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- Michigan Physical Therapy Continuing Education Requirements
Michigan Physical Therapy Continuing Education Requirements |
Updated 4/23/2025
How many continuing education hours are required during a reporting period?
Physical therapists licensed in Michigan must complete twenty-four (24) professional development requirement (PDR) credits every two (2) years.
Physical therapy assistants licensed in Michigan must complete twenty-four (24) professional development requirement (PDR) credits every two (2) years.
New Licensees
The requirements do not apply to a licensee during the initial licensure cycle.
How is credit hour defined?
A presentation shall not be less than fifty (50) minutes in length.
How long is the reporting period?
Biennial.
Can CE credits be carried over into the next reporting period?
No.
Are there any specific requirements for continuing education?
A licensee must earn at least one (1) PDR credit in the area of pain and symptom management by completing a continuing education program or activity.
Credits in pain and symptom management may include, but are not limited to, courses in behavior management, psychology of pain, pharmacology, behavior modification, stress management, clinical applications, and drug interventions as they relate to the practice of physical therapy.
Training for identifying victims of human trafficking
An individual seeking licensure or license renewal shall complete training in identifying victims of human trafficking that meets all the following standards:
Training content shall cover all of the following:
- Understanding the types and venues of human trafficking in the United States.
- Identifying victims of human trafficking in health care settings.
- Identifying the warning signs of human trafficking in health care settings for adults and minors.
- Identifying resources for reporting suspected victims of human trafficking.
Acceptable providers or methods of training including any of the following:
- Training offered by a nationally recognized or state recognized, health-related organization.
- Training offered by, or in conjunction with, a state or federal agency.
- Training in an educational program that has been approved by the advisory committee for initial license or registration, or by a college or university.
- Reading an article related to the identification of human trafficking that meets the content standards above and is published in a peer review journal, health care journal, or professional or scientific article.
Acceptable modalities of training including any of the following:
- Teleconference or webinar.
- Online presentation.
- Live presentation.
- Printed or electronic media.
The department may select and audit a sample of individuals and request documentation of proof of completion of training. If audited by the department, an individual shall provide an acceptable proof of completion of training, including either of the following:
- Proof of completion certificate issued by the training provider that includes the date, provider name, name of training, and individual’s name.
- A self-certification statement by an individual. The certification statement shall include the individual’s name and either of the following:
- For training completed, the date, training provider name, and name of training.
- For training completed, the title of the article, author, publication name of peer review journal, health care journal, or professional or scientific journal, and date, volume, and issue of publication, as applicable.
The requirements apply to license renewal beginning with the first renewal cycle and for initial or licenses issued five (5) or more years after the promulgation of this rule (2017).
What types of activities can be used for the continuing education requirements?
|
Activity |
Documentation |
Hour Earned |
Maximum |
|
Approved Education Program Completing an approved continuing education program or activity related to the practice of physical therapy or any non-clinical subject relevant to the practice of physical therapy. |
If audited, a licensee shall submit a copy of a letter or certificate of completion showing the licensee’s name, number of credits earned, sponsor name or the name of the organization that approved the program or activity for continuing education credit, and the date or dates on which the program was held or activity completed. |
When the sponsor or approving organization calculates credit at a rate of 0.1 credit for every fifty (50) to sixty (60) minutes of continuous instruction, then 0.1 credit equals one (1) PDR credit. |
Twenty (20) PDR credits. |
|
Post Graduate Academic Course Passing a postgraduate academic course related to the practice of physical therapy offered by either of the following: An accredited physical therapist educational program. An accredited physical therapist assistant educational program. A nationally accredited university or college. |
If audited, a licensee shall submit a copy of the transcript showing credit hours of the academic courses related to physical therapy. |
Fifteen (15) PDR credits for each semester credit earned and ten (10) PDR credits for each quarter or term credit earned. |
Twenty (20) PDR credits may be earned for this activity in each renewal period. |
|
Articles Related to Physical Therapy Reading an article related to the practice of physical therapy in a professional or scientific journal. To receive credit, a licensee shall successfully complete an evaluation that was provided with the article or the general response form provided by the department as an evaluative component for this activity. |
If audited, a licensee shall submit documentation from the professional or scientific journal or a copy of the completed general response form to verify that he or she completed an evaluation. |
One (1) PDR credit for each article. |
A maximum of six (6) PDR credits may be earned for this activity in each renewal period. |
|
Professional Education Media Viewing or listening to media devoted to professional education related to the practice of physical therapy, other than on-line programs, that was not approved or offered for continuing education credit. To receive credit, a licensee shall successfully complete an evaluation that was provided with the educational media or the general response form provided by the department as an evaluative component for this activity. |
If audited, a licensee shall submit a copy of the completed evaluation or completed general response form to verify that he or she completed an evaluation. |
One half of one (1) PDR credit is granted for every thirty (30) minutes of continuous instruction. |
A maximum of six (6) PDR credits may be earned for this activity in each renewal period. |
|
Presenting a Continuing Education Program Presenting a continuing education program related to the practice of physical therapy. To receive credit, the presentation shall be approved or offered for continuing education credit. |
