be working with the State Board of Occupational Therapy Education and Licensure. You will submit your application through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS). Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and requesting your transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Create Your PALS Account: Head over to the PALS portal to create your account and start the application. This system is your hub for the entire process, so keep your login handy. Hit submit on the initial forms to generate the necessary codes for your background check.
- Complete the Act 31 Child Abuse Training: Pennsylvania requires all health-related licensees to complete 3 hours of Board-approved training in child abuse recognition and reporting. You must take this course from an approved provider, and they will electronically submit your certificate directly to the Board.
- Schedule Your Fingerprints: Once you've submitted your application, you'll receive a service code. Use this to register for your fingerprinting appointment with IdentoGO. Do not try to schedule this before you have the specific code from your application.
- Request Official Documents: Contact your university to send your official transcripts directly to the Board. You'll also need to head over to the NBCOT website to request a score transfer. Remember, these must come directly from the source—copies you send yourself won't be accepted.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A valid Driver's License, your Social Security Number, and a detailed employment history for the past 5 years.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts from your OT program and your NBCOT Score Transfer.
- Special Requirements: The Act 31 Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting training certificate (submitted electronically by the provider).
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Pennsylvania:
- Application Fee: $100
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $60 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $0
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $160
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Pennsylvania Occupational Therapist renewal happens biennially and is due by June 30th of odd-numbered years.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $55.
Note: Ensure you complete your 30 hours of continuing education, including the mandatory child abuse recognition and reporting course, before the deadline to avoid a lapsed license.
CE Requirements
24 Contact Hours required every two years.
Deadline: June 30th of odd-numbered years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Occupational Therapist CEUs: there is currently no limit on home-study or online courses. You can complete all 24 hours through distance learning.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Occupational Therapy, AOTA, or NBCOT. General portals like MedBridge are accepted as they are AOTA-approved providers.
Mandatory Topics
- Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting (2 Contact Hours): Required for every renewal per Act 31. This must be taken from a provider approved by the Department of Human Services.
- No other specific mandatory topics—choose what interests you!
Excluded Topics: CPR, first aid, business/office management, marketing, and courses for personal financial gain or self-improvement.
New Licensee Rule: If you are a new grad or newly licensed in PA, your requirements are prorated at 1 hour per month of licensure. However, the 2-hour Child Abuse Recognition course is mandatory regardless of when you were licensed.
Reporting: Pennsylvania uses an audit-based system. You do not need to submit certificates unless audited, but you must maintain your records for at least 4 years.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Pennsylvania State Board of OT Education and Licensure:
- Address: 2601 North Third St - PO Box 2649 Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (717) 783-1389
- Fax: (717) 787-7769
- Email: ST-OCCUPATIONAL@PA.GOV
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.