The Arizona State Board of Occupational Therapy has received multiple reports of fraudulent schemes targeting Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants, some by email and some by phone.
The scam emails falsely inform occupational therapists that they are under investigation by the Board for illegal drug trafficking and are facing an immediate suspension of their license. The message instructs the therapists that to avoid the suspension, they need to follow specific instructions.
Other licensed professionals have received scam phone calls, with the caller's phone number sometimes appearing on Caller ID as the licensing board's main phone number.
Please note that the Board provides initial, mailed written notification of investigations, not a phone call or threatening email.
If you receive a suspicious phone call, please hang up and call or message the Board directly.
Occupational Therapists/Occupational Therapy Assistants that receive suspicious emails or phone calls should also:
** Keep any suspicious emails **
** Write down details like date, time, and what was said, or keep the phone number, if any, of the caller **
The new licensing system is up and running!
Please contact the Board at [email protected] with any questions or for further information.
If you are a current licensee, please review the instructions under Accessing the Licensee Portal under the Resources tab BEFORE logging into the new licensing system.
To renew or apply for a license CLICK HERE
Changes in License Distribution 📢
The Board will no longer be mailing out physical copies of licenses to recipients. Instead, license holders can access and download their licenses directly through our online portal. This digital distribution method not only saves resources but also ensures faster access to your licenses whenever needed.
Please click here to learn more
ANNOUNCEMENT RE: FINGERPRINTING
Beginning January 1, 2022, an applicant for original licensure, license renewal, license reinstatement or a limited license pursuant to this chapter shall possess a valid fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to title 41, chapter 12, article 3.1.
The Board can only issue a license after an applicant has attested that they possess a valid fingerprint clearance card. Please go to: https://www.azdps.gov/services/public-services-portal/fingerprint-clearance-card if you require additional information on fingerprint clearance cards.
If you do not have proof of established residency in Arizona, please apply for Licensure by Examination. Incorrect selection of the license type will further delay the processing of your application.
Please click on link below if you are unsure which application is right for you.
Application Type Decision Tool
Board Operations During Covid-19
In order to protect their health and well-being and that of their families, Occupational Therapy Board staff are telecommuting until further notice. We continue to work regular office hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) from home and are able to receive phone calls (which are forwarded to our cell phones) and emails.
Definition of Occupational Therapy
The World Federation of Occupational Therapists defines occupational therapy as a profession concerned with promoting health and well-being through occupation. The primary goal of occupational therapy is to enable people to participate in the activities of everyday life. Occupational therapists achieve this outcome by enhancing the individual's ability to participate, by modifying the environment, or by adapting the activity to better support participation.
Another way of thinking about the ideas contained in these definitions could be: occupational therapy is about understanding the importance of an activity to an individual, being able to analyze the physical, mental and social components of the activity and then adapting the activity, the environment and/or the person to enable them to resume the activity. Occupational therapists would ask, "Why does this person have difficulties managing his or her daily activities (or occupations), and what can we adapt to make it possible for him or her to manage better and how will this then impact his or her health and well-being?”
Upcoming Meeting
Pathways to Licensure
FEE WAIVERS
Income-Related Fee Waiver
COVID-19 Fee Waiver - No longer available. Executive Order 2020-17 was rescinded effective July 1, 2021.
This is the traditional license application type. This type of application requires that you have passed the NBCOT examination at some point. You do not have to take another exam, nor do you have to reside in Arizona for this type of application.
Application for Licensure by Universal License Recognition
If you have recently established residency in Arizona AND hold a license in another state (for at least one year), you may qualify for licensure by universal license recognition. With this option, you are required to submit proof of Arizona residency. However, you are not required to submit proof of NBCOT certification and professional recommendations.
Military Spouse Applications
A.R.S. 32-4302 also states that a license shall be issued without an examination to a person who is married to an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States and who is accompanying the member to an official permanent change of station to a military installation located in this state. The Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners doesn't require a jurisprudence exam, so you would apply for licensure by universal recognition, as the requirements are the same.