Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MS Board of Healthcare
Occupational Therapy Assistant Licensing in Mississippi
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for occupational therapy assistant in Mississippi, 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 Mississippi
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
is of good moral character;
- 2
has been awarded a degree from an education program recognized by the Board
- 3. has successfully completed a supervised field experience
- 3
has passed an examination approved by the Department
- and
- 4
has paid the required fee(s).
- 5
For an occupational therapist, the program shall be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education of the American Occupational Therapy Association or the board-recognized accrediting body.
- 6
For an occupational therapy assistant, the program shall be approved by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education of the American Occupational Therapy Association or the board-recognized accrediting body.
- 7
Education: Degree required.
- 8
Experience: Work experience required.
- 9
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 10
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 11
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 12
Occupational Therapy Assistant means a person licensed to assist in the practice of occupational therapy under the supervision of or with the consultation of a licensed occupational therapist and whose license is in good standing.
- 13
Subchapter 4: Licensure Rule 8.4.1 Licensure Requirements: An applicant for a regular license as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant shall submit to the Department, verified by oath, written evidence in form and content satisfactory to the Department that the applicant:.
- 14
Has been awarded a degree from an education program recognized by the Board
- 3.
- 15
Has successfully completed a supervised field experience;
- 16
Has passed an examination approved by the Department
- and.
Exam and processing details
- passed an examination approved by the Department
- and
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
MS State Dept. of Health • Professional Licensure Division • Office of Licensure
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$62,160 median (9% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#34 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (is of good moral character;; Occupational Therapy Assistant means a person licensed to assist in the practice of occupational therapy under the supervision of or with...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required passed an examination approved by the Department; and.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to MS State Dept. of Health~Professional Licensure Division~Office of Licensure and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Mississippi
With a median salary of $62,160, Occupational Therapy Assistants in Mississippi earn 9% below the national median of $68,340. Mississippi ranks #34 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.5%Average Weekly Wage
$999Median annual salary
$62,160Hourly estimate
$29.889% below national median
Difference: -$6,180
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOccupational Therapy Assistant Salary Ranking
#34 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $62,160 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $62,060 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| Alabama | $61,990 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $65,860 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $77,340 | Varies by state board | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 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. |
| Alabama | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arkansas | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
- 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
MS State Dept. of Health • Professional Licensure Division • Office of Licensure
P.O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS, 39215-1700
Phone: 6013647360
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|---|---|---|---|
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Mississippi?
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 Mississippi?
Mississippi lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Occupational Therapy Assistants.
What education do you need to become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Mississippi?
The board typically expects Degree required for Occupational Therapy Assistant licensure in Mississippi.
What is the typical Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in Mississippi?
The median annual salary for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Mississippi is $62,160. Salaries range from $51,260 (10th percentile) to $78,180 (90th percentile).
How does the Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in Mississippi compare to the national average?
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Mississippi earn 9% below the national median of $68,340, with a state median of $62,160.
How many Occupational Therapy Assistants work in Mississippi?
Mississippi employs approximately 490 Occupational Therapy Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Occupational Therapy Assistant license to Mississippi 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 Mississippi?
The licensing agency is MS State Dept. of Health / Professional Licensure Division / Office of Licensure. Review agency details at https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/30,0,82.html.
How often do you renew a Occupational Therapy Assistant license in Mississippi?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.