Occupational therapy continuing education requirements explained

Occupational therapy continuing education requirements can be a little confusing.

Not only does each state have its own requirements, you'll also find that all sorts of terminology is used by various organizations! It can get pretty overwhelming. So, you are not alone if you've found this post because you need some help figuring things out. 🙂

We'll start by touching on why you need continuing education. Then, we'll do our best to cover both OT and OTA requirements state-by-state.

Keep in mind that this post is geared toward occupational therapists in the United States. Each country has its own continuing education and professional development requirements, so if you are outside the US, please check with your country's governing body for specifics.

Here we go…

Why do you need continuing education as an OT/OTA?

To keep your license

Licensure is the most important reason you need continuing education units (CEUs). You worked hard for your license—and if it lapses, you can't practice. Each state has its own requirements for how many CEUs you need to renew your license. (By the way, we've compiled a list you can reference below.)

Units are generally measured as contact hours. One contact hour = one continuing education unit. So, if you take an 8-hour course, you should earn 8 CEUs.

(I do want to point out that the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) uses an especially confusing decimal system when it discusses continuing education. AOTA says that 1 hour = .1 CEU unit.)

To be registered with NBCOT

The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) offers an optional certification for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. OT practitioners who achieve this certification typically signify it in their credentials with the "R" in OTR/L, meaning that the OT is registered and licensed.

The NBCOT uses the term PDU (professional development unit). 1 hour = 1 PDU, and 36 hours are required every three years in order to recertify. Here's the guidance on obtaining PDUs for certification.

To achieve/maintain certain certifications

Lasly, some OT certifications and OTA certifications require a certain amount of continuing education in specific practice areas. This varies greatly by certification.

State-by-state OT continuing education requirements

Below, you'll find the number of required hours in your state, as well as when they're due.

We are including links to websites so you can look up your specific state's requirements regarding what counts towards an hour of continuing education.

Generally, every state allows AOTA-approved courses, such as our podcast-based courses, to count for some or all of your CEUs. See our list of the top OT courses that are geared towards helping you meet your continuing education needs.

I do also want to point out that taking courses is the most common way to meet your continuing education requirements. However, many states have other options, like reading journal articles. So, please look closely at the requirements in your particular state.

Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | District of Columbia | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming

Alabama

Due every 2 years – 60 days prior to license expiration

How many hours are required?

  • OTs need 30 hours
  • OTAs need 20 hours

Hours reported through CE broker.

  • We report OT Potential course completions every 24 hours.
  • OT Potential is approved by the Alabama State Board of OT
  • Our CE Broker # is 50-33236

Verify here: Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy

Alaska

Due on June 30th of even years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 24 hours OR current NBCOT Certification

Verify here: Alaska State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board

Arizona

Due every 2 years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs need 20 hours
  • OTAs need 12 hours

Hours reported through CE broker.

  • We report OT Potential course completions every 24 hours.
  • OT Potential is approved by the Arizona Board of OT Examiners
  • Our CE Broker # is 50-33236

Verify here: Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners

Arkansas

Due every year on the last day of the practitioner's birth month

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTs need 10 hours

Verify here: Arkansas State Medical Board

California

Due every 2 years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 24 hours

Verify here: California Board of Occupational Therapy

Colorado

Due every 2 years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 24 hours

Verify here: Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies

Connecticut

Due every 2 years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs need 24 hours
  • OTAs need 18 hours

Verify here: Connecticut State Department of Public Health

Delaware

Due on July 31st of even years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 24 hours

Verify here: Delaware Board of Occupational Therapy Practice

District of Columbia

Due every 2 years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs need 24 hours
  • OTAs need 12 hours

Required topics:

  • 2 hours of LGBTQ CE every renewal period.

Verify here: DC Health Board of Occupational Therapy

Florida

Due on February 28th of odd years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 26 hours

Required topics:

  • 2 hours of medical errors courses every renewal cycle
  • 2 hours of laws and rules courses every renewal cycle
  • 1 hour of HIV/AIDS courses for the first renewal cycle only

Hours may be reported through CE broker.

