How to Become an Occupational Therapist in Wyoming
Wyoming is a beautiful state known for its wide open spaces and natural beauty. Wyoming is also a great state to become a licensed Occupational Therapist in. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics has provided information detailing that in 2010, Wyoming had 240 licensed Occupational Therapists employed. Additionally, the BLS is currently anticipating that the Occupational Therapy career will expand at a rate 33% faster than the average occupation during the decade of 2010 to 2020. The BLS has also gleaned information from the 2010 census showing that an Occupational Therapist in Wyoming had a mean yearly salary of $67,240.
The Board of Occupational Therapy is the licensing and regulatory body for the Wyoming occupational therapy profession. There are two levels of licensure in Wyoming the Occupational Therapy Assistant and the Occupational Therapist. While you are waiting to sit for your examination you can apply for a temporary license to practice at either level. Temporary licenses require that you work under the direct supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist who has a minimum of one year of licensure with the state.
If you want to become an Occupational Therapist in Wyoming, or an Occupational Therapy Assistant you will need to follow these steps:
Wyoming Physical Therapy License
WY Occupational Therapy Assistant:
- You must earn an Associate’s degree or higher in Occupational Therapy Assistant program from an American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) or the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) certified school.
- Performed at least 2 months of occupational therapy work experience under the direct supervision of a licensed Occupational therapist.
- Pass a criminal background check.
- Pass the National Board of Occupational Therapists (NBCOT) COTA examination.
- To renew a license, you must complete 16 Continuing Education hours during the licensure period.
- You can find the application form to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant here.
WY Occupational Therapist
- You must earn a Bachelor or Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from an American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) or the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) certified school.
- Performed at least 6 months of occupational therapy work experience as part of an internship under a licensed Occupational Therapist.
- Pass a criminal background check.
- Pass the NBCOT OTR examination.
- To renew a license, you must complete 16 Continuing Education hours during the licensure period.
- You can find the online application form to become an Occupational Therapist here.
You may continue reading to learn further details about how to become an Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapy Assistant in Wyoming.
Step 1: Graduate from an ACOTE Certified School
Occupational Therapy Assistant:
You must graduate from an ACOTE accredited school with at least an Associate’s degree to obtain licensure as an OTA in Wyoming. There is one school in the state with the necessary accreditation:
- Casper College
Licensed Occupational Therapist:
If you wish to practice as a Licensed Occupational Therapist in Wyoming, you must first graduate from an ACOTE certified school with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Wyoming has one university the appropriate accreditation for LOTs:
- University of North Dakota-Casper College
Step 2: Complete an Internship or Practicum
- Occupational Therapy Assistant:
You must complete at least two months of clinical occupational therapy work under the supervision of a Licensed Occupational Therapist to become licensed as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Wyoming.
Licensed Occupational Therapist:
If you wish to serve as a Licensed Occupational Therapist in Wyoming, you must first complete at least six months of supervised clinical occupational therapy work under the tutelage of a Licensed Occupational Therapist.
Step 3: Pass the National Certification Exam
Occupational Therapy Assistant:
Prior to state licensing, you must first become nationally certified as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. To become nationally certified you must take the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) exam offered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and score at least a 450.
Licensed Occupational Therapist:
To become nationally certified as an Occupational Therapist, you must take the Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) exam offered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and score at least a 450.
Step 4: Apply for a Wyoming State License
If you wish to become licensed as an Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapy Assistant, you must complete the following procedure:
- Submit a signed and completed application
- Provide a check or money order for the $125 application fee as well as the license fee; the license fee for Occupational
- Therapists is $100, while for Occupational Therapy Assistants, it is $50
- Request that the NBCOT forward a Verification of Certification or score reports
- Request all attended schools forward an official transcript
- Request that all prior states in which you have practiced forward a Verification of Licensure
Allow between six and eight weeks for the licensing board to issue a license.
Step 5: Maintain Licensure
Occupational Therapy Assistant:
You must complete 16 continuing education hours during the licensure period, in order to qualify for Occupational Therapy Assistant license renewal
Licensed Occupational Therapist:
If you wish to renew your Occupational Therapy license, you must complete at least 16 continuing education hours during the licensure period.
If you would like to learn more about the Occupational Therapy profession in Wyoming, you may contact the following organizations: