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- Overview
- General FAQ's
- Provider Application
- Individual Application
- PT Laws & Ethics Courses
Overview
The National Institute of Restorative Exercise (NIRE) is a recognized as a continuing education approval agency and a continuing education provider by the Physical Therapy Board of California (PTBC). NIRE provides two distinct services:
Approval Agency
NIRE's continuing education approval program allows individual and sponsored providers to apply for Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credit for their education programs. All courses must relate to the practice of physical therapy. Please see our education provider section for more information.
Approved Provider
NIRE is an approved provider for continuing education for physical therapists, athletic trainers, and fitness professionals. NIRE has emerged as a comprehensive resource for allied health & fitness professional by integrating the latest research and techniques into all education programs. Please see our continuing education section for our live courses and home study.
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General FAQ's
What are the 2009 Mandatory Regulations?
On November 6th, 2009 The Physical therapy Board of California (PTBC) enacted regulations that require all California licensed Physical Therapists to obtain 30 contact hours of continuing education during the two year renewal period. Course work must be related to the practice of Physical Therapy. However, the PTBC has also included mandatory course work that must be done within each 2 year period.
What is the Mandatory Coursework?
The PTBC has determined that during each two-year cycle the continuing competency hours MUST include the following:
- 2 hours of coursework on laws, regulations, and ethics
- 4 hours of life support for the health professional
NIRE offers an approved 2 hour home study and live course covering the laws, regulations, and ethics. Please see our laws & Ethics section for more information.
What courses will qualify toward my license renewal?
Not all courses may qualify. Courses must be from a PTBC approved provider and course content must meet the PTBC's requirements for approval. The PTBC further defines these requirements The continuing competency courses must relate to:
- The professional practice of physical therapy, including professional accountability, professional behavior, and professional development.
- Patient/client management, which includes the examination, evaluation, and diagnosis and prognosis; plan of care, implementation, and education.
What are the authorized pathways to obtain continuing competency hours?
Traditional Pathways
Traditional pathways include live courses, webinars, and home study courses by approved providers. The courses will be assigned a specific number of contact hours based on the content and type of course. Also, college coursework offered by an accredited institute may qualify.
Alternate Pathways
Some of the continuing competency requirements may be fulfilled through alternate pathways. Below is a listing of alternate activities.
| Description |
Maximum Hours |
Hours Rewarded |
| Publishing a peer-reviewed journal article, case study or book chapter. |
16 hours |
5 hours per article, study or chapter |
| Developing or presenting an approved college or continuing education course for the first time |
16 hours |
4 hours for each course |
| Participating as a subject matter expert in the examination process for the Board, FSBPT or ABPTS |
16 hours |
6 hours per experience |
| Serving on a Board-appointed task force |
16 hours |
6 hours per experience |
| Performing in a role as a clinical instructor where the student's clinical experience is full time and lasts at least 4 weeks. Effective January 1, 2013, the clinical instructor must be credentialed by APTA or hold a substantially similar credential |
12 hours |
1 hour per week |
| Attending a conference relating to the practice of Physical Therapy where proof of attendance is provided by the conference sponsor |
8 hours |
2 hours per conference |
| Attending a conference by the FSBPT, APTA or a component thereof |
8 hours |
4 hours per conference |
| Attending a Board Meeting |
8 hours |
2 hours per meeting |
| Completing an FSBPT Practice Review Tool |
8 hours |
6 hours per experience |
FSBPT: Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy; ABPTS: American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists. Starting 01/01/2013 the clinical instructor must be credentialed by the APTA or a similar certifying body
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Provider Application
NIRE's approval agency program allows sponsoring providers to apply for Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credit for their education programs. Please see below for more information.
How does the CEU approval process work?
Sponsoring agencies must submit a completed application packet and the appropriate fee. If the application is complete, it will be sent to the NIRE Review Board where the content is evaluated to make sure it meets the PTBC's requirements.
How long does this process take?
The Review Board has up to 30 days to review all material and notify the applicant with a decision. This review process may take up to 45 days if the application is incomplete or the board issues a request to correct any problems. The typical turnaround time is 30 days from the date of receipt.
