If you’re an occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant, chances are good that you’ve heard of the OT compact, which has started issuing compact licenses in certain states. But if you’re a new grad or someone considering a career in travel occupational therapy, you might not be as knowledgeable about what the OT compact can do for you. Read on for a guide on the OT compact and how it can help further your career.
What’s the OT Compact?
The OT compact is a list of states that agree to honor each other’s occupational therapy license. Once a state’s government has agreed to be a part of the OT compact, they agree that any occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistants licensed in good standing in a compact state can practice in any other state, once the compact is effective.
What States Will Be a Part of the OT Compact?
Currently (as of April 2026), there are a few states that are accepting applications. These states are Indiana, Virginia, Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio and West Virginia. Other states are ready to join the OT compact.
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
States With Pending Legislation to Join the OT Compact
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- House bill 4103 was introduced in February 2025 and referred to the Committee on Health Policy.
- New York
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- HB 482 was introduced in February 2025 and referred to the House Professional Licensure committee.
States with No Pending Legislation to Join the OT Compact
- California
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- Oregon
- Texas
If your state currently has no plan to join the OT compact, reach out to your state’s OT licensing board and ask about advocacy groups.
If you’re looking for OT or OTA travel jobs, reach out to a Triage rehab therapy recruiter and let them get to work getting you to work. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]