2026 How to Become an Occupational Therapist in Alabama

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Alabama’s healthcare sector is expanding rapidly, with a 15% projected growth rate for occupational therapy jobs by 2030. This demand highlights the rewarding opportunities available for aspiring occupational therapists seeking to improve patient quality of life across diverse communities. The state’s aging population and increasing awareness of rehabilitative services further emphasize the importance of skilled therapists in Alabama’s healthcare landscape.

This article offers a clear roadmap for becoming an occupational therapist in Alabama. Prepared by experts in career planning, it delivers practical, accurate guidance. Readers will find essential information about education requirements, licensure, and career prospects, empowering them to pursue this impactful profession with confidence and clarity.

Key Things to Know About Becoming an Occupational Therapist in Alabama

What are the education requirements to become an occupational therapist in Alabama?

Formal education is the foundation that prepares occupational therapists to effectively support patients’ physical, emotional, and developmental needs in Alabama’s diverse communities. It equips future professionals with the scientific knowledge, clinical reasoning, and ethical grounding necessary for high-quality care.

Here are the key steps that outline the occupational therapy degree requirements in Alabama:

• Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: Begin by completing a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, ideally maintaining a strong GPA of around 3.0 or higher. Though your major doesn’t have to be occupational therapy, taking prerequisite courses in sciences, psychology, or health-related fields will strengthen your application.
• Complete Prerequisite Coursework: You will need to finish specific prerequisite courses with satisfactory grades, often “C” or better, focusing on anatomy, physiology, biology, statistics, psychology, and writing. These prerequisite courses for Alabama occupational therapist programs ensure you are well-prepared for graduate studies.
• Acquire Observation Experience: Most programs require at least 20 hours of clinical observation under a licensed occupational therapist or assistant, exposing you to varied settings such as pediatric or mental health environments to deepen your understanding of the field.
• Graduate from an Accredited OT Program: Complete a master’s or doctoral degree accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). These programs combine classroom learning with supervised fieldwork and clinical experiences crucial for skill development.
• Fulfill Supervised Fieldwork Requirements: Graduate training includes intensive clinical practicums, with Alabama mandating at least 480 hours or three months of board-approved traineeships and perceptorships to qualify for licensure.
• Obtain Verification and Certification Eligibility: Your program director must provide official verification of your education and fieldwork to the Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy, enabling you to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam.

If you are curious how this path compares to other healthcare careers, check out the medical coder job salary for perspective on alternative professional options.

How do you get a state license to practice occupational therapy in Alabama?

Obtaining a state license is a crucial milestone in the journey to becoming a professional occupational therapist in Alabama. It not only establishes your credibility but also ensures you comply with legal standards required to practice safely and ethically.

Securing this license is mandatory to legally serve clients and contribute meaningfully to their recovery and wellbeing. Here are the essential steps to follow when applying for an Alabama occupational therapy license.

• Complete an ACOTE-Accredited Occupational Therapy Program: Graduation from an occupational therapy program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) is vital. This ensures your education meets rigorous national standards, preparing you well for clinical practice and licensure eligibility in Alabama.
• Fulfill Fieldwork Requirements: Practical experience is a key component of your training. Supervised fieldwork allows you to develop hands-on skills under professional guidance and is a non-negotiable part of both your educational program and the licensure process.
• Pass the NBCOT Certification Examination: Success on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam is required. This exam validates your knowledge and competence, and passing it is essential before submitting your license application. You may retake the test with a waiting period if needed.
• Submit a State License Application: After passing the NBCOT exam, complete the application with the Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy, providing all necessary documents such as proof of education, exam scores, and personal information. Application fees apply based on your specific licensure track.
• Provide License Verification: If you previously held a license in another state, official verification must be submitted to Alabama authorities as part of your application.
• Undergo a Criminal Background Check: Alabama requires applicants to pass a state and/or federal background screening to protect public safety, with certain offenses potentially preventing licensure.
• Submit Letters of Verification and Supervision (for OTAs): Occupational Therapy Assistants must provide verified information about licensed therapists who will supervise them, ensuring proper professional oversight within Alabama.

