Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Healthcare
Occupational Therapy Assistant Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for occupational therapy assistant in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Occupational Therapy Assistant in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: 18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Must be at least 18 years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character. 3) Must have satisfactorily completed training and graduated with an associate level degree in occupational therapy from an approved American Occupational Therapy Association program. 4) Must complete a minimum of two months of supervised field work. 5) Must successfully pass the examination conducted by the board. 6) Must complete a criminal background check. 7) Must present indisputable identification.
- Written examination required.
- Application for License
- 2
Must be at least 18 years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character. 3) Must have satisfactorily completed training and graduated with an associate level degree in occupational therapy from an approved American Occupational Therapy Association program. 4) Must complete a minimum of two months of supervised field work. 5) Must successfully pass the examination conducted by the board. 6) Must complete a criminal background check. 7) Must present indisputable identification.
- Written examination required.
- Application for License fee: $50.00, License Renewal fee: $65.00 (annual), Late Renewal fee: $25.00
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Certification: Certification required.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
Occupational Therapist Assistants are licensed to assist in the practice of occupational therapy under the frequent and regular supervision by or with consultation with an occupational therapist, whose license is in good standing.
- 7
3) Must have satisfactorily completed training and graduated with an associate level degree in occupational therapy from an approved American Occupational Therapy Association program.
- 8
5) Must successfully pass the examination conducted by the board.
- 9
6) Must complete a criminal background check.
- 10
Written examination required.
- 11
Application for License fee: $50.00, License Renewal fee: $65.00 (annual), Late Renewal fee: $25.00.
Exam and processing details
- Written examination required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Medical Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$77,340 median (13% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#3 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must be at least 18 years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character. 3) Must have satisfactorily completed training and graduated with a...; Must be at least 18 years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character. 3) Must have satisfactorily completed training and graduated with a...).
- 2. Complete required education or training (Must be at least 18 years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character. 3) Must have satisfactorily completed training and graduated with a...).
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required Written examination required.
- 4. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Must be at least 18 years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character. 3) Must have satisfactorily completed training and graduated with a...; Must be at least 18 years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character. 3) Must have satisfactorily completed training and graduated with a...).
- 5. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Health~Arkansas State Medical Board and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $77,340, Occupational Therapy Assistants in Arkansas earn 13% above the national median of $68,340. Arkansas ranks #3 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$77,340Hourly estimate
$37.1813% above national median
Difference: +$9,000
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOccupational Therapy Assistant Salary Ranking
#3 of 50 statesfor Occupational Therapy Assistant median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $79,420 |
| #2 | Texas | $77,910 |
| #3 | Arkansas | $77,340 |
| #4 | Maryland | $77,330 |
| #5 | Nevada | $76,450 |
Nearby States Comparison
Occupational Therapy Assistant licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $77,340 | Varies by state board | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| Missouri | $62,830 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $62,060 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| Mississippi | $62,160 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $65,860 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $77,910 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $68,710 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 64 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Medical Board
1401 West Capitol Ave., Suite 340, Little Rock, AR, 72201
Phone: 5012961802
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Occupational Therapy Assistants.
What is the typical Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Arkansas is $77,340. Salaries range from $52,580 (10th percentile) to $99,420 (90th percentile).
How does the Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Arkansas earn 13% above the national median of $68,340, with a state median of $77,340.
How many Occupational Therapy Assistants work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 620 Occupational Therapy Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Occupational Therapy Assistant license to Arkansas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Health / Arkansas State Medical Board. Review agency details at https://www.armedicalboard.org/.
How often do you renew a Occupational Therapy Assistant license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.