Approval in North Dakota

The North Dakota State Board of Occupational Therapy Practice requires documentation of continuing education upon application for license renewal. All licensed Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants must acquire a minimum of 20 continuing education hours within the 24 months prior to the date the completed application for renewal of licensure is received by the NDSBOTP office. Continuing education hours may only be used for one renewal of licensure period.

• 20 CE hours are required if initially licensed after June 30th of the even-numbered year and before July 1st of the odd-numbered year.
 

• 10 CE are required if initially licensed after June thirtieth and on or before December 31st of the odd-numbered year.
  
 
• 0 CE hours are required if licensed on or after January 1st of an even-numbered year. Licensees will not renew their license until the following licensing period when the licensee is required to complete 20 CE hours and renew the license for that and each subsequent licensing period.

There is no limit on the number of hours that may be earned through distance learning online courses.

Per the Board, pre-approval is not required but is suggested for uncertain topics. Both licensees and CE providers may submit courses to the board for pre-approval. Continuing competency must:

• be directly related to or supportive or occupational therapy practice
• enhance the licensee’s professional development and competence
• be specific to the applicant’s or licensee’s current area of practice or an intended area of practice within the next year.