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. Hawaii PT continuing education requirements are developed by the Hawaii 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 Hawaii PTA CEU requirements here.
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Total CEUs Required
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.
Total CEUs required: 30
CEU Due Date: Dec. 31, 2026
As a PT in Hawaii, you need 30 CEUs every two years by December 31st of even years.
Currently, CEUs need to be completed between Jan. 1, 2025 and Dec. 31, 2026.
First Renewal Rules
CEUs required: Prorated
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 Hawaii are required to complete a prorated number of CEUs for their first renewal.
From the Hawaii Board of Physical Therapy website:
"Please note that for the first-time license renewals, if the initial license was issued less than twelve (12) months prior to the renewal date, no CCUs will be required for the first renewal period. If the initial license was issued more than twelve (12) months prior to the renewal date, the licensee shall be required to obtain fifteen (15) units of approved CCUs for the first renewal period."
Special Requirements
Basic Life Support - 4 CEUs
Ethics, Laws, and Rules (Jurisprudence) - 2 CEUs
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.
Hawaii requires physical therapists to complete the following as part of their total CEU requirement.
Basic Life Support - 4 CEUs
Four hours in life support for health care professionals; provided that such training shall be comparable to, or more advanced than, the American Heart Association's basic life support health care provider course.
Source: Hawaii
Ethics, Laws, and Rules (Jurisprudence) - 2 CEUs
Two hours in ethics, laws, and rules (jurisprudence), or some combination thereof (Please note: the two hours must cover Hawaii’s laws and rules governing the practice of physical therapy. Eligible courses must be approved by the Hawaii Board of Physical Therapy (“Board”). Please check the List of Board-Approved Continuing Competence on the Board’s website.
Source: Hawaii
Clinical Instructor CE Rules
CEUs allowed: Yes
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.
Hawaii does allow physical therapists to earn continuing education credit for acting as a clinical instructor.
Per the Hawaii rules and regulations:
Description
Serving as a clinical instructor or a mentor to a physical therapist student, a physical therapist assistant student or a physical therapist participating in an accredited fellowship or residency program.
Conversion
1 CCU for every 40 hours with each student (credit given only for first delivery during the renewal period)
Max CEUs allowed
Hawaii does not specify a maximum number of CEUs that a PT can earn by acting as a clinical instructor.
Choosing Courses
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 Hawaii, you shouldn't assume all courses on that site are approved for PTs in Hawaii. 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!
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Compact Privileges
Compact privileges: No
Hawaii does not issue 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.
Sources
CEU Keeper strives to simplify Hawaii 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.
Conclusion
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 Hawaii PT CEU requirements compare to other states? Check out our state list of physical therapy CEU requirements.