Following these clear steps will guide you through the Alabama occupational therapy license requirements with confidence, helping you move closer to a rewarding career. Alongside clinical expertise, consider learning about the common responsibilities of medical billers and coders to fully appreciate the collaborative healthcare environment you will join.

How often do you need to renew an OT license in Alabama?

Maintaining an occupational therapy license in Alabama is more than a bureaucratic task—it is a commitment to professional growth, accountability, and ensuring the highest standards of care for clients. Regular license renewal ensures that occupational therapists stay updated with evolving best practices, legal requirements, and ethical guidelines, thereby safeguarding the profession and those it serves.

In Alabama, occupational therapists are required to renew their licenses every two years. This biennial renewal generally concludes on October 31st of even-numbered years, although the exact expiration date may vary depending on when the original license was issued. Renewal applications and supporting documentation, including proof of completed continuing education, must typically be submitted 60 days before the license expires.

Therapists must complete at least 30 contact hours of continuing education every renewal cycle, including mandatory courses like CPR certification. Failure to meet these deadlines can lead to penalties, license suspension, and loss of authorization to practice until compliance is restored. This structured renewal framework helps therapists maintain their eligibility to work and ensures a workforce adept at meeting contemporary state regulations and professional standards.

Reflecting on this process, an occupational therapist from Alabama who graduated locally shared that the renewal timeline felt demanding but manageable. He noted, “Tracking my continuing education and preparing the renewal paperwork every two years becomes a focused period of reflection on my professional development.”

Despite occasional stress—especially balancing clinical duties with educational requirements—he found the system encouraged continuous learning and diligence. “Renewing my license isn’t just a formality; it reminds me to stay engaged with new techniques and changes in regulations, which ultimately benefits my clients.”

What continuing education is required for OT license renewal in Alabama?

Continuing education is vital for occupational therapists to maintain their professional competence and adhere to state regulations in Alabama. It ensures that therapists stay updated with evolving therapeutic techniques and healthcare policies, ultimately enhancing the quality of care they provide.

Meeting the continuing education requirements for occupational therapists in Alabama supports your growth as a skilled practitioner dedicated to patient well-being.

• Annual and Biennial Hour Requirements: Occupational therapists must complete 1.5 CEUs (15 contact hours) annually or 3.0 CEUs (30 contact hours) biennially, while occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) are required to earn 1.0 CEU (10 contact hours) annually or 2.0 CEUs (20 contact hours) biennially. These hours must be completed before the license expiration date to maintain uninterrupted practice.
• Acceptable Course Topics and Formats: At least two-thirds of your continuing education hours should focus on patient treatment, with no more than one-third allowed in administration, management, academic subjects, or professional presentations. Approved courses can include in-person workshops, online modules, and accredited seminars. Alabama accepts AOTA-approved and state board-approved courses without explicit limits on online hours.
• Mandatory CPR Course: Each renewal period, you may count one CPR course (1 contact hour) towards your continuing education requirements. This highlights the importance Alabama places on life support skills as part of professional readiness.
• Documentation and Reporting Procedures: Evidence of completed continuing education must be submitted electronically through CE Broker, the official tracking service for the Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy. Timely renewal applications must include fees and documentation at least 60 days before license expiration to avoid penalties.
• Restrictions on Self-Study and Presentation Hours: Self-study and professional presentations are allowed but limited to one-third of your total continuing education hours. This ensures a strong emphasis on interactive, clinically relevant learning experiences.
• Requirements for Occupational Therapy Assistants: OTAs follow the same proportional hour restrictions as OTs but with lower total hour requirements, maintaining consistent standards across both roles.
• Additional Learning Opportunities: For those interested in expanding skills related to medical billing and coding within healthcare, consider exploring kaiser free medical billing and coding classes as a practical supplement to your continuing education plan.

