Office of Occupational Therapy


Updates from the Director

Click here to read the E-update for April 2009

January 2, 2009

Dear Occupational Therapist and Interested Parties,

I am the new Program Director for this Office.  Thank you for helping make this registration process as smooth as possible.  To date, we have registered over 1,700 Occupational Therapists in the State of Colorado.  Thank you all for your patience and understanding as we worked to get the profession registered over the past several weeks.  A few reminders for those still in the process or for those who have not yet registered:

1.       Occupational Therapists must be registered to continue practicing in Colorado;

2.       Only Occupational Therapists need to be registered (i.e. not OTAs); and

3.        To check your registration status click here.

An integral part of your application will be the Verification of Certification (Click here for Verification Form) or exam score from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).  Below are a few key items that you need to be aware of regarding this step.

1.       If you are a new exam candidate, request that your score be sent to Colorado during the online process by selecting the Official Score Transfer Request ($35) on the NBCOT website.  If you forget you will have to request it in writing ($45).  On average this takes 14 days (in writing takes 30).

2.       If you have already passed the exam, go to the NBCOT website (nbcot.org) and download, complete and submit the Verification of Certification Request form to NBCOT and designate Colorado as the recipient ($30).  On average this takes 30 days.

3.       NBCOT prices may go up in 2009.

4.       Contact NBCOT immediately to request a Verification of Certification.

The Division of Registrations welcomes you and hopes you find the registration process organized and efficient.  As you go through the process you will find it less challenging if you start early and thoroughly read the information provided.  In closing, I would like to offer a few tips:

1.       Get involved- the website is an excellent resource and has a wealth of information; 

2.       Be patient- staff will work diligently to process applications and respond to your questions;

3.       Read and follow the registration application instructions;

4.       Read through the Frequently Asked Questions prior to calling or emailing.

 Thank you and please do not hesitate to contact our offices with any questions regarding the registration process.

Sincerely,

Brian W. Pritchard

Program Director

October 15, 2008

Dear Occupational Therapist and Interested Parties,

This marks the first update from the Office of Occupational Therapist Registration!  Many new items will be coming out over the next few weeks to aide you in the registration process so please check the website frequently.  Here are just a few highlights.

  1. Occupational Therapists must be registered by 1/1/09 to continue practicing in Colorado.
  2. Only Occupational Therapists need to be registered (i.e. not OTAs)
  3. The application process will begin 11/1/08.
  4. Rule-making hearing will be held on Monday, 11/3/08 at 1560 Broadway Ste. 1350 Denver, CO 80202 Conference Room 1380 A&B from 9am-12pm.  This is a formal process where you may provide the Director of Registrations verbal or written comments and suggestions regarding the proposed Occupational Therapist Rules.

An integral part of your application will be the Verification of Certification (Click here for Verification Form) or exam score from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).  Below are a few key items that you need to be aware of regarding this step.

  1. If you are a new exam candidate, request that your score be sent to Colorado during the online process by selecting the Official Score Transfer Request ($35) on the NBCOT website.  If you forget you will have to request it in writing ($45).  On average this takes 14 days (in writing takes 30).
  2. If you have already passed the exam, go to the NBCOT website (nbcot.org) and download, complete and submit the Verification of Certification Request form to NBCOT and designate Colorado as the recipient ($30).  On average this takes 30 days.
  3. NBCOT prices may go up in 2009.
  4. Contact NBCOT immediately to request a Verification of Certification.  NBCOT has a “black out” between 12/19/08-1/2/09 where they will not be processing requests.

The Division of Registrations welcomes you and hopes you find the registration process organized and efficient.  As you go through the process you will find it less challenging if you start early and thoroughly read the information provided.  In closing, I’d just like to offer a few parting tips:

  1. Get involved- the Rule-Making Hearing is your opportunity to participate and be heard. 
  2. Be patient- staff will diligently to process applications and respond to your questions.
  3. Read & follow the registration application instructions.

Richard P. Morales
Section Director


Consumer Protection