As a PT or PTA in DC, you’ll need to renew your license every two years. Part of that process will entail completing 40 contact hours of continuing education if you’re a PT, or 30 if you’re a PTA. You’ll also need to complete a name-based criminal background check with each renewal. Keep reading for everything you need to know about the District of Columbia continuing education requirements!
At a glance:
| District of Columbia – 40 CEU hours every 2 years by January 31st of odd years. |
At least 2 hours of your CEUs should cover LGBTQ+ continuing education. Further, coursework in Public Health Priorities should make up 10% of your total hours, so 4 hours for PTs and 3 hours for PTAs.
DC Physical Therapy CEU Requirements
From the District of Columbia Physical Therapy Practice Act Website: (DC Source)
Continuing Education must include the following: Forty (40) CEs which shall include 2 hours of LGBTQ, and 4 hours in Public Health Priorities. No more than ½ of the required credits may be accepted from the online course, home study courses, video courses, telecourses, video conference of Public Health Priorities.
“Continuing Education is NOT required for 1st-time renewal applicants.
“Before the initial issuance of a license, all licensees must undergo a fingerprint-based Criminal Background Check. For renewal, all Licensees must undergo a new name-based CBC… and then pay the required fee ($50.00) at the end of the entire renewal application.”
What CEU Courses are Allowed in DC?
Continuing education can come in many forms: coursework, seminars, conferences, and workshops are all popular formats for earning CEU credit. Other activities, such as completing a specialty certification or publishing a peer-reviewed article, may also qualify. The easiest way to complete the LGBTQ Competency and Public Health Priorities requirements is through the APTA DC’s online learning portal.
Whatever the format of your continuing education, make sure it meets the Board’s criteria. All CEUs must be:
- Current
- Taught by qualified individuals, and
- Approved by a national or state physical therapy organization, a healthcare organization, or an accredited college or university.
Traditionally, the Board has not permitted more than half of all CEU coursework be from online, distance-learning methods. Throughout the Covid pandemic, that stipulation was lifted, and as of January 31st, 2023, licensees were permitted to complete all their coursework online. It remains to be seen if the 50% limit will be reinstated for the 2025 renewal.
Make sure your coursework will meet the Board’s approval, and if you’re unsure, just contact the Board.
Can I Use MedBridge in DC?
Yes! You can use an online CEU company like MedBridge Education to complete your District of Columbia Physical Therapy continuing education. A quick check on the MedBridge website shows hundreds of approved courses for DC PTs and PTAs.
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.
When does my DC Physical Therapy license expire?
All licenses expire biennially on January 31st of odd years.
How much does it cost to renew a District of Columbia PT license?
The renewal fee for a PT or PTA license in DC is $179.
How long does it take to renew a DC 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.