  • We report OT Potential course completions every 24 hours.
  • OT Potential is approved by the Florida Board of OT
  • Our CE Broker # is 50-33236

Verify here: Florida Board of Occupational Therapy

Georgia

Due on March 31st of even years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 24 hours

Required topics:

  • 2 hours of CE in the ethics of occupational therapy practice. See OT Potential's related courses:
    • Beyond Individualism: Ethical Considerations for OTs
    • Beyond Occupational Injustice

Hours may be reported through CE broker.

  • We report OT Potential course completions every 24 hours.
  • OT Potential is approved by the Georgia Stated Board of OT
  • Our CE Broker # is 50-33236

Verify here: Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy

Hawaii

Due on December 31st of even years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 0 hours

Verify here: Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Idaho

Due every year

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 10 hours

Verify here: Idaho State Occupational Therapy Licensure Board

Illinois

Due on December 31st of odd years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 24 hours

Required topics

  • 1 hour in OT ethics every renewal cycle
    • Beyond Individualism: Ethical Considerations for OTs
    • Beyond Occupational Injustice

Verify here: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

Indiana

Due on December 31st of even years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 18 hours

Verify here: Indiana Professional Licensing Agency

Iowa

Due every 2 years on the 15th day of the licensee's birth month

How many hours are required?

  • OTs need 30 hours
  • OTAs need 15 hours

Verify here: Iowa Department of Public Health

Kansas

License renewal due on March 31st every year (CEUs checked on odd years)

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 40 hours every 2 years

Verify here: Kansas Board of Healing Arts

Kentucky

Due October 31st every year

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 12 hours

Required topics:

  • 6 hours of coursework in suicide assessment, treatment, and management every 6 years

Verify here: Kentucky Board of Licensure for Occupational Therapy

Louisiana

Due every year on the last day of the licensee's birth month

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 12 hours

Hours reported through CE broker.

  • We report OT Potential course completions every 24 hours.
  • OT Potential is approved by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners
  • Our CE Broker # is 50-33236

Verify here: Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners

Maine

Due March 31st every year

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 0 hours

Verify here: Maine Board of Occupational Therapy Practice – Laws and Rules

Maryland

Due on June 30th every two years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 24 hours

Verify here: Maryland Department of Health Board of Occupational Therapy Practice

Massachusetts

License renewal due every 2 years on the licensee's birthday

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 24 hours (See new CE regulations as of 2022)

Verify here: Massachusetts Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation

Michigan

Due every 2 years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 20 hours

Required topics:

  • 1 hour of coursework in pain and symptom management
  • One-time requirement for completion training on identifying human trafficking victims (beginning Oct. 2022)

Verify here: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Minnesota

Due every 2 years on the last day of the licensee's birth month

How many hours are required?

  • OTs need 24 hours
  • OTAs need 18 hours

Verify here: Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes

Mississippi

Due on April 30th of even years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 20 hours

Hours reported through CE broker.

  • We report OT Potential course completions every 24 hours.
  • OT Potential is approved by the Mississippi State Department of Health
  • Our CE Broker # is 50-33236

Verify here: Mississippi State Department of Health

Missouri

Due on June 30th of odd years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 24 hours

Verify here: Missouri Division of Professional Registration

Montana

Due every June 15th

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 10 hours

Verify here: Montana Secretary of State

Nebraska

Due on August 1st of even years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs need 20 hours
  • OTAs need 15 hours

Verify here: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

Nevada

Due every 2 years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 24 hours

Verify here: State of Nevada Board of Occupational Therapy

New Hampshire

Due between December 2nd and December 31st of odd years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 24 hours OR current NBCOT certification

Verify here: New Hampshire Occupational Therapy Governing Board

New Jersey

License renewal due every 2 years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 0 hours

Verify here: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs

New Mexico

Due on September 30th every year

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 20 hours

Verify here: New Mexico Occupational Therapy Board

New York

Due every 3 years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 36 hours

Verify here: New York State Board of Occupational Therapy

North Carolina

Due on June 30th every year

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 15 hours

Required topics:

