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Verified by WV Board of Healthcare

Occupational Therapy Assistant Licensing in West Virginia

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for occupational therapy assistant in West Virginia, including $150 and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

$150

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Occupational Therapy Assistant in West Virginia

Estimated timeline: 1-2 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  5. 5

    Licenses are valid from the date issued to December 31 of the following year and are subject to biennial renewal.

  6. 6

    Application must be completed in its entirety.

  7. 7

    Failure to do so may result in delay and/or denial of license.

  8. 8

    A recent photo is required to be uploaded as part of the online application.

  9. 9

    A completed Supervisory Statement, signed by a supervising OTR, is required to be uploaded as part of the COTA application for those applicants who have secured employment in WV.

  10. 10

    If applicant has previously been licensed, in WV or any other state, but does not hold a current license or NBCOT certification, and has not been a practicing clinician within a period of 2 years, you are required to submit proof of 24 hours of continuing competency contact hours within the 2 years preceding the application.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Certemy, our licensing management software provider, and include a number of self-paced steps to be completed and submitted for verification and approval
Fee TypeAmount
LICENSURE FEES The initial license fee for an OT$150
The initial license fee for an OTA$100

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

  2. Current Filing Fee

    $150

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $61,320 median (10% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #41 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (8)

  1. 1. Meet West Virginia eligibility requirements for Occupational Therapy Assistant licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; Application must be completed in its entirety.).
  6. 6. Budget filing costs (LICENSURE FEES The initial license fee for an OT: $150; The initial license fee for an OTA: $100).
  7. 7. Submit the application to OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY and monitor board communications.
  8. 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in West Virginia

With a median salary of $61,320, Occupational Therapy Assistants in West Virginia earn 10% below the national median of $68,340. West Virginia ranks #41 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-2 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+1.7%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,167

Median annual salary

$61,320

Hourly estimate

$29.48
10% below national median

Difference: -$7,020

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$50,540
  • P2525th percentile$52,500
  • P50Median$61,320
  • P7575th percentile$69,680
  • P9090th percentile$77,240

State vs National Median

State: $61,320
National: $68,340

Total employment: 260 | Annual openings: N/A

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Ranking

#41 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
West Virginia$61,320Degree requiredThird-party exam required1-2 years
Pennsylvania$61,430Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Maryland$77,330Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Virginia$73,870Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$65,980Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$62,960Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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
West Virginia50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Pennsylvania50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Maryland78HighBoard-specific review required.
Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Kentucky50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Ohio78HighBoard-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

Official website verified

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

See official licensing board website

Phone: 3042853150

Visit Official WebsiteCall Board

Related Careers in West Virginia

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$78,140Degree required18 years
Anesthesiologist$168,390Degree required2-3 months
Athletic Trainer$45,140Varies by state boardVaries by board
Audiologist$87,980Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-2 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Occupational Therapy Assistants in West Virginia?

West Virginia 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 West Virginia?

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

What is the typical Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in West Virginia?

The median annual salary for Occupational Therapy Assistants in West Virginia is $61,320. Salaries range from $50,540 (10th percentile) to $77,240 (90th percentile).

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

Occupational Therapy Assistants in West Virginia earn 10% below the national median of $68,340, with a state median of $61,320.

How many Occupational Therapy Assistants work in West Virginia?

West Virginia employs approximately 260 Occupational Therapy Assistants according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Occupational Therapy Assistant license to West Virginia 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 West Virginia?

The licensing agency is OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY. Review agency details at http://www.wvbot.org/.

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

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