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. Idaho PT continuing education requirements are developed by the Idaho 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 Idaho 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: 32
CEU Due Date: It varies
As a PT in Idaho, you need 32 CEUs every two years.
First Renewal Rules
CEUs required: 32
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 Idaho are required to complete the full number of CEUs for their first renewal.
The Idaho rules state: "Every person holding a license issued by the Board must annually complete sixteen (16) contact hours of continuing education prior to license renewal."
Special Requirements
Idaho does not have any special requirements for physical therapists.
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.
Idaho does allow physical therapists to earn continuing education credit for acting as a clinical instructor.
Per the Idaho rules and regulations:
Description
Supervision of a physical therapist student or physical therapist assistant student in an accredited college program.
Conversion
Idaho does not specify a conversion rate.
Max CEUs allowed
A PT clinical instructor in Idaho can earn a maximum of 4 CEUs during each renewal cycle.
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 Idaho, you shouldn't assume all courses on that site are approved for PTs in Idaho. 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!
Medbridge offers the largest selection with 2,000+ online PT continuing education courses including recorded courses, podcasts and live webinars.
You can read our Medbridge review to learn more about why we love it and continue to use it.
Use April's best Medbridge promo code CEUKEEPER to save $106 on your Medbridge subscription.
PhysicalTherapy.com offers a lower-priced option with 500+ evidence-based courses including live webinars, recorded webinars, text courses and audio courses.
Use our promo code CEUKEEPER to get an extra month free - 13 months for the price of 12 - on your PhysicalTherapy.com subscription.
Compact Privileges
Compact privileges: No
Idaho 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.
Additional Notes
Idaho is transitioning to a 2 year renewal cycle:
* Born in an odd year? Starting October 14, 2025, when you renew, your license will be valid for 2 years.
* Born in an even year? Your 2025 licensure renewal will be valid for 1 year, and starting in 2026, you’ll move to a 2-year renewal cycle.
Sources
CEU Keeper strives to simplify Idaho 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 Idaho PT CEU requirements compare to other states? Check out our state list of physical therapy CEU requirements.