If you are a practicing PT within the State of Colorado, it is imperative that you learn as much as you are able to regarding continuing education and the requirements of the state so that you do not experience any lapses in your licensure. In this brief guide, we will provide an outline of physical therapy continuing education in Colorado, online physical therapy courses, and more.
Colorado Requirements for Maintaining a Physical Therapy License
Upon renewing the initial license and/or certification for physical therapy within the State of Colorado, you will need to demonstrate what is referred to as “Continuing Professional Competency” or “CPC” in order to continue in your chosen field. To renew or reinstate your practicing coverage, you must do one of the following:
- Complete the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Program – In this, you will need to successfully complete the Self-Assessment Tool, which is also referred to as the “SAT”. You must perform and follow through on a specific learning plan and accrue the set number of hours under the Professional Development Activities or “PDA”.
- If you have a full two-year license and satisfy the above-listed standard, you may qualify for what is referred to as the “Deemed Status”.
- Military Exemption – If you possess a license or certificate to practice and are called to active duty status for a period that exceeds 120 days, you may request an exemption. This is typically granted to those who serve in a war, contingency, or another type of emergency.
As a professional physical therapist, you must earn at least 30 points of continuing education each and every single year. One of the best ways to do this is through online physical therapy courses. The good news is that the APTA offers many of these courses. Examples of these include:
- Holistic Treatment of the Pregnant Body Course
- Functional Capacity Evaluation Certification Course
- A Comprehensive View of Alzheimer’s Disease
- Domestic Violence: Advanced
- Health Risk Assessment Certification Course
If you are in search of physical therapy continuing education in Colorado, the APTA online physical therapy courses are a great place to start. The courses are so varied that there is something for everyone.
Unlimited 1 Year Subscription to Online Physical Therapy Courses
If you are in search of initiating physical therapy continuing education in Colorado, you will be pleased to know that you may get an unlimited 1-year subscription to online physical therapy courses through Physicourses. This is normally $349 but now has been reduced to $129. There are both digital and PDF courses available. There are in excess of 600 hours of video courses. 150+ digital courses, and 35 PDF courses that are self-paced. These all provide CEU credits for physical therapists within the United States. Examples of the topics associated with the courses offered include the following:
- Acute Care
- Amputation
- Cancer
- Cognitive
- Ethics
- Exercise
- Geriatrics
- Lymphedema
- Manual Therapy Techniques
- Medical
- Modalities
- Music
- Neurology
- Nutrition
- Orthopedics
- Pain
- Pediatrics
- Pharmacology
- Research
- Speech
- Sports Medicine
- Technology
- Telemedicine
- Trauma
- Women’s Health
- Wounds
How Do I Renew a Colorado Physical Therapy License?
In order to renew your license in the State of Colorado to continue practicing physical therapy, you must engage in the Continuing Professional Development Program, obtain “Deemed Status”, and/or receive an exemption from the military.
How Much Does It Cost to Renew a PT License in Colorado?
To renew a physical therapy license in the State of Colorado, you will need to pay a minimum of $52 and a minimum of $12 for a PTA license. These prices may increase.
Where are the PT Programs in Colorado?
Currently, there are two different campus-based programs for DPT in the State of Colorado. One is the University of Colorado and the other one is the Regis University.
How Many Hours of Ethics Must I Take as a PT in Colorado?
As a PT in Colorado, you will be required to take a total of 3 hours in ethics. This is required every 2 years for your license.
Do I Have to Take a Jurisprudence Exam for Physical Therapy?
No, you do not have to take a jurisprudence examination in order to practice physical therapy within the State of Colorado.
How Much is the Certification Application for PTAs in Colorado?
Currently, the application for PTAs has an initial fee of $57. This is a non-refundable fee. You must also pass the National Physical Therapy Assistance Exam – also referred to as the “NPTAE” – and the current cost of this examination is $370.
How Much Do PTs Make in Colorado?
The average yearly salary for a physical therapist in the State of Colorado is about $66,000; however, if you continue your education, it is possible to make up to $98,500 a year. This amount includes additional education, specialties, tips, bonuses, and more.
What are CE Credits for a Physical Therapist?
CE credits for a physical therapist are continuing education credits. One credit equals one individual hour of structured learning. If you are obtaining a license or continuing your education to meet licensing requirements, you will be required to obtain CE credits.
Do PTs Need to Continue Their Education to Dry Needle in Colorado?
Yes, PTs will need to complete 30 hours in order to dry needle in the State of Colorado. The therapist must engage in education that surrounds this activity to be able to professionally practice.
What Do You Need to Get Started as a PT in Colorado?
To practice physical therapy in the State of Colorado, you must obtain a Doctor of Physical Therapy – or “DPT” – Degree from an educational program that is actually accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Education of Physical Therapy or the “CAPTE”.
How Long Does It Take to Get Through PT School in the State of Colorado?
Generally, it takes approximately two and a half years to get through PT school in the State of Colorado. This average was obtained from The University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program.
What are the Highest-Paying PT Specialties?
If you want to pursue continuing education in order to increase your salary, the following are considered to be the top-paying physical therapist specialties:
- Outpatient Care
- Home Healthcare
- Educational Support
- Individual/Family Services
- Nursing Care Facilities/Nursing Homes
What is the Demand for Physical Therapists and Will it Grow?
By 2032, the demand for physical therapists is expected to grow a total of 15%. This is considered to be exceptionally fast. Physical therapists are in very high demand. Each year, it is expected that there will be almost 14,000 job openings for individuals who are physical therapists. If you are currently a PT, it is recommended that you specialize in continuing your education so that you have the best chance of benefiting from the growth.
Contact Us Today
If you are seeking to continue your education and advance in your physical therapy career, we here at Colorado Physical Therapy Network can assist you. We are a network of therapists that offer tools, resources, and opportunities. In addition to numerous services that benefit your practice, we also offer information on job opportunities.
We are dedicated to the best of the best – in terms of physical therapy services within the State of Colorado. We offer support and cooperation through a group structure that increases mutual levels of cooperation between physical therapists, physicians, third-party payors, and even patients. Our services offer benefits to everyone involved. If you want to learn more about joining our program and/or continuing your education, we recommend joining us today!
