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. South Carolina PTA continuing education requirements are developed by the South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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: 30
CEU Due Date: Dec. 31, 2026
As a PTA in South Carolina, you need 30 CEUs every two years by December 31st of even years.
Currently, CEUs need to be completed between Jan. 1, 2025 and Dec. 31, 2026.
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 South Carolina are not required to complete CEUs for their first renewal.
Per the South Carolina Physical Therapy Regulations: "PTs and PTAs licensed in South Carolina are not subject to this requirement for the first biennium renewal period in which they are initially licensed."
Special Requirements
Ethics, Professionalism and/or Jurisprudence - 3 CEUs
Certified Activities - 15 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.
South Carolina requires physical therapist assistants to complete the following as part of their total CEU requirement.
Ethics, Professionalism and/or Jurisprudence - 3 CEUs
A PT or PTA must complete three contact hours of study in ethics, professionalism, and/or South Carolina jurisprudence per biennium as part of his/her CEU requirements. This requirement shall be obtained by participation in a Certified Activity and will count towards the licensee’s required Certified Activity hours.
Certified Activities - 15 CEUs
Per the SC Board website: "At least fifteen of the required contact hours shall be from Certified Activities." Details on activities that qualify as certified can be found at the South Carolina requirements link below.
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.
South Carolina does allow physical therapist assistants to earn continuing education credit for acting as a clinical instructor.
Per the South Carolina rules and regulations:
Description
Students must be enrolled in CAPTE accredited or eligible PTA programs. Clinical instructors must be credentialed by APTA to receive clinical continuing education credits.
Conversion
One contact hour for every 160 hours of clinical internship
Max CEUs allowed
A PTA clinical instructor in South Carolina can earn a maximum of 6 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 South Carolina, you shouldn't assume all courses on that site are approved for PTAs in South 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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Compact Privileges
Compact privileges: Yes
South Carolina 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.
Sources
CEU Keeper strives to simplify South Carolina 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 South Carolina PTA CEU requirements compare to other states? Check out our state list of physical therapy CEU requirements.