PTA CEU Requirements Maryland

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

This guide focuses on the CEU requirements for physical therapist assistants; if you are a PT, you can find the dedicated page for Maryland PT CEU requirements here.

Almost all states have continuing education requirements for physical therapist assistants. Generally, PTAs 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 PTA in Maryland, you need 20 CEUs every two years by May 31st. License numbers ending with an odd-number are due in odd-numbered years; license numbers ending with an even-number are due in even-numbered years.

For physical therapist assistants 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.

PTAs in Maryland are required to complete a prorated number of CEUs for their first renewal.

Per the Code of Maryland Regulations:
"If the licensee has met all the requirements for renewal, the Board may renew a license for the first renewal period following the issuance of the original license without requiring the physical therapist or physical therapist assistant to complete any CE hours if, at the time of renewal, the original license was issued 1 year or less before the renewal period."

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.

Maryland requires physical therapist assistants to complete the following as part of their total CEU requirement.

Implicit Bias (one time only) - 0 CEUs

Many states allow physical therapist assistants 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.

Maryland does not specify if PTAs 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 PTAs in Maryland, you shouldn't assume all courses on that site are approved for PTAs in Maryland. 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!

Maryland is actively issuing PT Compact privileges.

What is the PT Compact?

The Physical Therapy Compact allows a PTA 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.

CEU Keeper strives to simplify Maryland continuing education requirements for physical therapist assistants. 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.

Maryland Physical Therapy Board

Maryland requirements

Understanding PTA 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 PTA or PT. With that said, you can always ask us your questions. We want to help and it's what we do!

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