Approval in Oregon

The board’s purpose is public protection and to establish professional standards of practice which assure that physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are properly educated, hold valid/current licenses, practice within their scope of practice and continue to receive ongoing training throughout their careers.

Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants renewing a license in the state of OR must complete 24 hours of continuing education within the 24-month certification period, which runs from April 1 of an even year to March 31 of the following even year. The number of hours required vary for licensees who received their initial license less than 12 months ago (see board site for more information).

• Pain Management. This is a requirement made by the legislature in 2021. Licensees MUST take the Oregon Pain Management Commission’s Pain Management Module at every renewal. The course is free and worth 1.5 CE hours. Take the exam here: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/dsi-pmc/Pages/module.aspx

• Cultural Competence. Licensees MUST take a course in cultural competency every renewal period. Licensees may choose from a variety of courses. The course must be a minimum of one hour. For more information: https://www.oregon.gov/pt/Pages/cultural.aspx

The Board does not have a limit on the number of courses that can be taken online. Licensees may take all of their courses online, may take them all in-person, or can take a combination of both in-person and online courses.