How much does it cost to become an occupational therapist in Alabama?

The total investment to become an occupational therapist in Alabama depends on several key factors, including education choices, exam fees, and state licensing costs. Knowing these expenses ahead of time empowers you to create a realistic financial plan and pursue your goals with confidence.

• Tuition and Program Fees: Enrolling in a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) program from an accredited institution is one of the largest expenses. Tuition varies widely, often ranging from $30,000 to over $70,000 per year, depending on whether you attend a public or private school, plus additional fees for books, lab supplies, and other school costs.
• NBCOT Certification Exam: Passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam is required to practice professionally. The exam fee is roughly $515, and some candidates budget extra for preparatory materials or courses that can improve their chances of success.
• Alabama Licensure Application: Applying for your occupational therapy license in Alabama involves a state-specific fee, typically around $100 to $150. This fee covers the administrative cost of processing your credentials and verifying eligibility to practice.
• Additional Expenses: Don’t overlook background checks, which are mandatory for licensing and can cost about $50. Professional memberships in organizations like the American Occupational Therapy Association can also enhance your career and usually cost between $75 and $150 annually.

What financial aid options are available for OT students in Alabama?

Financial aid plays a vital role in making occupational therapy education accessible to students in Alabama, given the high tuition costs and rigorous training required. Many students rely on a combination of grants, loans, scholarships, and work opportunities to cover expenses and focus on their studies. Here are key financial aid options available for OT students in Alabama.

• Federal Grants (Pell Grant and TEACH Grant): Pell Grants offer need-based assistance primarily to undergraduates, helping reduce tuition burdens based on financial circumstances. The TEACH Grant supports students who commit to teaching in high-need areas, although it's less common for OT students and requires fulfilling service obligations to avoid loan conversion.
• Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP): This state-funded grant supports Alabama residents pursuing their first undergraduate degree, with awards ranging from $300 to $5,000 yearly. Eligibility depends on residency and financial need, assessed through the FAFSA.
• Federal Student Loans: Graduate and undergraduate OT students can access Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans with low fixed interest rates, plus Direct PLUS Loans for graduate borrowers if credit requirements are met. Loan amounts and eligibility are determined each year via FAFSA completion.
• Federal Work Study (FWS) Program: Offering part-time jobs tailored to students with financial need, FWS helps earn money to pay education costs while gaining work experience, often related to campus or community service roles.
• University-Based Scholarships and Grants: Many Alabama universities provide merit- and need-based awards specifically for OT and health profession students, requiring maintained GPAs and enrollment status. Amounts and criteria vary by institution.
• American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) Scholarships: The AOTF awards numerous scholarships annually, ranging from $150 to $5,000, to full-time OT students nationwide, fostering leadership and professional growth in the field.
• Professional and Association-Sponsored Awards: Organizations like NBCOT and state OT associations offer scholarships and grants for students committed to an OT career in Alabama, typically requiring membership and academic achievement.
• Institutional and Private Scholarships: Some Alabama universities and private foundations provide awards based on merit or service, which may be specific to OT students or broader health sciences applicants.
• Part-Time Employment and Assistantships: Students can enhance their income through on- or off-campus jobs, including occasional assistantships tied to OT programs, helping offset educational costs during their training.

Can out-of-state occupational therapists work in Alabama?

Out-of-state occupational therapists can practice in Alabama, but they must first obtain an active Alabama license. This means submitting an application to the Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy with proof of graduation from an accredited program, successful NBCOT exam completion, citizenship or legal presence, and fees. Verification of any licenses held in other states is also required, and while the Board tries to get these directly, the applicant should be prepared to provide documentation if needed. Practicing without a valid license in Alabama is not allowed and can lead to legal consequences.

