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How to Get an Occupational Therapist License in Virginia (2026)
Virginia is an OT Compact member state, giving eligible occupational therapists the fastest path to practice privileges, typically 1-3 days via compact.aota.org instead of 6-12 weeks for full endorsement.
Virginia OT license at a glance
- Issuing board: Virginia Board of Medicine / Virginia Department of Health Professions (VDHP)
- OT Compact member: Yes
- Application fee: ~$100
- Processing time (compact): 1-3 business days
- Processing time (endorsement): 6-10 weeks
- NBCOT required: Yes
- CEU requirement (renewal): 20 hours per 2-year cycle
Virginia OT compensation 2026
| Setting | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Hospital / acute care | $74K-$96K |
| SNF / long-term care | $68K-$88K |
| Outpatient / clinic | $68K-$85K |
| School system | $62K-$80K |
| Home health | $72K-$94K |
Where OT demand is highest in Virginia
- Northern Virginia / DC metro: Inova Health System, Virginia Hospital Center, Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic
- Richmond: VCU Health, Bon Secours Richmond, HCA CJW Medical Center
- Roanoke: Carilion Clinic, LewisGale Health System
- Hampton Roads: Sentara Healthcare, Riverside Health System
- Charlottesville: UVA Health
Bottom line
Virginia OT Compact membership opens fast access to a strong Mid-Atlantic market. Northern Virginia proximity to DC drives above-average OT wages. The $100 fee makes VA a low-barrier addition for compact OT practitioners.
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