  • 1 hour of CE in the ethics of occupational therapy practice, every renewal. See OT Potential's related courses:
    • Beyond Individualism: Ethical Considerations for OTs
    • Beyond Occupational Injustice

Verify here: North Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy

North Dakota

Due on June 30th of even years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 20 hours

Verify here: North Dakota State Board of Occupational Therapy Practice

Ohio

Due on June 30th of odd years (OTs) and due on June 30th of even years (OTAs)

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 20 hours

Required topics:

  • 1 contact hour of OT ethics, jurisprudence, or cultural competence education, per renewal. See OT Potential's ethics courses:
    • Beyond Individualism: Ethical Considerations for OTs
    • Beyond Occupational Injustice

Verify here: Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board

Oklahoma

Due on October 31st of even years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 20 hours

Verify here: Oklahoma Medical Board

Oregon

Due on May 31st of even years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 30 hours or NBCOT certification

Required topics:

  • 1 hour on cultural competence per renewal
  • 1 hour OHA Pain Management Module offered by the OHA

Verify here: Oregon Occupational Therapy Licensing Board

Pennsylvania

Due on June 30th of odd years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 24 hours

Required topics:

  • 2 hours of board-approved training in child abuse recognition and reporting requirements, per renewal

Verify here: Pennsylvania State Board of Occupational Therapy Education and Licensure

Rhode Island

Due on March 31st of even years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 20 hours

Verify here: Rhode Island Department of Health

South Carolina

Due every 2 years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 16 hours

Hours reported through CE broker.

  • We report OT Potential course completions every 24 hours.
  • OT Potential is approved by the South Carolina Board of OT
  • Our CE Broker # is 50-33236

Verify here: South Carolina Board of Occupational Therapy

South Dakota

Due on January 1st every year

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 12 hours

Verify here: South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners

Tennessee

Due every 2 years by the end of licensee's birth month

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 24 hours

Required topics:

  • 1 hour on the AOTA Code of Ethics or other ethics-related continued competence activities with implications for the practice of OT
    • Beyond Individualism: Ethical Considerations for OTs
    • Beyond Occupational Injustice
  • 1 hour on the Tennessee Occupational and Physical Therapy Practice Act
  • 2 hours on suicide prevention at least once every 4 years

Hours reported through CE broker.

  • We report OT Potential course completions every 24 hours.
  • OT Potential is approved by the Tennessee Board of OT
  • Our CE Broker # is 50-33236

Verify here: Tennessee Board of Occupational Therapy

Texas

Due every 2 years by the end of licensee's birth month

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 24 hours

Required topics:

  • A course on the prevention of human trafficking that is approved by the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)

Verify here: Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners

Utah

Due on May 31st of odd years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 24 hours

Required topics:

  • 2 hours related to legal and ethical principles of practice. See OT Potential's related courses:
    • Beyond Individualism: Ethical Considerations for OTs
    • Beyond Occupational Injustice

Verify here: Utah Department of Commerce

Vermont

Due every 2 years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 20 hours

Verify here: Vermont Office of Professional Regulation

Virginia

Due every 2 years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 20 hours

Verify here: Virginia Department of Health Professions

Washington

Due every 2 years on the licensee's birthday

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 30 hours

Required topics:

  • 3 hours of training every 6 years in suicide assessment

Verify here: Washington State Department of Health

West Virginia

Due on December 31st every 2 years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 24 hours

Verify here: West Virginia Board of Occupational Therapy

Wisconsin

Due every 2 years

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 24 hours

Verify here: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

Wyoming

License renewal due on July 31st every year (CEUs checked on even years)

How many hours are required?

  • OTs/OTAs need 32 hours every 2 years

Verify here: Wyoming Board of Occupational Therapy

Conclusion

We hope that this article helped clear up any confusion regarding your OT (or OTA) continuing education requirements.

Part of our mission here at OT Potential is to help you meet your OT continuing education needs. We help you stay current with new evidence, by providing continuing education podcast courses and many more resources in the OT Potential Club. For people who are looking for video-based courses, we also have a review of and promo code to MedBridge.

We love digging into CEU questions, so if you have other questions, please ask us in the comments below.