MichiganOTA License Requirements

Program Length

2 years (Associate's degree)

Fieldwork Requirement

Level II fieldwork — minimum 16 weeks

Accepted Alternatives

• •Foreign-educated applicants must have credentials evaluated by a NBCOT-approved agency
• •English language proficiency must be demonstrated (may be met if educational program was taught in English)

OTAs must graduate from an ACOTE-accredited (Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education) associate’s degree program that includes Level II fieldwork. Some states may accept foreign-educated applicants who meet equivalent standards.

Supervision Type

General supervision; OTA practices under supervision of and in partnership with an OT

Initial Supervision Period

First 90 days — close supervision required

Ongoing Requirements

Supervising OTR/L must be available for consultation; OTA practices in partnership with OT

OTAs must practice under the supervision of a licensed and registered occupational therapist (OTR/L). Supervision ratios, types (direct, general, routine), and frequency requirements vary by state.

Restricted Activities (OTR/L Only)

Supervision Level for Tasks

Routine tasks may be performed under general supervision; complex or new interventions require direct supervision

OTAs implement treatment plans under OTR/L supervision. They may perform treatment implementation, documentation, and patient education, but evaluation, treatment planning, and discharge planning are typically reserved for the supervising OTR/L.

CE Topics

Regulatory Board

OTA licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering occupational therapy practice, ethics, and specialized topics. Some states also require maintaining NBCOT certification.

Additional Requirements for Transfer

• •Current NBCOT certification or proof of passing score
• •Pass Michigan jurisprudence exam (passing score 75%)
• •Verification of licensure from all states where licensed
• •Criminal background check
• •Good moral character documentation

The Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact (OT Compact) allows OTAs to practice across member states with a compact privilege. Non-compact states may accept out-of-state credentials through endorsement or require a full application.