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. New Mexico PTA continuing education requirements are developed by the New Mexico 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 New Mexico PT CEU requirements here.
If anything we've shared has helped you, you can help us by using our app or the affiliate links on this page. The affiliate links don't cost you anything, and they support our efforts to provide this content.
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: 30
CEU Due Date: It varies
As a PTA in New Mexico, you need 30 CEUs every two years by January 31st; the year depends on your initial license 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 New Mexico are not required to complete CEUs for their first renewal.
As stated in the New Mexico Administrative Code: "No continuing education is required of those who are renewing for the first time."
Special Requirements
New Mexico does not have any special requirements for physical therapist assistants.
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.
New Mexico does allow physical therapist assistants to earn continuing education credit for acting as a clinical instructor.
Per the New Mexico rules and regulations:
Description
Credit for supervising a student in clinical education
Conversion
One continuing education contact hour may be approved for each 40 contact hours of supervision in clinical education
Max CEUs allowed
A PTA clinical instructor in New Mexico can earn a maximum of 15 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 New Mexico, you shouldn't assume all courses on that site are approved for PTAs in New Mexico. 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
New Mexico 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.
Sources
CEU Keeper strives to simplify New Mexico 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 New Mexico PTA CEU requirements compare to other states? Check out our state list of physical therapy CEU requirements.