If audited, a licensee shall submit a letter from the program sponsor confirming the licensee as the presenter and the presentation date and time, or a copy of the presentation notice or advertisement showing the date of the presentation, the licensee’s name listed as a presenter, and the name of the organization that approved or offered the presentation for continuing education credit. |
Two (2) PDR credits for each fifty (50) to sixty (60) minutes of presentation, which includes credit granted for preparation. A presentation shall not be less than fifty (50) minutes in length and credit for a presentation shall be granted only once in each renewal period. |
A maximum of twelve (12) PDR credits may be earned for this activity in each renewal period. |
|
Presenting a Scientific Exhibit or Scientific Paper Presenting a scientific exhibit or scientific paper accepted for presentation through a peer review process at a state, regional, national, or international physical therapy conference, or its components, or a related professional organization. |
If audited, a licensee shall submit a copy of the document presented with evidence of presentation or a letter from the program sponsor verifying the exhibit or paper was accepted for presentation through a peer review process and the date of the presentation. |
Two (2) PDR credits are granted for every fifty (50) minutes of continuous instruction. |
A maximum of twelve (12) PDR credits may be earned for this activity in each renewal period. |
|
Writing an Article Writing an article related to the practice, education, or research of physical therapy that is published in any of the following:
|
If audited, a licensee shall submit a copy of the publication that identifies the licensee as the author of the article or a publication acceptance letter. |
Six (6) PDR credits for each article, which includes credit granted for preparation, and credit for each article shall be granted only once in each renewal period. |
A maximum of twelve (12) PDR credits may be earned for this activity in each renewal period. |
|
Writing a Chapter Writing a chapter related to the practice, education, or research of physical therapy that is published in a book. |
If audited, a licensee shall submit a copy of the publication that identifies the licensee as the author of the chapter or a publication acceptance letter. |
Six (6) PDR credits for each chapter, which includes credit granted for preparation, and credit for each chapter shall be granted only once in each renewal period. |
A maximum of twelve (12) PDR credits may be earned for this activity in each renewal period. |
|
Professional Certification An American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABTS) certification examination. An ABTS recertification examination. An ABTS professional development portfolio for recertification. A specialty certification examination or recertification examination offered or approved by an organization approved by the board. |
If audited, a licensee shall submit proof of certification or recertification. |
Twenty-three (23) PDR credits per certification. |
A maximum of twenty-three (23) PDR credits may be earned for this activity in each renewal period. |
|
Postgraduate Clinical Training Participating as a student for a minimum of 1,000 hours in any of the following: A postgraduate clinical training program related to the practice of physical therapy provided through or recognized by an accredited physical therapist educational program. A postgraduate clinical training program related to the practice of physical therapy provided through or recognized by an accredited physical therapist assistant educational program. A postgraduate clinical training program related to the practice of physical therapy offered through a health care organization accredited by an organization recognized by the center for Medicare and Medicaid services. A postgraduate clinical training program related to the practice of physical therapy that is accredited or credentialed by the APTA or an organization approved by the board. |
If audited, a licensee shall submit a letter from the program director verifying the number of hours the licensee participated in the clinical training program and that the program was provided, offered, or accredited by an educational program or organization. |
Twelve (12) PDR credits are granted for 1,000 hours of participation. |
A maximum of twelve (12) PDR credits may be earned for this activity in each renewal period. |
|
Clinical Instructor for Students Serving as a clinical instructor or clinical supervisor for students completing an internship, residency, or fellowship program that is recognized or approved by any of the following: An accredited educational program for PTs and PTAs. The APTA or an organization approved by the board. |
If audited, a licensee shall submit a letter from the educational program or clinical agency director verifying the licensee’s role, the number of hours of instruction or supervision provided by the licensee, and that the internship, residency, or fellowship program is recognized or approved by an educational program or organization. |
Three (3) PDR credits for forty (40) hours of clinical instruction or supervision. |
A maximum of twelve (12) PDR credits may be earned for this activity in each renewal period. |
|
Healthcare Organization Committee Participation in a healthcare organization committee, physical therapy or physical therapy assistant educational program, or task force dealing with patient care related issues, which may include physical therapy education, research, or practice or quality of patient care and utilization review. |
If audited, a licensee shall provide a letter from an appropriate official representing the committee, educational program, or task force verifying that the committee, educational program, or task force dealt with patient care related issues, which may include physical therapy education, research, or practice or quality of patient care and utilization review. The letter must also include the dates and the amount of time the licensee took part on each date. |
One (1) PDR credit is granted for every fifty (50) minutes of participation. |
A maximum of six (6) PDR credits may be earned for this activity in each renewal period. |
|
Serving as a Guest Instructor Serving as a guest instructor of students, staff, or other licensees at any of the following: A clinical training program related to the practice of physical therapy provided through or recognized by an accredited or developing physical therapist educational program. A clinical training program related to the practice of physical therapy provided through or recognized by an accredited or developing physical therapist assistant educational program. A clinical training program related to the practice of physical therapy offered through a healthcare organization accredited by an organization recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. A clinical training program related to the practice of physical therapy accredited or credentialed by APTA or an organization approved by the board. |
