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West Virginia Physical Therapy Continuing Education Requirements

Updated 8/20/2024

How many continuing education hours are required during a reporting period?

Physical therapists licensed in West Virginia must complete twenty-four (24) hours of continuing education units every two (2) years.

Physical therapy assistants licensed in West Virginia must complete twenty-four (24) hours of continuing education units every two (2) years.

New Licensees

A new graduate does not need continuing education hours for the current year of graduation.

How is contact hour defined?

A "unit" is one clock hour spent in a continuing education activity.

Can credits be carried over into the next reporting period?

Accumulated CEU's may not be carried over from one renewal period to another.

Are there any specific courses that must be taken?

N/A

What types of activities can be used for the continuing education requirements?

Passing the following specialty examinations will qualify for twenty-four (24) contact hours of continuing education in the year the examination is taken:

    • Specialty examinations and recertification administered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS).
    • The Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC) certification examination.
    • Continuing education course instructors can receive one (1) unit per hour of class instruction time will be awarded for board approved continuing education courses in the year the course given. Credit awarded to the instructor for said course will be granted only one time.

The successful completion of an American Physical Therapy Association credentialed residency or fellowship program will qualify for twenty-four (24) contact hours of continuing education in the year the residency or fellowship is completed.

The successful completion of a practice review tool of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy pertaining to continued competence will qualify for continuing education.

    • Eight (8) contact hours of continuing education will be awarded for completion of a practice review tool.
    • Licensees may use a practice review tool no more than every other renewal period.

Clinical instruction:

    • Providing clinical instruction to PT or PTA student(s) enrolled in a CAPTE approved PT or PTA program can qualify for up to a maximum eight (8) units per year.    
    • Four (4) weeks of clinical instruction is equal to one (1) unit of continuing education.

One (1) unit per hour of class instruction time will be awarded for board approved continuing education courses in the year the course is taken.

One (1) unit per hour of class instruction time shall be awarded and automatically approved for CAPTE College/University, American Physical Therapy Association, Board of Certification or West Virginia Physical Therapy Association sponsored continuing education courses in the year the course is taken.   

One (1) unit per hour of class instructions for CAPTE college or university physical therapy or doctorate physical therapy programs.

Are there limitations on the types of courses that can be taken?

A maximum of eight (8) units per license period can be obtained from any combination of clinical instruction or competency tools.

Which type of courses or activities are not allowed?

N/A

Is board approval necessary for continuing education?

Continuing education courses are subject to board approval.

What are the reporting requirements?

N/A

How long must continuing education records be retained?

N/A

Can the continuing education requirements be waived?

The Board may grant a waiver of the continuing education requirements in the case of illness, disability, or undue hardship.   

    • A request for waiver form must be completed in full. In the case of illness or disability, a physician's statement is required.   
    • All completed forms must be received by the Board for consideration no later than the first day of October of the year preceding the renewal date.   
    • A waiver may be granted for any period of time not to exceed one renewal cycle.   
    • In the event that the illness, disability, or hardship continues to the next renewal cycle, then a new waiver request is required.   
    • Should a waiver be granted due to disability or illness, the Board may require the individual to provide appropriate documentation from a physician or another qualified and appropriate practitioner to verify the individual's competency and ability to practice physical therapy in the state of West Virginia prior to the return to active practice of physical therapy in West Virginia.

Does the board audit therapist’s continuing education?

The Board reserves the right to conduct randomized continuing education audits.

Reference

W. Va. Code R. §16-1-11

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