Michigan Occupational Therapist School

Steps to Become an Occupational Therapist in Michigan

Last year, Michigan saw a major change in its requirements for licensing of Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants.  Prior to January of 2009, OTR and COTA in Michigan had to be registered with the state, but did not have to hold a license to practice.  All currently registered Occupational Therapy professionals were automatically issued licenses by the end of June 2009.  OTRs are responsible for paying all licensing fees and meeting all continuing education requirements.  Occupational Therapy professionals may check out the MiOTA website for more information at http://www.mi-ota.com/advocacy/licensureupdate.html.

For those planning to become Occupational Therapists in Michigan, there are several requirements that must be met.  First, the person must have graduated from one of the accredited online or campus based Michigan Occupational Therapy schools.  Second, the person must pass the national certification exam.  The third requirement is to provide evidence of good moral character.  Another criteria is to have a working knowledge of the English language to ensure effective communication with clients and other healthcare professionals.  Next, a person must complete an application form and pay all required fees for the licensing process.  Currently, the license application fee is $20 and the license fee is $75.  Lastly, a person must submit to a fingerprint and criminal background check.  Integrated Biometric Technology (IBT) conducts the fingerprint scans and each applicant is responsible for paying the $65.25 fee for this service. This is not included in the state’s application fee. 

The Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists is developing rules and regulations regarding the type of continuing education or professional development courses that will be accepted as part of the requirements for renewal of a license.  There also is a license renewal fee that must be paid by each license holder to renew his or her license. 
 
Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Occupational Therapists in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Ann Arbor and Lansing, Michigan may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the William Beaumont Hospital, Traverse City State Hospital, Children's Hospital of Michigan and Henry Ford Hospital.