CEU Keeper Blog

When you think of physical therapy continuing education requirements, do you only think about taking courses? Most people do. However, there are many other activities that you can participate in that allow you to earn physical therapy CEUs. One of the most common is acting as a clinical instructor.

Many things that were never done online in the past are so commonplace now, you might assume you can complete all of your occupational or physical therapy CEU requirements online. For many states, you can. But you might be surprised to find that some states still limit how many CEUs you are allowed complete through online activities.

You might assume if you recently graduated as a PT or PTA, you don’t have to worry about CEUs yet. In theory, this makes perfect sense. You just spent years learning about your profession and then passed a national certification exam to get licensed. It should be time for a break!

Most physical therapy and occupational therapy professionals are required to fulfill continuing education requirements to renew their license. These requirements are determined individually by each state. While there are a few states that don’t have occupational and physical therapy CEU requirements, the majority do. Some states make it easy and simply require a total number of units or hours. Many states, however, make it more complicated.

To renew or not to renew your physical therapy license? That is the question.

Sometimes, there is no question. If you live and work in just one state and don't plan to move or work in another state, then yes. Fulfill your physical therapy CEU requirements, renew on time and keep on practicing! Other times though, it’s not so cut and dry.

Have you ever wondered about working solely as a per diem physical therapist? I’ve seen this topic discussed more and more around the internet lately. The reasons PTs seem to be interested in this vary: burn out, wanting to spend time with young children, having more time to start and grow your side hustle, simply looking for more flexibility and control of your time…and time off! Whatever your reason, it can definitely be done.

Did you know there are ways to earn physical therapy continuing education credit besides taking courses? While you can, and many therapists do, exclusively use coursework to complete PT CEUs, there are other options. These alternative activities not only give you more ways to fulfill your requirements, they may also save you time and money!

Almost all Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants are required to complete continuing education to maintain their licenses. Licenses are issued individually by each state, therefore, physical therapy continuing education requirements are also determined by each state.