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Verified by LA Board of Healthcare

Occupational Therapy Assistant Licensing in Louisiana

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for occupational therapy assistant in Louisiana, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Occupational Therapy Assistant in Louisiana

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • certification tests

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals • Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $65,860 median (4% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #26 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Louisiana eligibility requirements for Occupational Therapy Assistant licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals~Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Louisiana

With a median salary of $65,860, Occupational Therapy Assistants in Louisiana earn 4% below the national median of $68,340. Louisiana ranks #26 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.2%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,176

Median annual salary

$65,860

Hourly estimate

$31.66
4% below national median

Difference: -$2,480

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$20,290
  • P2525th percentile$50,330
  • P50Median$65,860
  • P7575th percentile$74,600
  • P9090th percentile$84,030

State vs National Median

State: $65,860
National: $68,340

Total employment: 690 | Annual openings: N/A

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Ranking

#26 of 50 statesfor Occupational Therapy Assistant median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$79,420
#2Texas$77,910
#3Arkansas$77,340
#4Maryland$77,330
#5Nevada$76,450

Nearby States Comparison

Occupational Therapy Assistant licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Louisiana$65,860Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$77,340Varies by state boardThird-party exam required18 years
Mississippi$62,160Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Texas$77,910Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Louisiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arkansas58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Mississippi50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Texas50LowState-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

Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals • Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners

630 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA, 70130

Phone: 5045686820ext115

Related Careers in Louisiana

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$78,140Specific course required6 months
AnesthesiologistN/ADegree requiredVaries by board
Athletic Trainer$62,500Degree requiredVaries by board
Audiologist$75,740Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Louisiana?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Louisiana?

Louisiana lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Occupational Therapy Assistants.

What education do you need to become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Louisiana?

The board typically expects Degree required for Occupational Therapy Assistant licensure in Louisiana.

What is the typical Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in Louisiana?

The median annual salary for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Louisiana is $65,860. Salaries range from $20,290 (10th percentile) to $84,030 (90th percentile).

How does the Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in Louisiana compare to the national average?

Occupational Therapy Assistants in Louisiana earn 4% below the national median of $68,340, with a state median of $65,860.

How many Occupational Therapy Assistants work in Louisiana?

Louisiana employs approximately 690 Occupational Therapy Assistants according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Occupational Therapy Assistant license to Louisiana 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 Louisiana?

The licensing agency is Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals / Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners. Review agency details at http://www.lsbme.la.gov/licensure/acupuncturist.

How often do you renew a Occupational Therapy Assistant license in Louisiana?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.