South Dakota Occupational Therapist Licensing Guide

South Dakota OT License Overview

South Dakota has joined the OT Compact, but the state is not yet issuing or honoring compact privileges. Until South Dakota begins processing privileges, travelers must obtain a South Dakota-specific license through the endorsement process before practicing here.

How to Get a South Dakota OT License by Endorsement

South Dakota uses an online portal endorsement process for Occupational Therapists already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $50 application fee.

1. Create or log in to MySD Account and start the application there
2. Request license verification from current state (via NBCOT or direct) (can run concurrently)
3. Complete any state-specific requirements (background check, etc.) (can run concurrently)
4. Await board review and license issuance

License verification is handled through NBCOT or direct board verification. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Background check: Fingerprint-based criminal background check, required for all new/initial OT and OTA applicants effective July 1, 2024 (SB 40). Fingerprint packets/instructions are provided by the BMOE office. Submit your fingerprinting authorization as early as possible.

Check the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners website for status updates on your application.

South Dakota OT License Fees

Endorsement application and renewal: from our records; confirm with the board.

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

South Dakota Temporary OT License

We have not found a temporary license option on the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners' site. Confirm with the board before planning a start date.

South Dakota OT License Processing Time

South Dakota Occupational Therapist endorsement applications typically take 4-6 weeks to process.

Common sources of delay:

• Board processes applications sequentially; applications submitted after mid-month may not be reviewed until following month, extending 4-6 week timeline to 8+ weeks
• PAM (Physical Agent Modalities) certification requirement verification adds 1-2 weeks if applicant's OT program did not include PAMs training—board must validate alternative certification
• Background check discrepancies or delays at state level can halt application review mid-cycle, requiring applicant follow-up before board will proceed

We have not found an expedited processing option on the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners' site. The best way to minimize your wait time is to ensure all application components — fingerprints, verification, and any required exams — are completed before or immediately after submitting your application.

South Dakota OT Continuing Education

South Dakota requires 12 contact hours of continuing education for Occupational Therapist license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

South Dakota OT License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Confirm with the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners — $50
• Renewal timing: Initial licenses vary in duration; the application fee only extends an initial license to the next renewal date.
• Late penalty: Failure to renew results in automatic forfeiture or suspension of the license by statute, and a forfeited license is not automatically entitled to renewal

South Dakota Licensing Board and Resources

South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners

Board Website

Phone: 605-367-7781

Email: [email protected]