District of Columbia PT and PTA CEU requirements

What physical therapists and physical therapist assistants need to renew a District of Columbia license, summarized from the board's own rules. Last checked October 24, 2026.

40 hoursfor physical therapists

30 hoursfor PT assistants

Every 2 yearsCE cycle

Last day of your birth month, every 2 yearslicense renewal deadline

Required topics

2 hours of LGBTQ cultural competency
10% of your hours on the public health priorities the DC Health Director publishes (4 hours for PTs, 3 for PTAs)

Rules to know

At least half of your hours must be live: real-time courses, workshops, or live webinars where you can interact with the presenter. Policy Statement 24-001 counts live, interactive online courses as in-person.
First-time renewals don't need CE.
Licenses now expire on the last day of your birth month, in odd or even years to match your birth year. The board accepted half the hours from licensees whose term was shortened by the move to this cycle (a one-time change).
The board audits a sample of licensees after each renewal. If picked, you have 30 days to send proof.

Official sources

This is a plain-language summary to help you plan. Rules change and your board has the final word, so confirm with the sources above before you renew. These are physical therapy rules: OTs renew through the state's occupational therapy board, and athletic trainers also keep their BOC certification.

In-person courses in District of Columbia

3 upcoming courses in District of Columbia. Check each course's approval for District of Columbia with the provider. See every District of Columbia course.

December 2026

Sat–Sun, Dec 5–6, 2026 · 2 days Dry Needling and Pelvic Health $995 · Washington Herman & Wallace· The George Washington University HospitalDry Needling Details and registration

February 2027

Feb 6–14, 2027 · 9 days Complete Lymphedema Certification $3,350 · Washington Academy of Lymphatic Studies· CITY-WashingtonMedical & Acute Care Details and registration

August 2027

Aug 21–25, 2027 · 5 days Certification in Manual Lymph Drainage (Vodder Technique) $1,250 · 40 contact hrs · Washington Academy of Lymphatic Studies· Hyatt Place Washington D.C - National MallMedical & Acute Care Details and registration

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Schedules checked October 24, 2026. Dates, prices and CEU approvals come from each provider's public schedule and can change, so confirm with the provider before you register.

Common questions

How many CE hours do physical therapists need in District of Columbia?

40 hours, every 2 years, including the required topics below.

How many CE hours do PTAs need in District of Columbia?

30 hours, every 2 years, including the required topics below.

When is the District of Columbia PT license renewal deadline?

Last day of your birth month, every 2 years.

Are any courses or topics required in District of Columbia?

2 hours of LGBTQ cultural competency. 10% of your hours on the public health priorities the DC Health Director publishes (4 hours for PTs, 3 for PTAs).

Where can I take in-person PT courses in District of Columbia?

3 in-person courses are scheduled in District of Columbia, in Washington. They're listed below with dates, prices and registration links.