CEU APPROVAL

Practice

Licensure is required in the State of Iowa and must be renewed on a regular basis. PTs must practice within the scope of physical therapy practice defined by the State of Iowa Practice Act. The entire practice act, including accompanying rules, constitutes the law governing physical therapy practice within the State of Iowa.

Frequently Asked CEU Questions

No. 


Click here to review the current rules.

A licensee selected for audit of their continuing education credit/hours should be prepared to demonstrate that their continuing education meets the following elements: 


Written Certificate of Completion of Continuing Education contains:

  • Course Date(s)
  • Title of Course
  • Contact Hours
  • Sponsor Name
  • Licensee’s Name
  • Course Objectives or Goals
  • Presenter’s Name

Recommended but not required elements on certificate:

  • Designation that attendance was virtual live, in-person live, or webinar/online/recording (not live)

Consider retaining course brochures, power points, handouts or other supplemental materials to help prove the course’s instructional value and legitimacy.


  • Licensee should retain the continuing education certificate for 2 years after use of their credit/hours for license renewal.
  • This is true for carry over credit/hours as well. 
  • Each biennium, physical therapists licensed in this state will be required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education. 
  • Each biennium, physical therapist assistants licensed in this state will be required to complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education.

Licensees who complete continuing education hours in excess of the requirements for renewal may apply up to 50 percent of the required hours to the following renewal period. 

  • Physical therapist licensees may apply a maximum of 20 hours. 
  • Physical therapist assistant licensees may apply a maximum of 10 hours. 

The Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy does not provide approval for specific continuing education courses. Please review 481 IAC 803.3(2)  [PT/A]   Specific criteria. for additional information about activities that meet CEU requirements.


The Board's continuing education chapters outline the amount of hours per renewal period and the criteria for acceptable continuing education.  


Be certain the training you attend or provide

  1. constitutes an organized program of learning which contributes directly to the professional competency of the licensee, 
  2. pertains to subject matters which integrally relate to the practice of the profession, and 
  3. is conducted by individuals who have specialized education, training and experience by reason of which said individuals should be considered qualified concerning the subject matter of the program. Remember, at the time of audit, the board may request the qualifications of presenters.

 

Rules regarding presenters earning CEUs are outlined in 

  • 481 IAC 803.3(1)(c) Is conducted by individuals who have specialized education, training and experience by reason of which said individuals should be considered qualified concerning the subject matter of the program. At the time of audit, the board may request the qualifications of presenters;
  • 481 IAC 803.3(2)(a)(5) Presenting professional programs that meet the criteria listed in this rule. Two hours of credit will be awarded for each hour of presentation for the first offering of the course. A course schedule or brochure must be maintained for audit.  

 

Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants 481 IAC 803.3 

481—803.3(148A,272C) Standards. 

803.3(1) General criteria. Appropriate continuing education activity for purposes of license renewal will support each of the following: 

a. Constitutes an organized program of learning that contributes directly to the professional competency of the licensee; 

b. Pertains to subject matters that integrally relate to the practice of the profession; 

c. Is conducted by individuals who have specialized education, training and experience by reason of which said individuals should be considered qualified concerning the subject matter of the program. At the time of audit, the board may request the qualifications of presenters; 

d. Fulfills stated program goals, objectives, or both; and 

e. Provides proof of attendance to licensees including: 

(1) Date, location, course title, presenter(s); 

(2) Number of program contact hours; and 

(3) Certificate of completion or evidence of successful completion of the course provided by the course sponsor.  

 

For more information, you may access all of the boards laws and rules online.