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To get a Minnesota OT license, you must complete an accredited occupational therapy degree, pass the NBCOT exam, submit a state application, and complete a background check. Once approved, you can legally practice as an occupational therapist in Minnesota.
At a Glance: Minnesota OT license requirements:
To become a licensed occupational therapist in Minnesota, you must:
- Earn a master’s or doctoral degree in occupational therapy
- Graduate from an ACOTE-accredited program
- Pass the NBCOT certification exam
- Submit a state licensure application
- Complete a criminal background check (fingerprinting)
- Renew your license every 2 years with continuing education
Step 1: Complete your OT education.
The Minnesota Board of Occupational Therapy Practice requires you must first complete certain education requirements, including a master's or doctoral degree accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
Program Details:
- Typically takes 2–3 years after your bachelor’s degree
- Includes required fieldwork (clinical training)
- Covers assessment, intervention planning, and patient care
📌 Your school must send official transcripts directly to the Minnesota Board to verify completion.
Master’s vs. Doctorate in Occupational Therapy
If you want to increase your earning potential or explore working in academia, you can earn a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD). This path takes three or more years to complete and can ease the transition from working directly with clients to working in higher education.
👉 Your choice depends on your career goals, timeline, and interest in clinical vs. academic work.
Fieldwork Experience
During grad school, you’ll gain real-world experience in mandatory fieldwork (practicum) placements.
- Observation of licensed occupational therapists
- Hands-on clinical practice
- Client assessment and intervention planning
- Documentation and progress tracking
Step 2: Pass the NBCOT Exam
After completing your college coursework, you can apply for and take the NBCOT exam. Passing this exam demonstrates that you’ve met the highest national standards for:
- Clinical competence
- Ethical conduct practice
- Public safety
- Professional readiness - and recertification requirements for continued competence.
The national exam for occupational therapists is a computer-based test that assesses aspects of OT learning. Tests last about four hours (including breaks) and include multiple-choice questions and clinical simulation questions.
If you do not pass the test, you can apply to take it again after a waiting period. Taking practice exams during the study period can help you succeed before the national exam.
Step 3: Apply for Minnesota OT licensure
Once you pass the exam, you’ll be eligible for state licensure.
Your application process for a Minnesota OT license can take different routes depending on your situation. For general licensure, you must complete the online application, submit fees, and agree to a criminal background check, which includes fingerprinting.
Applying from another state. (Reciprocity)
If you already have your OT license in another state, you'll follow the equivalency guidelines. This referred to as the OT Licensure Compact. You may be eligible for a compact privilege to practice in Minnesota if your "home state" is also a member of the compact and you are licensed there in good standing. The equivalency pathway is designed for applicants who have already achieved national certification but may be seeking licensure in Minnesota for the first time or moving from another jurisdiction.
All applicants will need to provide documents proving completion of an accredited program.
Wait for board review and approval.
Once you've applied, there is a waiting period while the board reviews your application. The fingerprinting portion of the wait can take up to five weeks. The entire board review and approval (after this point) can then take up to 10 business days.
When your license is approved, your name will appear on the online state lookup/verification system. Those with active state licensure can apply for OT jobs within the state.
Step 4: Maintain and renew your license.
To keep your Minnesota OT license active, you will need to complete 24 contact hours of continuing education every two years to renew your license.
What does a school-based OT do?
School-based OTs help students build essential life skills to participate in their learning environment as independently as possible. Their work helps students access academic, social, and physical tools to navigate school successfully and improve their well-being.
Support diverse learners
- Assist students in general and special education
- Provide individual and group interventions
- Support early intervention services
Fine motor skill development
- Improve handwriting
- Support scissor use and classroom tools
- Strengthen coordination skills
Life skills training
- Organization and classroom routines
- Dressing and self-care skills
- Managing school materials
Sensory and emotional regulation
- Help students focus and self-regulate
- Use movement breaks and sensory strategies
- Support classroom participation
Classroom adaptation
- Modify seating or learning environments
- Reduce sensory barriers
- Improve accessibility for students
Collaboration
- Work with teachers, parents, and specialists
- Help design and implement IEP goals
- Support student success across environments
School-based OTs work with a wide range of students to make a meaningful difference in the students' development. Some students who may need additional OT support include those with autism, ADHD, physical disabilities, developmental or learning delays, or cerebral palsy.
Grow your career with Kelly Pediatric Therapy.
At Kelly Pediatric Therapy we work with occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, psychologists, mental health professionals, and other providers find the right school-based placements.
If you're looking to move forward in your professional career in a way that supports growth, balance, and impact—consider working with us as a school-based therapist.
When you work with Kelly Pediatric Therapy, you’ll enjoy competitive pay, compensation for documentation, access to mentorship, free professional development, and work-free nights, weekends, and holidays.
Learn more about joining our team.