Does NIRE have a refund policy for submitted applications?
Once an application is submitted and the payment is processed, there will be no cancellation or refund of the fees. If an application is not approved, a refund will be issued.
How long is an approval valid?
Course approval is valid for one year. Approved providers will receive documentation stating the approval period. Once the 12 month approval period has expired, a new application packet must be submitted. Prior approval does not guarantee subsequent approvals.
What if we want to change/add course dates or speakers?
The provider must update NIRE on changes to dates within the 1 year renewal period. A new application packet with fees must be submitted if there is a change to course content and/or speakers. These changes will require review and approval from the board.
How do we document our provider status on course certificates?
Sponsoring provider will be assigned a provider number. The following must be included on all course certificates. (Certificate Example- PDF)
• Course title & provider name
• Course date(s)
• Number of CEUs earned
• NIRE's CEU approval number (e.g. NIRE # N-1001)
What can I do if our course is not approved?
If the Review Committee denies an application, you will be afforded 30 days to correct the issue(s) noted. Once this is corrected, the application will be re-sent to the Review Committee for reconsideration.
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Individual Application
NIRE's individual approval program allows individuals to apply for Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credit for courses that they have attended. Please see below for more information.
How does the CEU approval process work for courses that have not been approved?
Individuals who have taken courses that were not previously approved for credit must submit a completed application packet and the appropriate fee. If the application is complete, it will be sent to the NIRE Review Board where the content is evaluated to make sure it meets the PTBC's requirements.
When can I start accruing the required CEU's?
The regulation became effective on November 6, 2009. Any coursework taken prior to this start date cannot qualify for CEU approval. Courses taken after the start date will qualify for CEU credit upon approval by NIRE.
What types of courses qualify for credit?
NIRE approves a variety of courses that include live workshops, conferences, webinars, home study, distance learning, college coursework, and others. All courses must be related to the practice of Physical Therapy as defined by the California PT Practice Act. Course that fall outside this defined scope will not qualify for continuing education credit.
How long does this process take?
The Review Board has up to 30 days to review all material and notify the applicant with a decision. This review process may take up to 45 days if the application is incomplete or the board issues a request to correct any problems. The typical turnaround time is 30 days from the date of receipt.
Does NIRE have a refund policy for submitted applications?
Once an application is submitted and the payment is processed, there will be no cancellation or refund of the fees.
What documentation should I provide?
(Click here for more information)
What happens when a course is approved?
NIRE will send an official letter documenting course approval with awarded contact hours. If request, this letter must be submitted to the PTBC in order to get credit toward license renewal.
What can I do if our course is not approved?
If the Review Committee denies an application, you will be afforded 30 days to correct the issue(s) noted. Once this is corrected, the application will be re-sent to the Review Committee for reconsideration.
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Laws & Ethics
The National Institute of Restorative Exercise currently has two unique programs that cover California PT laws, regulations, & ethics. Both these programs make it easy and affordable to obtain the mandatory contact hours. Please see below for more details.
Home Study
NIRE has created a convenient self-paced home study course that is approved by the Physical Therapy Board of California (PTBC). This unique course was created by both practicing Physical Therapists and legal experts in order to provide the most current information. The question and answer format allows the reader to easily review current PT laws, regulations, and ethical principles. Please see our home study section for more information. (Click for Brochure)
Live Course
NIRE brings the education to you! We have created a unique education program that offers a quick, inexpensive way for organizations to receive continuing education. Registration information is below: (Click for Brochure)
California Laws, Regulations, and Ethics for the Physical Therapist (2 contact hours)
Step #1: Organization registers with NIRE (email: info@nirepro.org or phone ( 877-900-6473)
Step #2: Employees review a 1 hour home study course provided by NIRE (PDF)
Step #3: NIRE goes to your organization and conducts a 1 hour “lunch-time program” with a 10 question quiz
Step #4: Upon passing, employees get a certificate & complete the 2 hour mandatory laws & ethics class
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Home Study Course
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