Healthcare Resource
How to Get an Occupational Therapist License in Louisiana (2026)
In brief
OT licensure in Louisiana 2026: NOT in OT Compact, LA Board of OT, 6-8 week endorsement, and New Orleans/Baton Rouge market.
Steps at a glance
Check OT Compact eligibility
Louisiana does not participate in the OT Compact. Full endorsement is required for all out-of-state applicants.
Complete NBCOT certification
Pass the NBCOT OTR exam if not already certified. Scores reported directly to the LA Board.
Submit state application and fees
Apply through the LA Board of Occupational Therapy. Fee ~$130.
Verify prior state licensure
Provide license verification from all states where you hold or held an OT license.
Background check
Criminal background check required. Results typically 2-3 weeks.
In this article
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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