Continuing Education and Continued Competence
Continuing Education and Continued Competence
This domain tests the CE hours, content requirements, documentation, and audit risk.
Core rules
- Missouri PTs must complete continuing education each biennial renewal cycle. PTAs have a separate, smaller requirement. The current Board rule specifies the exact hours and required subject areas, including ethics.
- CE must be from acceptable providers and relevant to physical therapy. Keep certificates, agendas, and proof of completion for the audit period.
- Do not count the same course twice in one cycle unless the rule allows it. Do not count unapproved webinars or employment orientation as CE.
- Attest to completion on the renewal. False attestation is unprofessional conduct.
- If audited, produce documentation promptly. Missing proof can result in a deficiency, fine, or license action.
Worked example
A PT completes 30 hours, but 2 hours are a practice-management webinar with no ethics content. The renewal requires ethics hours. Reasoning: the total may be met, but the content requirement is not. The PT must complete qualifying ethics CE. If the cycle has already ended, contact the Board before renewal to correct the deficiency.
Traps
Do not assume all hours count just because they are “related.” Do not wait until the last week; audits look for contemporaneous certificates. Do not let an employer’s internal training substitute for Board-approved CE without checking.