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. North Carolina PT continuing education requirements are developed by the North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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: It varies
As a PT in North Carolina, you need 30 points every 2 years by January 31st; the year depends on the year you were licensed.
First Renewal Rules
CEUs required: 0
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 North Carolina are not required to complete CEUs for their first renewal.
The NC PT board website continuing competence renewals page states: "For your first renewal there is NO continuing competence requirement."
Special Requirements
Jurisprudence Exercises - 1 CEU
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.
North Carolina requires physical therapists to complete the following as part of their total CEU requirement.
Jurisprudence Exercises - 1 CEU
"During each reporting period, every licensee shall complete a jurisprudence exercise provided by the Board. The jurisprudence exercise shall be available online at the Board's website and a certificate of completion shall be issued to a licensee at the conclusion of the exercise, at which time one point shall be awarded to the licensee. The maximum number of points allowed during a reporting period is three." "Therefore, licensees are required to complete at least one Jurisprudence Exercise during the reporting period. Licensees may complete one Jurisprudence exercise and receive 1 point, or licensees may complete more than one exercise and receive points for each exercise up to a maximum of 3 points per reporting period." There is NO FEE for the Jurisprudence Exercises.
Source: North Carolina
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.
North Carolina does allow physical therapists to earn continuing education credit for acting as a clinical instructor.
Per the North Carolina rules and regulations:
Description
For serving as a Clinical Instructor for a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant student, resident, or fellow for a period of at least 80 hours
Conversion
40 hours of direct on-site supervision earns one point
Max CEUs allowed
A PT clinical instructor in North Carolina can earn a maximum of 8 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 North Carolina, you shouldn't assume all courses on that site are approved for PTs in North Carolina. Before signing up for a course, check with the CE provider to see if it is approved.
Discounts on CEUs
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PhysicalTherapy.com offers a lower-priced option with 500+ evidence-based courses including live webinars, recorded webinars, text courses and audio courses.
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Compact Privileges
Compact privileges: Yes
North Carolina is actively issuing 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
Live, in-person, activities are not required. However, there are limits on different types of online activities. Details can be found at the North Carolina requirements link under the FAQ section.
- Live webinars - 15 points
- Recorded webinars - 10 points
- Home study furnished by an approved provider - 10 points
Points can be earned with clinical practice hours:
- 200 to 999 hours = 1 point
- 1,000 to 1,749 hours = 2 points
- 1,750 hours or more = 3 points
Sources
CEU Keeper strives to simplify North Carolina 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 North Carolina PT CEU requirements compare to other states? Check out our state list of physical therapy CEU requirements.