Mississippi Occupational Therapist School

How to Become an Occupational Therapist in Mississippi

To become an Occupational Therapist in Mississippi, strict requirements must be met before legally practicing in the profession. There are high school course recommendations for how to best prepare for entering into any of the accredited campus based or online Mississippi occupational therapy schools, although they aren’t mandatory. Mississippi requires the completion of at least a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy prior to practicing in the profession. After successfully graduating with a master’s, a national exam must be taken to become certified and licensed as an Occupational Therapist.

Mississippi OT Certifications and License

To ensure public safety, Mississippi requires all Occupational Therapists to pass a national certification exam prior to practicing in the medical profession. The national exam tests graduates on the skills needed to successfully perform in this profession. It’s based on a written, oral, and skills evaluation. After completing the exam, graduates can then apply for the state license.

A state license that is issued by the state of Mississippi is needed before legally practicing in this profession. To apply for this license, the successful completion of an accredited educational program and the passing of the certification exam must be achieved. After being granted a state license, it must be renewed every even numbered year in order for it to remain valid. If it’s not renewed between May 1st and April 30th of every even numbered year, the license will be revoked and an Occupational Therapist can no long practice legally in the profession within the state. The renewal of a revoked license must be made within 2 years of the expiration date. If one fails to due so, a new license may not be issued. Periodically, continued educational requirements will be needed to become re-licensed.

Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Occupational Therapists in Jackson, West Gulfport, Gulfport, Biloxi and Hattiesburg, Mississippi 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 Tupelo Hospital, North Mississippi Medical Center, Baptist Memorial Hospital and University of Mississippi Medical Center.