Healthcare Recruiting
How to Get an Occupational Therapist License in Louisiana (2026)
Louisiana does not participate in the OT Compact, so all out-of-state applicants must complete full endorsement through the LA Board of Occupational Therapy — typically 6–8 weeks. Major employers include Ochsner Health in New Orleans, Willis-Knighton Health System in Shreveport, and LSU Health Sciences Center.
Louisiana OT license at a glance
- Issuing board: LA Board of Occupational Therapy
- OT Compact member: No
- Compact Privilege processing: N/A
- Endorsement processing: 6–8 weeks
- Application fee: ~$130
- NBCOT required: Yes
OT Compact vs. full endorsement
Louisiana requires full endorsement for all applicants. Submit the LA Board application, NBCOT verification, prior license verification, and background check. Processing typically runs 6–8 weeks. Apply early for Gulf Coast travel seasons when hospital OT demand spikes.
Louisiana OT compensation 2026
| Setting | Median Base | Sign-On Range |
|---|---|---|
| Outpatient / hand therapy | $68,000 | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Acute care hospital | $76,000 | $5,000–$9,000 |
| SNF / skilled nursing | $74,000 | $4,000–$8,000 |
| School-based OT | $58,000 | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Travel OT (13-week) | $88,000 + housing stipend | — |
Where OT demand is highest in Louisiana
New Orleans is Louisiana's largest OT market, anchored by Ochsner Health's sprawling multi-facility network and LSUHSC's academic medical programs. Baton Rouge and Shreveport are strong secondary markets with consistent acute-care and SNF demand driven by their regional hospital systems.
Bottom line
Louisiana's non-compact status requires 6–8 weeks of planning for travelers, but salaries are competitive for the cost of living and Ochsner Health's large network offers multiple practice settings. Apply early for Gulf Coast contracts.
Related: OT License Mississippi 2026, PT License Louisiana 2026.
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