Are you a PT or PTA in Illinois? In this article, I’ll cover all your license renewal requirements, from fees and deadlines to Illinois physical therapy continuing education. So let’s jump in!
As a Physical Therapist in Illinois, you must complete 40 continuing education hours every two years by September 30th of even-numbered years. Physical Therapy Assistants must complete 20 CEUs by September 30th of odd-numbered years.
For both PTs and PTAs, at least 3 hours of total credits should include content related to ethics in physical therapy. And at least 1 hour should include content related to sexual harassment prevention training.
At a glance:
| Illinois – For PTs: 40 CEU hours every 2 years by September 30th in even years. For PTAs: 20 CEU hours every 2 years by September 30th in odd years. |
Illinois Physical Therapy CEU Requirements
From the Illinois Physical Therapy Practice Act Website:
“Every physical therapist shall complete 40 hours of CE relevant to the practice of physical therapy during each pre-renewal period… At least 3 hours of the 40 hours must include content related to the ethical practice of physical therapy. At least 1 of the 40 hours must include content related to the sexual harassment prevention training CE.
“An applicant may obtain 75% of total CE credit through correspondence or web-based courses, including pre-recorded professional presentations and webinars, from an approved CE sponsor. These courses shall include a test that must be passed in order to obtain credit.
“Virtual attendance at live professional presentations, provided the participant is able to communicate in real time with the speaker and other participants… shall not be considered self-study.”
What CEU Courses are Allowed in Illinois?
Like many state boards, the Illinois Physical Therapy Licensing Board allows several different formats for continuing education credit. You can complete courses in-person or online, in groups or by yourself.
They just ask that no more than 75% of your total CEUs be from “self-study”: correspondence, web courses or pre-recorded webinars. However, if an online course includes live interaction with the instructor, it’s considered a live course and not self-study.
Importantly, only CEUs from an approved sponsor will qualify towards continuing education. Those sponsors include APTA, IPTA, FSBPT, and any educational institution accredited by CAPTE. All other providers must seek approval from the Board.
If you’re unsure whether a course or activity qualifies for continuing education, contact the Board.
Can I Use MedBridge in Illinois?
Yes, you can use an online CEU company like MedBridge to complete required CEUs for your Illinois Physical Therapy license renewal. A quick check on the MedBridge website shows hundreds of approved courses for Illinois PTs looking to renew their license.
The courses on MedBridge cover a wide range of topics. You should have no trouble finding Ethics CEUs that fulfill the 3-hour state requirement.
For example, you could take Person-Centered Care: Equip, Enable, Empower and Engage Persons in Their Health by Aimee E. Perron. Because it’s worth 3 CEUs, this one course could satisfy your ethics requirement. However, it is a recorded webinar, a format allowed for no more than 75% of your total CEUs.
Although MedBridge offers many online courses, they aren’t limited to pre-recorded webinars or self-study classes. Every month, MedBridge hosts live webinars for which you can sign up to participate. This extra curriculum is free with an annual MedBridge subscription.
Live courses, ethics courses, and Illinois-approved CEUs – MedBridge Education does it all. Use the MedBridge promo code PTProgress to save 40% on unlimited CEUs.
Do I need to submit proof of my completed CEUs?
Every approved CEU provider, including MedBridge, will give you a certificate of completion when you finish a CEU course or activity. However, the Illinois Board of Physical Therapy does not require this document or any other proof of your CEU completion with your license renewal.
Instead, you will simply report the CEU information on your application and retain the records for at least 5 years after your license renewal period ends. Be sure to store these documents safely in case you are selected for a continuing competency audit.
How much is the renewal fee?
It costs $60 to renew a biennial PT or PTA license.
When does my Illinois Physical Therapy license expire?
All Physical Therapy licenses expire on September 30th of even-numbered years. PTA licenses expire on September 30th of odd-numbered years.
How long does it take to renew a Illinois 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
Take a look at all of the requirements for CEUs based on your state in this comprehensive article.
