PT CEU Requirements Alaska

Physical therapy continuing education requirements are different for every state. They may even differ for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants in the same state. Currently there is no national regulating body. Alaska PT continuing education requirements are developed by the Alaska board of physical therapy.

This guide focuses on the CEU requirements for physical therapists; if you are a PTA, you can find the dedicated page for Alaska PTA CEU requirements here.

Almost all states have continuing education requirements for physical therapists. Generally, PTs are required to complete a specific number of CEUs every one to two years. The CEU due date is often, but not always, the same as the license expiration date.

As a PT in Alaska, you need 24 CEUs every two years by June 30th of even years.

Currently, CEUs need to be completed between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2026.

For physical therapists renewing for the first time, some states require the full number of CEUs, some require a prorated amount and some do not require any continuing education at all.

The rules may depend on whether you were licensed by examination or by endorsement. Generally, if you are newly licensed by examination, the exemption or prorated amount will apply to you. However, if you are newly licensed by endorsement, you will likely be expected to complete the full number of CEUs.

PTs in Alaska are required to complete a prorated number of CEUs for their first renewal.

From the Alaska Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Statutes and Regulations:
“An applicant for renewal of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant license who has been licensed for 12 months or more of the concluding licensing period shall have completed 24 contact hours of continuing education during that period. 
An applicant for renewal of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant license who has been licensed for less than 12 months of the concluding licensing period shall have (1) completed during that period 12 contact hours of continuing education; or (2) passed the national physical therapy examination within 12 months immediately before the date that the applicant’s license is due to lapse.”

Some states have requirements regarding specific topics or activity types. There may be a certain number of CEUs required, or you may have to complete a particular course or exam. The CEUs you earn for special requirements can usually be applied toward your total.

Alaska requires physical therapists to complete the following as part of their total CEU requirement.

Board Approved Courses - 12 CEUs

Many states allow physical therapists to earn CEUs for acting as a clinical instructor. For every state that does, there is usually a maximum number of CEUs you can earn this way. In addition, each state has a conversion rate to determine how many hours of supervision equals one CEU.

Alaska does not specify if PTs are able to earn continuing education credit for acting as a clinical instructor. You can always contact the board directly to be sure or ask them to consider it.

To choose the right physical therapy continuing education courses, consider a few key factors. First, choose topics that are interesting to you, applicable to your current clinical setting, or helpful for transitioning to a new role. However, personal interest isn’t the only priority; make sure the course is specifically approved for your state. Finally, consider the cost, especially if your employer doesn’t pay for continuing education.

A subscription site can simplify this process. They provide unlimited access to a wide variety of subjects, with both live and recorded options, all for one reasonable price. Most sites offer courses in every state, though you should always check for individual course approval. Just because one course is approved for PTs in Alaska, you shouldn't assume all courses on that site are approved for PTs in Alaska. Before signing up for a course, check with the CE provider to see if it is approved.

Discounts on CEUs

To help take the guesswork out of your search, we’ve partnered with a few of our favorite platforms to offer you the best discounts!

Alaska is actively issuing PT Compact privileges.

What is the PT Compact?

The Physical Therapy Compact allows a PT licensed in one state to quickly and easily obtain privileges to practice in another state.

In order to take advantage of compact privileges, both your home state (the state you have your driver’s license in) as well as the state you want to practice in need to be part of the compact.

Compact privileges are intended to be temporary. If you move to a new state and you hold a compact privilege there, you won't be able to continue using that privilege. You'll need to apply for a license by endorsement in your new home state.

The PT Compact and CEU Requirements

Compact privileges have the same expiration date as your home state. You only need to meet the continuing education requirements of your home state, but you may need to complete a jurisprudence exam for certain states.

An applicant for renewal shall document having provided physical therapy services for at least 60 hours during the concluding licensing period (every two years).

An applicant for renewal shall document completion of the jurisprudence questionnaire prepared by the board during each continuing education cycle (this is part of the renewal application).

CEU Keeper strives to simplify Alaska continuing education requirements for physical therapists. We like to say “we read the rules so you don’t have to”. While we do read them often, the rules are subject to change and it’s always best to confirm or clarify directly from the source, the state board website.

Alaska Physical Therapy Board

Alaska requirements

Understanding PT continuing education requirements can be confusing. When searching for this information on social media, it’s important to remember requirements can be different for each state and profession. If you ask a question about physical therapy requirements, be sure to specify your state and either PT or PTA. With that said, you can always ask us your questions. We want to help and it's what we do!

Curious how Alaska PT CEU requirements compare to other states? Check out our state list of physical therapy CEU requirements.