Alabama participates in the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, which simplifies interstate practice for therapists living in Compact states by offering a “compact privilege” to work in Alabama without a full licensure process. Therapists from non-Compact states can apply for licensure by endorsement, with possible waivers for some requirements, depending on their credentials and license history. All out-of-state applicants must complete official forms, background checks, and professional reference verifications to ensure high standards for public safety.

When I spoke with an occupational therapist who graduated from a local Alabama school, she reflected that the licensing process for out-of-state therapists is both thorough and fair. She recalled knowing someone who moved from another state and initially found the requirement to gather verifications challenging, especially ensuring all licenses were in good standing. However, she admired how the Licensure Compact eased some hurdles by allowing qualified therapists to practice sooner through the compact privilege. “It’s demanding, no doubt, but Alabama’s system really protects patients while welcoming skilled therapists,” she said, emphasizing how essential it is to stay organized and patient throughout the process.

What additional certifications can broaden my career opportunities in Alabama?

Expanding your qualifications through supplementary certifications can complement your occupational therapy training and enhance your ability to serve diverse patient needs. Identifying targeted credentials that align with evolving healthcare practices can set you apart in a competitive market. For instance, earning additional certification, such as how to become a caregiver in Alabama, can offer valuable insights into holistic patient care and integrated support services. This approach not only increases your versatility as a healthcare professional but also positions you for leadership roles in multidisciplinary settings, ultimately strengthening long-term career resilience.

What skills do you need to be a successful occupational therapist in Alabama?

Becoming a successful occupational therapist in Alabama requires mastering a range of essential skills that empower you to help clients regain independence, enhance their quality of life, and effectively collaborate within multidisciplinary healthcare teams. These skills are crucial for meeting the diverse needs of Alabama’s population, from children in schools to elderly patients in rehabilitation centers.

Developing these competencies ensures you uphold professional standards while delivering compassionate, individualized care. Below are key skills that serve as the foundation for a thriving occupational therapy career in Alabama:

• Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving: The ability to evaluate complex client needs and design tailored treatment plans is vital. Strong clinical reasoning enables therapists to adapt interventions based on ongoing progress, ensuring evidence-based care in varied settings across Alabama.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Clear verbal and written communication fosters effective collaboration with clients, families, and interdisciplinary teams. This skill is essential for explaining therapies and coordinating care among diverse professionals.
• Physical and Sensory Abilities: Occupational therapists must possess strength and dexterity to assist clients safely with activities and therapeutic equipment. Alabama programs emphasize these capabilities to meet the physical demands of the profession.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: The ability to adjust to changing client conditions and diverse practice environments is critical. This flexibility supports working successfully with Alabama’s wide-ranging patient demographics and settings.
• Ethical Judgment and Professionalism: Upholding confidentiality, ethical conduct, and responsible supervision sustains client trust and meets Alabama’s regulatory standards, ensuring the integrity of occupational therapy services.

What specializations are available for occupational therapists in Alabama?

Specializing within occupational therapy empowers practitioners to develop deep expertise focused on specific populations, conditions, or practice areas, opening doors to advanced career paths and greater impact within Alabama’s diverse communities. By honing skills in targeted specialties, OTs can deliver tailored care that meets unique client needs and strengthens job security in an evolving healthcare landscape.

Below are several key occupational therapy specializations in Alabama that provide exciting opportunities for professional growth and meaningful service.