If audited, a licensee shall provide a letter from the program director verifying the licensee’s role, the number of instructional sessions on specific subjects provided by the licensee, and the length of the instructional sessions. Also, the letter must verify that the clinical training program provided, offered, or accredited by an educational program or organization satisfies the requirements. |
Two (2) PDR credits are granted for every fifty (50) minutes of continuous instruction. |
A maximum of twelve (12) PDR credits may be earned for this activity in each renewal period. |
|
Serving as Clinical Instructor Serving as a clinical instructor or clinical supervisor for students completing an internship, residency, or fellowship program that recognized or approved by any of the following: An accredited or developing educational program for PT and PTAs. APTA or an organization approved by the board. |
If audited, a licensee shall provide a letter from the educational program or clinical agency director verifying the licensee’s role, the number of hours of instruction or supervision provided by the licensee, and that the internship, residency, or fellowship program is recognized or approved by an educational program or organization that satisfies the requirements. |
Three (3) PDR credits are granted for forty (40) hours of clinical instruction or supervision. |
A maximum of twelve (12) PDR credits may be earned for this activity in each renewal period. |
|
Identifying, Researching, and Addressing an Event or Issue Identifying, researching, and addressing an event or issue related to professional practice. |
If audited, a licensee shall provide a completed experiential activity form provided by the department for each issue or event. |
One (1) PDR credit is granted for each separate event or issue. |
A maximum of six (6) PDR credits may be earned for this activity in each renewal period. |
|
Participation on a Board or Committee Participating on an international, national, regional, state, state component, or local task force, committee, board, council, or association related to the field of physical therapy that is considered acceptable by the board. A task force, committee, board, council, or association is considered acceptable if it enhances the participant’s knowledge and understanding of the field of physical therapy. |
If audited, a licensee shall submit documentation verifying the licensee’s participation in at least 50% of the regularly scheduled meetings of the task force, committee, board, council, or association. |
Four (4) PDR credits for participation on each task force, committee, board, council, or association. |
A maximum of twelve (12) PDR credits may be earned for this activity in each renewal period. |
|
Participating as a Surveyor Participating as a surveyor for an external agency in a program involving the accreditation, certification, or inspection of an educational program for physical therapists or physical therapist assistants or a certification process for a clinical agency. |
If audited, a licensee shall submit a letter from the accreditation, certification, or inspection program verifying the licensee’s participation, the location of the inspections, and the number of hours the licensee spent participating as a surveyor. |
One (1) PDR credit for each fifty (50) to sixty (60) minutes of participation. |
A maximum of twelve (12) PDR credits may be earned for this activity in each renewal period. |
|
Center Coordinator Serving as a center coordinator of clinical education at an agency that provides clinical internships for students enrolled in programs that are recognized or approved by either of the following: An accredited educational program for PTs and PTAs. |
If audited, a licensee shall submit a letter from the educational program or clinical agency director verifying the licensee’s role and that students were placed and participated in the internship program during the time for which the licensee is claiming PDR credit. |
Two (2) PDR credits per year. |
A maximum of four (4) PDR credits may be earned for this activity in each renewal period. |
|
Volunteer Work Performing volunteer work related to the field of physical therapy without reimbursement in a public or nonprofit entity. |
If audited, a licensee shall submit a letter from an official at the public or nonprofit entity verifying the number of hours and the type of volunteer work performed by the licensee. |
One (1) PDR credit for each fifty (50) to sixty (60) minutes of volunteer work performed. |
A maximum of six (6) PDR credits may be earned for this activity in each renewal period. |
|
FSBPT Practice Review Tool Completing the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) practice review tool. |
To receive credit, a licensee shall submit documentation from the FSBPT verifying completion of the practice review tool. |
Three (3) PDR credits are granted for each completion. |
A maximum of three (3) PDR credits may be earned for this activity in each renewal period. |
Are there limitations on the types of courses that can be taken?
No more than twelve (12) PDR credits shall be earned for approved online continuing education programs or activities during one twenty-four (24) hour period.
A licensee shall not earn PDR credit for a continuing education program or activity that is identical or substantially identical to a program or activity for which the licensee has already earned credit for during that renewal period.
What type of approval is needed for the courses?
A continuing education program or activity is approved, regardless of the format in which it is offered, if it is approved or offered for continuing education credit by any of the following:
- Another state board of physical therapy;
- The Michigan Board of Medicine;
- The Michigan board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery;
- The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy;
- The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) or its components:
- An accredited physical therapist educational program; or
- An accredited physical therapist assistant educational program.
What type of courses or activities are not allowed?
N/A
What are the reporting requirements?
Submission of an application for renewal shall constitute the applicant’s certification of compliance with the CE requirements.
How long must continuing education records be retained?
A PT or PTA must retain documentation of meeting the requirements for a period of four (4) years from the date of applying for license renewal.
Reference
Mich. Admin. Code R. 338.7126