Continuing Education

According to the Rules for the Administration of the Illinois Physical Therapy Act, Section 1340.61 Continuing Education,

"Beginning with the September 30, 2004 renewal and every renewal thereafter, every physical therapist shall complete 40 hours of continuing education (CE) relevant to the practice of physical therapy during each prerenewal period as a condition of renewal.

Beginning with the September 30, 2005 renewal and every renewal thereafter, every physical therapist assistant shall complete 20 hours of CE relevant to the practice of physical therapy during each prerenewal period as a condition of renewal.”

To read the entire Continuing Education Section Click Here

Why does an adult need to be a continual learner?

Part of being a professional is a commitment to continued study, in other words, a commitment to "lifelong learning.”

What does this commitment entail? It means that a professional is always learning. You are learning while you work, you are learning through continuing education, you might continue learning through an advanced degree or specialization, but you are always engaged in the study of physical therapy; the knowledge, skills and abilities that will make you a better practitioner.

The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) define continuing competence as, "Ongoing application of professional knowledge, skills and abilities which relate to occupational performance objectives in the range of possible encounters that is defined by that individual's scope of practice and practice setting.”

If we subscribe to this definition, each individual physical therapist and physical therapist assistant will have unique objectives relating to their particular scope of practice and practice setting. This means that you are in charge of designing your own professional development experience.

• On our online calendar - search CE
•  Through APTA sponsored CE courses - search now
• Through our Complete Listing of all IPTA approved courses