• Pediatrics: Pediatric occupational therapists support children with developmental, physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges, often working in schools, early intervention settings, and children’s hospitals. Achieving pediatric occupational therapy certification Alabama offers through organizations like AOTA requires specialized training and clinical experience, elevating your ability to promote children’s daily living, play, and learning skills.
• Geriatrics: Focusing on older adults, geriatric OTs help maintain independence and quality of life by addressing chronic conditions, mobility, and memory issues. They typically practice in nursing homes, rehab centers, and home health agencies, responding to Alabama’s growing aging population with compassionate, essential care.
• Mental Health: This specialization involves working with clients facing psychiatric conditions, substance use challenges, or emotional struggles. Mental health occupational therapists provide therapeutic interventions in psychiatric hospitals, community centers, and schools to improve coping, social engagement, and daily functioning.
• Hand Therapy: Hand therapists concentrate on rehabilitation of the hand and upper extremities following injury or surgery, often requiring certification as a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT). Opportunities exist in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practices, where expert care helps restore function and enhance quality of life.
• Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation OTs assist clients recovering from strokes, brain injuries, or spinal cord damage by restoring mobility and independence. They work in acute care, inpatient rehab units, and outpatient clinics, applying advanced skills that are highly valued within Alabama’s medical facilities.

Additionally, occupational therapy professionals often explore emerging fields including assistive technology and telehealth, while complementary training in areas such as medical billing and coding online school programs can broaden career versatility and administrative efficiency.

What is the average salary of an occupational therapist in Alabama?

The average salary for occupational therapist Alabama professionals earns depends on many important variables such as experience level, workplace setting, and geographic location within the state. These factors combine to create a range of earning possibilities that future OTs should carefully consider when planning their careers. Below are key influences on occupational therapist salary in Alabama:

• Years of Experience: Experience plays a critical role in salary growth. Entry-level occupational therapists often start with a wage around $41 per hour, equating to about $85,000 annually, while those with extensive experience and advanced certifications can earn close to $120,000 per year.
• Type of Employer: The workplace setting affects compensation significantly. Occupational therapists working in hospitals or specialized rehab centers tend to have higher salaries than those in schools or outpatient clinics due to the complexity and intensity of cases.
• Geographic Location within Alabama: Salary levels vary between urban and rural areas. For example, therapists in cities like Gadsden typically earn more than the state average, reflecting greater demand and living costs, while rural locations may offer lower pay but usually have a reduced cost of living.
• Education and Specialization: Holding advanced degrees or certifications in areas such as pediatrics or geriatrics increases earning potential. Specialized skills and leadership roles further boost income for OTs in Alabama.
• Industry Demand and Workforce Needs: Alabama’s market demand for occupational therapists influences wages. Lower market saturation and higher healthcare needs can raise salaries, especially when adjusted by the state’s affordable living costs.
• Cost of Living Adjustments: Although the average salary may be below the national average, Alabama’s low cost of living means occupational therapists often enjoy greater salary value and better financial security.

If you’re interested in healthcare careers, you might also want to explore how to start as a certified medical coder and biller, which offers flexible pathways in the medical field alongside occupational therapy options.

What Do Occupational Therapists in Alabama Say About Their Career?

References:

• Tuition and Fees - SHP - Department of Occupational Therapy https://www.uab.edu/shp/ot/entry-level/otd/tuition-and-fees
• Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy https://ot.alabama.gov/
• Alabama OT License Board | AMN Healthcare https://www.amnhealthcare.com/careers/allied/resources/state-boards/therapy/alabama/
• Occupational Therapy Admissions Guide – Office of Health Professions Advising https://prehealth.ua.edu/occupational-therapy-admissions-guide/
• Learn the steps to occupational therapy state licensure. | AOTA https://www.aota.org/career/state-licensure/learn-the-steps-to-licensure
• Department of Occupational Therapy | Allied Health https://www.southalabama.edu/colleges/alliedhealth/ot/
• Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program in AL – Faulkner University https://www.faulkner.edu/graduate/graduate-degrees/occupational-therapy/
• Occupational Therapy Licensure Guide - Trusted Health https://www.trustedhealth.com/allied-career-guide/occupational-therapy/licensure-guide
• Doctor of Occupational Therapy https://www.alasu.edu/websites/OTD-OccupationalTherapy.php
• Occupational Therapy Programs in the United States - Why Choose OT? https://whychooseot.com/pathways/united-states/alabama/

Other Things You Should Know About Becoming an Occupational Therapist in Alabama