Iowa PT and PTA CEU requirements

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

40 hoursfor physical therapists

20 hoursfor PT assistants

Every 2 yearsCE cycle

Every 2 years, on the 15th of your birth monthlicense renewal deadline

Required topics

None. Any course that meets the rules below counts.

Rules to know

Live, virtual, online and prerecorded courses all count, as long as the course gives proof of completion.
Topics not directly about clinical physical therapy count for at most 10 hours for PTs and 5 for PTAs.
Extra hours can carry over to the next period: up to 20 for PTs and 10 for PTAs.
You don't need hours for your first renewal after you're first licensed.
An hour of continuing education is at least 50 minutes.

Official sources

Iowa Administrative Code 481, Chapter 803: Continuing education for PTs and PTAs (PDF)

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 Iowa

6 upcoming courses in Iowa. Check each course's approval for Iowa with the provider. See every Iowa course.

October 2026

Sat, Oct 24, 2026 Ergonomics Elevated: Practical Tools to Prevent Fatigue, Injury, and Burnout $300 · 6 contact hrs · Des Moines Summit EducationPractice & Documentation Details and registration

November 2026

Fri, Nov 13, 2026 Children with ADHD and Self-Regulation Challenges $300 · 6 contact hrs · Des Moines Summit Education· Hilton Garden Inn West Des MoinesPediatrics Details and registration
Sat, Nov 14, 2026 Children with ADHD and Self-Regulation Challenges $300 · 6 contact hrs · Iowa City Summit Education· The Highlander HotelPediatrics Details and registration

December 2026

Sat–Sun, Dec 5–6, 2026 · 2 days Systematic Evaluation and Treatment of the Shoulder $679 · 18 contact hrs · Cherokee IAOM-US· Cherokee Regional Medical Center |Extremity & Ortho Details and registration

January 2027

Sat–Sun, Jan 9–10, 2027 · 2 days Dry Needling: Upper Body $995 · Des Moines ICE Physio· Iowa Orthopedic CenterDry Needling Details and registration
Sat–Sun, Jan 16–17, 2027 · 2 days Iowa Vestibular Symposium 2027 Price not listed · West Des Moines Vestibular First· Des Moines University Medicine and Health SciencesVestibular & Concussion 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 Iowa?

40 hours, every 2 years.

How many CE hours do PTAs need in Iowa?

20 hours, every 2 years.

When is the Iowa PT license renewal deadline?

Every 2 years, on the 15th of your birth month.

Are any courses or topics required in Iowa?

No specific topics are required, as long as the courses meet the board's rules below.

Where can I take in-person PT courses in Iowa?

6 in-person courses are scheduled in Iowa, in Des Moines, Iowa City, Cherokee and West Des Moines. They're listed below with dates, prices and registration links.