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New Mexico Occupational Therapist School

By Laura Wrede, allied health world contributing writer
Published:  February 19th, 2010

Steps to Become an Occupational Therapist in New Mexico

Step One- The career path of an occupational therapist is similar to any medical field. The very first thing you will need to do is find approved online or campus based New Mexico occupational therapy schools that have qualifying Occupational Therapist programs. After enrolling in and completing your Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy, You will then be ready for the next step

Step Two- The second thing to do once school is completed is to seek out a certification program from the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). You will need to apply to take the exam and pay the appropriate fees. You are encouraged to take advantage of the online practice material available to you. This will give you confidence when the time comes to take the actual exam.

Once you have completed the exam, you will be notified in about 14 business days with your official results. You also have access online from the NBCOT website to view your exam results.

http://www.nbcot.org/

Step Three- Apply to the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (NMRLD) for your state exam and license.

License requirements for Occupational Therapist in New Mexico

New Mexico requires you to obtain a license in order to practice as an Occupational Therapist. You will also be required to take a “Jurisprudence exam” with a passing score of a minimum of 80%.

After you take your exam and submit your application to the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (NMRLD) a license number will be issued in about fourteen business days.

You may receive a provisional license within a week’s timeframe if you have completed all the necessary forms, paid the appropriate fees, and supplied all the necessary documents. However, you also must be gainfully employed and have your supervisor file the necessary paperwork with the NMRLD in order to obtain your provisional license.

http://www.rld.state.nm.us/OccupationalTherapy/faq.html

Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Occupational Therapists in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Rio Rancho and Roswell, New Mexico 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 St. Vincent Hospital, Presbyterian Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital and Memorial Medical Center.