The healthcare industry has developed strict education, training and licensing standards for all professionals, including physiotherapists, apparently because their health, well-being and ultimately life are largely in their hands. One of the most important training standards is continuing education, and each physiotherapist recommends this type of education for several reasons.

Why should we continue education?

There are several reasons for physiotherapists, the most important of which are:

• The physiotherapist's renewal of the license includes continuing education credits as required by state law. For example, Florida law requires licensed physiotherapists to be educated for a certain period of time in all areas of clinical education, clinical management, and clinical science.

• These courses are designed to help licensed physiotherapists understand the latest developments in their field. New techniques, tools and treatments can be learned from these courses.

• Maintaining membership in a professional organization [ie, the American Physical Therapy Association] requires proof of continuing education for long-term practitioners.

Not only do physiotherapists who benefit from continuing education – patients also become recipients of better services for physiotherapists.

Type of continuing education

The most common places for continuing education courses are physical therapy schools, including colleges and universities, for obvious reasons. These venues are also the most convenient, as the courses are offered throughout the year and cannot be said of other types. Today, physiotherapists can choose between physical schools and online websites, although the latter must be approached with great care, especially in their certification status.

Other educational venues include audio conferences, industry seminars, and professional seminars such as APTA. Just make sure that these locations are certified under state law to treat hours as a valid requirement for renewal licenses.

It should be noted that education can be stated in the contact time or in the education unit [CEU]. The provider of the continuing education program explains the number of CEUs, and the State Licensing Committee describes the renewal requirements during the contact time. The difference between the two may mean renewing and not renewing the license.

For example, the ratio of 10 contact hours in most states is equal to 1 CEU. Keep in mind that an hour of contact time is not necessarily a full 60 minutes, but should last for at least 50 minutes. Thus, 1 CEU is equal to 1 contact hour, while a.2 CEU is equal to 2 contact hours, and so on.

Since each state registration board has different licensing requirements, it is best to ask the committee before registering for continuing education. You want to make sure you comply with the minimum requirements and enhance your understanding of the latest developments in your field.

Continue your education with physical therapy was originally published on Spring