Pennsylvania PTs & PTAs: Earn CE Credit for Supervising the Next Generation

There’s exciting news for Physical Therapists (PTs) and Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) practicing in Pennsylvania!
The State Board of Physical Therapy now recognizes the vital contribution of clinical instructors by allowing them to earn continuing education credit for their mentorship and supervision of student PTs and PTAs.

This update highlights “teaching is learning”, and guiding future therapists strengthens the profession for everyone.

Understanding the New CE Rule

Under 49 Pa. Code § 40.67, PTs and PTAs can now earn continuing education hours for their role in clinical education:

“1 contact hour of continuing education may be earned for every 40 hours of student instruction, with a maximum of 4 contact hours per renewal period.”

Here’s what that means in practice:

• Your instruction must occur at a clinical site affiliated with an accredited PT or PTA program (CAPTE-accredited).
• The hours apply toward the 30 required contact hours for Pennsylvania’s biennial licensure renewal.
• You can claim up to 4 contact hours from clinical teaching in each two-year renewal cycle.

Reference: Pennsylvania State Board of Physical Therapy – Continuing Education Requirements

Why This Change Matters

The Pennsylvania Board’s update formally recognizes the educational value of clinical instruction. By awarding CE credit for supervising students, the Board is reinforcing the importance of mentorship and professional development. These are core principles also supported by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

The Professional Benefits of Being a Clinical Instructor

Serving as a Clinical Instructor (CI) or Clinical Supervisor offers a range of rewards that extend far beyond continuing education hours:

1. Grow as a Professional

Teaching a student sharpens your clinical reasoning and challenges you to think critically about why you do what you do.

2. Give Back to the Profession

Supervising students ensures that future PTs and PTAs receive high-quality, hands-on training. It’s a direct investment in the strength of your profession.

3. Expand Leadership and Mentoring Skills

Clinical education develops soft skills like communication, feedback, and coaching. These skills are all competencies that make stronger clinicians and team leaders.

4. Encourage Innovation and Collaboration

Students often bring current research and classroom knowledge into the clinic or school setting, sparking new approaches and fresh ideas.

5. Earn CE Credit for the Work You’re Already Doing

This regulation acknowledges the time and expertise you put into mentoring while allowing it to count toward your licensure renewal.

Moving the Profession Forward

This new opportunity for CE credit emphasizes the essential role of clinical educators in shaping the physical therapy profession. Mentorship builds confidence, supports quality education, and promotes lifelong learning.

When clinicians invest in students, the entire field of physical therapy grows stronger!

Interested in Supervising a Student?
If you’re an Austill’s or AOT therapist, reach out to our Manager of Recruiting and Clinical Fieldwork Jessica Johnston for more information! If you’re a student and interested in completing your clinical rotation in a school-setting, please contact the Fieldwork or Clinical Coordinator at your school to determine whether Austill’s or AOT has a current relationship with your academic institution. We are happy to consider requests from schools that have not previously collaborated with Austill’s or AOT.