Rhode Island PT and PTA license renewal and continuing education
Rhode Island rule 216-RICR-40-05-13 states that on renewal, physical therapists “shall attest to completion of twenty-four (24) hours biennially in scope of practice-specific offerings”, and the same 24 hours apply to physical therapist assistants (paraphrased after the quote).
Quoted from official pages checked November 12, 2026. Confirm current requirements, fees, and dates on those sites. This page is not legal advice and does not guarantee eligibility, certification, or licensure.
Source read on November 12, 2026: Rhode Island Code of Regulations 216-RICR-40-05-13, Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants on the Rhode Island Department of State rules site, for the Rhode Island Department of Health and its Board of Physical Therapy.
Cycle
A physical therapy license “shall expire on the first day of May of the next even year following the date of issuance of the original license.” Those first licensed by examination after the May 1st renewal date are exempt until the next renewal cycle (paraphrased).
What counts
Offerings may include presentations, conferences, college or university coursework, and self-study such as online courses, one hour per hour completed. Teaching or clinical supervision of students in APTA approved programs counts for “a maximum of three (3) hours per licensure cycle.” Programs approved or sponsored by the organizations the rule lists are deemed approved (paraphrased).
Records and audits
Documents “shall be retained by each licensee for no less than four (4) years and are subject to random audit by the Department.”
What this page does not do
It covers the state physical therapy license only, and only what the official page or pages named above say. It does not list fees and does not replace the board’s own instructions. Rules change; check the board before you renew.