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Occupational Therapy Assistant Licensing in Tennessee

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

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

Renewal AL REQUIREMENTS: Every two years

Licensing Blueprint for Occupational Therapy Assistant in Tennessee

Estimated timeline: 18 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Certification: Certification required.

  3. 3

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  4. 4

    Be at least 18 years of age, of good moral character, and satisfy the education and examination requirements.

  5. 5

    Successfully complete the academic requirements of an educational program in occupational therapy or occupational therapy assistant approved by the Board of Occupational Therapy and accredited by the Commission on Allied Health Education and Accreditation of the American Medical Association in collaboration with the American Occupational Therapy Association.

  6. 6

    EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:.

  7. 7

    The Occupational Therapy Registration examination administered by The National Board of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

  8. 8

    A letter of moral character is required for examination applicants.

  9. 9

    RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS:.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    Renewal AL REQUIREMENTS: Every two years

  4. Salary Position

    $62,060 median (9% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #35 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (5)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Be at least 18 years of age, of good moral character, and satisfy the education and examination requirements.; A letter of moral character is required for examination applicants.).
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Department of Health~Division of Health Related Boards~Division of Health Related Boards and monitor board communications.
  5. 5. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal AL REQUIREMENTS: Every two years; continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Tennessee

With a median salary of $62,060, Occupational Therapy Assistants in Tennessee earn 9% below the national median of $68,340. Tennessee ranks #35 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 18 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,297

Median annual salary

$62,060

Hourly estimate

$29.84
9% below national median

Difference: -$6,280

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$23,600
  • P2525th percentile$56,370
  • P50Median$62,060
  • P7575th percentile$72,720
  • P9090th percentile$77,290

State vs National Median

State: $62,060
National: $68,340

Total employment: 1,430 | Annual openings: N/A

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Ranking

#35 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
Tennessee$62,060Specific course requiredThird-party exam required18 years
Kentucky$65,980Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$73,870Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
North Carolina$70,940Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Georgia$66,090Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Alabama$61,990Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Mississippi$62,160Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$77,340Varies by state boardThird-party exam required18 years
Missouri$62,830Degree requiredThird-party exam 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
Tennessee64MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required.
Kentucky50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
North Carolina50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Georgia33LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
Alabama78HighBoard-specific review 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

Agency website unverified

Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards

"665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor", Na, 000TN-7243

Phone: N/A

Website Pending VerificationOpen in Maps
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.

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FAQ

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

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 Tennessee?

Tennessee 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 Tennessee?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Occupational Therapy Assistant licensure in Tennessee.

What is the typical Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in Tennessee?

The median annual salary for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Tennessee is $62,060. Salaries range from $23,600 (10th percentile) to $77,290 (90th percentile).

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

Occupational Therapy Assistants in Tennessee earn 9% below the national median of $68,340, with a state median of $62,060.

How many Occupational Therapy Assistants work in Tennessee?

Tennessee employs approximately 1,430 Occupational Therapy Assistants according to BLS data.

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

The licensing agency is Department of Health / Division of Health Related Boards / Division of Health Related Boards. The official board website is currently under manual verification.

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

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal AL REQUIREMENTS: Every two years.