Understanding CCUs vs. CEUs for Physical Therapy Continuing Education
When it comes to meeting the continuing education requirements as a physical therapist, you might notice two common terms used across courses and certifications: CCUs (Continuing Competency Units) and CEUs (Continuing Education Units). Although these terms might seem interchangeable, they have distinct meanings, especially here in Texas where Ignite Clinical Institute is based. Here’s what you need to know to understand the difference between them.
What is a CEU?
CEU stands for Continuing Education Unit. This term is widely used across various professions to signify a set amount of continuing education hours. This notation is typically used in a traditional classroom-based format and was once the only way to help licensees maintain professional competence. Although many course providers use the terms CCU and CEU interchangeably, they are not quite the same. Typically, one CEU equals ten hours of participation in an accredited continuing education program.
However, the Board now recognizes more activities that promote continuing competence, such as specialty exams, residencies, and membership in professional organizations. If you are ever confused what a course is worth, you can verify by searching through the accrediting body of the state the course was approved in. Ignite Clinical Institute’s courses have been approved through the TPTA in Texas.
What is a CCU?
CCU, or Continuing Competency Unit, allows physical therapists to account for other professional development avenues to be accounted for in their license renewal beyond traditional classroom experiences, such as fellowships, residencies, specialty exams, memberships, and additional learning opportunies. In Texas, physical therapists are required to complete 30 CCUs to maintain their licenses for each two-year renewal cycle.
For Texas physical therapists, one CCU generally equals one hour of continuing education focused specifically on skills and competencies relevant to clinical practice. The TBPTE now primarily uses CCUs to measure physical therapy continuing education, ensuring that each hour counts toward enhancing the skills and knowledge that directly impact patient care.
Why Ignite Clinical Institute Uses CCUs
At Ignite Clinical Institute, we offer courses designed specifically with physical therapists in mind. To meet Texas licensing standards, our courses are measured in CCUs, ensuring that you receive credit that aligns with the requirements set by the TBPTE. When you see CCUs listed on our course descriptions, you can trust that these courses are carefully curated to meet your professional competency needs as a physical therapist in Texas, state with reciprocity, or physical therapist looking to apply for approval for continuing education in your own state.
