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. Michigan PTA continuing education requirements are developed by the Michigan 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 Michigan PT CEU requirements here.
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Total CEUs Required
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.
Total CEUs required: 24
CEU Due Date: It varies
As a PTA in Michigan, you need 24 PDRs every two or three years; this depends on your last renewal date.
First Renewal Rules
CEUs required: 0
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 Michigan are not required to complete CEUs for their first renewal.
According to the Physical Therapy General Rules, the professional development requirements do not apply to a licensee during the initial licensure cycle. However, you may still need to complete the one hour per year Implicit Bias requirement.
Special Requirements
Pain and Symptom Management - 1 CEU
Implicit Bias - 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.
Michigan requires physical therapist assistants to complete the following as part of their total CEU requirement.
Pain and Symptom Management - 1 CEU
Per the Michigan Board of Physical Therapy General rules: “A licensee shall earn at least 1 PDR credit in the area of pain and symptom management by completing a continuing education program or activity. Credits in pain and symptom management may include, but are not limited to, courses in behavior management, psychology of pain, pharmacology, behavior modification, stress management, clinical applications, and drug interventions as they relate to the practice of physical therapy.”
Implicit Bias - 2 CEUs
“A minimum of 1 hour of implicit bias training for each year of the applicant’s license or registration cycle. Unless prohibited by the code or rules, this training may be used to satisfy other training or continuing education requirements for license renewal.”
Source: Michigan
Special Limitations
Activity Code A Limit - 20 CEUs
Some states have limitations on how many CEUs you can earn per activity type. Included below is the most common limit for Michigan physical therapist assistants. For details on activity types not listed here, visit the Michigan physical therapy board website. You can find the link below.
Activity Code A Limit - 20 CEUs
A maximum of 20 PDR credits may be earned for Code A activities. Please see the link below to the administrative rules for details on Activity codes.
Source: Michigan
Clinical Instructor CE Rules
CEUs allowed: Yes
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.
Michigan does allow physical therapist assistants to earn continuing education credit for acting as a clinical instructor.
Per the Michigan rules and regulations:
Description
Serving as a clinical instructor or clinical supervisor for students completing an internship, residency, or fellowship program that is recognized or approved by: an Accredited PT education program, an accredited PTA education program, the APTA or an organization approved by the board
Conversion
3 PDR credits (CEUs) are granted for 40 hours of clinical instruction or supervision.
Max CEUs allowed
A PTA clinical instructor in Michigan can earn a maximum of 12 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 PTAs in Michigan, you shouldn't assume all courses on that site are approved for PTAs in Michigan. Before signing up for a course, check with the CE provider to see if it is approved.
Discounts on CEUs
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Compact Privileges
Compact privileges: No
Michigan does not issue 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.
Additional Notes
NEW: Effective March 5, 2026, Michigan is switching from a 2 year to a 3 year license cycle. All renewals after this date will become 3 year licenses.
NEW: PDRs will remain at 24 for the 3 year renewal cycle.
No more than 12 PDR credits shall be earned for approved online continuing education programs or activities during one 24-hour period.
Sources
CEU Keeper strives to simplify Michigan 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.
Conclusion
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 Michigan PTA CEU requirements compare to other states? Check out our state list of physical therapy CEU requirements.