Delaware Physical Therapy Continuing Education Requirements

Delaware physical therapy continuing education requirements

If you’re a PT or PTA in Delaware, you’ll need to complete 30 contact hours of continuing education with your next license renewal. But there’s more to it than a mere number, so keep reading for all the details on Delaware physical therapy continuing education requirements!

At a glance:

Delaware – 30 CEU hours every 2 years by January 31st of odd years.

As part of those 30 hours, the Delaware State Board of Physical Therapy requires that at least 2 hours of CEU coursework be related to Ethics. You’ll also need to supply proof of up-to-date CPR certification, which will count as 1 contact hour. 

Delaware Physical Therapy CEU Requirements

From the Delaware Physical Therapy Practice Act Website: (DE Source)

“Three CEUs are required for every biennial license renewal for Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, and Athletic Trainers. The required CEU’s shall be completed no later than January 31 of every odd-numbered year and every 2 years after such date. The required hours shall include 0.2 units of Ethics and proof of current CPR certification by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, National Safety Council or other agency approved by the Board and posted on the Division of Professional Regulation’s website. Proof of current CPR certification will count for 0.1 CEU.

“One CEU will be given for every 10 hours of an approved continuing education course. (1 contact hour = .1 CEU.)”

Further, the CEU requirement is prorated for newly licensed PTs. See below:

source

What CEU Courses are Allowed in Delaware?

There’s more than one way to meet your CEU requirement in Delaware. Besides traditional coursework, you may complete continuing education through the following activities: 

  • Professional meetings, such as national, state, chapter, and state board meetings
  • Seminars and workshops
  • Staff/faculty in-services
  • First-time presentation of a professionally oriented course/lecture
  • Self-studies, including online courses

Importantly, the State Board stipulates that self-study courses demonstrate a time requirement and be related to physical therapy. Providers of such courses must also issue a certificate of completion to verify the continuing education credit. 

Whether it’s an online webinar or an in-person workshop, all CEU classes must be from an approved CEU provider, such as the ones on this list. But the Board will also recognize CEUs that are approved by other governing bodies, such as APTA or another state’s licensing board. Otherwise, you can request approval for a particular course by completing a CEU Application form.

If you’re unsure whether a course or activity qualifies for continuing education, just contact the Board.

Can I Use MedBridge in Delaware?

MedBridge Promo Code

Absolutely! You can use an online CEU company like MedBridge Education to complete your Delaware Physical Therapy continuing education—all but the CPR certification. A quick check on the MedBridge website shows hundreds of approved courses for Delaware PTs, and plenty to fill up 29 CEU hours of engaging, challenging content.

Worried about that 2-hour Ethics requirement? Check out the course Ethics for Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Professionals by Ron Scott, which is approved for 2 hours of CEU credit in Delaware. MedBridge makes it easy to find specific courses to satisfy all kinds of State Board requirements. 

With an annual subscription, you’ll have unlimited access to their vast library of CEU courses, including live and interactive webinars. Use the MedBridge promo code PTProgress to save 40% on a year’s subscription.

Do I need to submit proof of my completed CEUs?

Every legitimate CEU provider, including MedBridge, gives you a certificate of completion when you finish a course. The Delaware State Board of Physical Therapy does not require this document with your renewal; instead, they ask that you attest to the completed CEUs on your renewal form. 

Meanwhile, retain all CEU documentation—including items such as your certificate, proof of attendance, and course information—for at least four years after your renewal. That way, if you’re selected for a formal audit, you’ll be able to provide proof of your coursework.

May I carry over any completed CEUs?

No. The Delaware State Board of Physical Therapy will not allow you to carry over any CEUs from one renewal period to another. All qualifying CEUs must have been completed within your current renewal period. 

When does my Delaware Physical Therapy license expire?

All licenses expire biennially on January 31st of odd years. 

How much does it cost to renew a Delaware PT license?

You’ll be notified of the renewal fee for each period, but it’s usually the same as the licensure fee, which in 2023 was $183 for PTs and $169 for PTAs. 

How long does it take to renew a Delaware Physical Therapy license?

For many states, it can take 4-8 weeks to process your request, so start the process early!

Compare Physical Therapy CEUs by State

How does your state compare? Take a look at all of the state-by-state CEU requirements in this comprehensive article.

Tim Fraticelli, DPT Physical Therapist

Tim Fraticelli is a Physical Therapist, Certified Financial Planner™ and founder of PTProgress.com. He loves to teach PTs and OTs ways to save time and money in and out of the clinic, especially when it comes to documentation or continuing education. Follow him on YouTube for weekly videos on ways to improve your financial health.