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Verified by RI Board of Healthcare

Occupational Therapy Assistant Licensing in Rhode Island

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

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See board website

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Occupational Therapy Assistant in Rhode Island

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: Third-party exam required
  • Application Fee: See board website
  • Experience: Work experience required
  • Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    RI Department of Health • Health Professions Regulation

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See board website

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $63,590 median (7% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #30 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Rhode Island eligibility requirements for Occupational Therapy Assistant licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass the required examination: Third-party exam required.
  4. 4. Submit your application to the RI Department of Health~Health Professions Regulation.

Salary Insights in Rhode Island

With a median salary of 63,590, Occupational Therapy Assistants in Rhode Island earn 7% below the national median of 68340. Rhode Island ranks #30 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$63,590

Hourly estimate

$30.57
7% below national median

Difference: -$4,750

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$56,850
  • P2525th percentile$59,910
  • P50Median$63,590
  • P7575th percentile$71,420
  • P9090th percentile$73,170

State vs National Median

State: $63,590
National: $68,340

Total employment: 320 | Annual openings: null

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Ranking

#30 of 50 statesfor Occupational Therapy Assistant median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California79,420
#2Texas77,910
#3Arkansas77,340
#4Maryland77,330
#5Nevada76,450

Nearby States Comparison

Occupational Therapy Assistant licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Rhode Island$63,590Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Massachusetts$72,750Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Connecticut$71,210Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months

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
Rhode Island50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Massachusetts54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Connecticut50LowState-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.

Official Licensing Agency

RI Department of Health • Health Professions Regulation

3 Capitol Hill, Room 104, Providence, RI, 02908

Phone: 4012222828

Related Careers in Rhode Island

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Audiologist$80,530Degree required6-24 months
Chiropractor$79,210Degree required6-24 months
Clinical Lab Technologist$81,220Degree required6-24 months
Dental Assistant$48,060Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?

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

What is the typical Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in Rhode Island?

The median annual salary for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Rhode Island is 63,590. Salaries range from 56850 (10th percentile) to 73170 (90th percentile).

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

Occupational Therapy Assistants in Rhode Island earn 7% below the national median of 68340, with a state median of 63,590.

How many Occupational Therapy Assistants work in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island employs approximately 320 Occupational Therapy Assistants according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Occupational Therapy Assistant license to Rhode Island 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.

Who is the licensing agency for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Rhode Island?

The licensing agency is RI Department of Health / Health Professions Regulation. Review agency details at https://health.ri.gov/licenses/.