Ethics, Laws, and Regulations for California Physical Therapy

Nationally Accepted
CE Credits Available
Accredited by 100+ Boards
Ethics, Laws, and Regulations for California Physical Therapy
$20.00
5.0 (1920 reviews)
  • Continuing education credit hours 2.00
  • Mobile-Friendly, Self-Paced Format
  • Nationally-Accredited, Regulatory-Approved
98% Acceptance Rate
Contact us With Questions

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you will have gained the knowledge to incorporate ethical and legal principles and behaviors into the practice of physical therapy in California. Specific learning objectives to address potential learning gaps include:

  • Learntastic Define “ethics.”
  • Learntastic Summarize the fundamental ethical principles generally associated with the practice of healthcare.
  • Learntastic Discuss the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) “Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist.”
  • Learntastic Discuss the APTA’s “Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant.”
  • Learntastic Outline the basis and sources of law in the United States.
  • Learntastic Discuss the elements of the California Physical Therapy Practice Act.
  • Learntastic Identify how civil and criminal law apply to the practice of physical therapy.

Course Description

MANDATORY FOR CA PT/PTA. 

This 2-hour CE course fulfills the continuing competency requirement on ethics, laws, and regulations pertaining to physical therapy practice in California. Includes the American Physical Therapy Association Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist and Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant.

Regulations/Board Approvals

Wild Iris Medical Education, Inc., is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

Physical Therapy Ethics CEU: An Overview


Physical therapists (PTs) regularly encounter ethical situations that impact patient care. Stay ahead of the curve with our Physical Therapy Ethics CEU course, designed specifically for California professionals! In California, the Physical Therapy Board of California (PTBC) requires all licensed PTs and Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) to complete continuing competency hours, including a mandatory course in ethics.

In this Physical Therapy Ethics course, learn the essentials of state laws and ethical patient care practices to maintain a high standard of service. This 2-hour course provides guidance on handling ethical challenges, helps understand relevant California laws, and maintains professional standards in clinical practice. With more than 240,820 licensed physical therapists in the state, clear and relevant ethics education is important for maintaining consistent, high-quality care. This course fulfills PTBC’s ethics requirement and helps professionals stay up to date with current expectations.

Course Curriculum

This mobile-friendly Physical Therapy Ethics course is designed for both new graduates and experienced physical therapists. It goes beyond just meeting regulatory requirements; this curriculum empowers you with practical tools to handle ethical dilemmas confidently and maintain the highest professional standards. 

Unit 1. Fundamentals of Ethics in Healthcare

Learn the core definition of ethics and how ethical principles specifically apply to physical therapy practice. Understand the foundation of ethical decision-making in clinical settings.

Unit 2. APTA Code of Ethics

Explore the American Physical Therapy Association's "Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist" in detail. Learn how these standards guide professional conduct and patient care decisions.

Unit 3. APTA Standards for Physical Therapist Assistants

Discover the specific ethical standards that apply to Physical Therapist Assistants. Understand the unique responsibilities and ethical considerations of support professionals.

Unit 4. Legal Foundations in U.S. Healthcare

Understand the basis and sources of law affecting physical therapy practice. Learn how legal principles intersect with ethical obligations in patient care.

Unit 5. California Physical Therapy Practice Act

Master the specific elements of the California Physical Therapy Practice Act. Learn state-specific regulations that govern your practice and licensure requirements, which were updated in 2023 with three critical changes.

Unit 6. Civil and Criminal Law Applications

Identify how both civil and criminal law apply to physical therapy practice. Understand potential legal pitfalls and how to practice defensively while maintaining high ethical standards.

Benefits of the Course

With over 300 complaints filed annually against licensed PTs in California, staying informed and compliant is more important than ever. Our Physical Therapy CE California course provides real-world advantages for practicing professionals. Here's how the course makes a meaningful difference:

Licensure Compliance

Complete your mandatory ethics requirement with a course specifically designed for California PT professionals. Stay compliant with state regulations without stress.

Enhanced Decision-Making

Develop stronger ethical reasoning skills to navigate complex patient care situations. Apply ethical frameworks to make better clinical decisions.

Legal Risk Reduction

Understanding legal boundaries reduces potential liability issues. Learn to practice within established legal frameworks while maintaining ethical standards.

Professional Confidence

Gain confidence in handling difficult ethical dilemmas. Approach challenging situations with clarity about your professional obligations.

Career Advancement

Document your commitment to ethical practice with recognized continuing education. Add valuable credentials to your professional portfolio.

Patient Trust

Strengthen patient relationships through improved ethical awareness. Apply principles that enhance communication and respect for patient autonomy.

Why Choose LearnTastic as Your Physical Therapy Ethics Course Provider

At LearnTastic, we don’t just deliver courses, we offer intuitive and affordable learning, tailored for everyone. Join thousands of PT professionals by choosing  LearnTastic:

California Board Approved

Our course meets all requirements set by the Physical Therapy Board of California. Complete your ethics CEU with confidence, knowing it will be accepted for license renewal.

Nationally Recognized

Our certifications are accepted by over 100+ regulatory bodies nationwide. The course meets high standards recognized by organizations such as the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). 

Self-Paced Learning

Complete the course on your schedule without disrupting your clinical practice. Access content 24/7 from any device.

Mobile-Friendly Platform

The course works seamlessly on smartphones, tablets, or desktops. Study between appointments or whenever it's convenient.

2.0 CE Credit Hours

Earn the exact credits needed to fulfill California's ethics requirement. Get certification instantly after passing the course. 

Highly Rated Content

With over 1,900+ five-star reviews, our ethics course is trusted for its clear, practical content that’s easy to apply in daily practice. 

Who Should Enroll for This Course?

If you are a physical therapist in California, this course is important for staying up to date and meeting your California physical therapy CEUs. For individuals just starting their careers or who have years of experience, this course will help handle ethical situations with confidence. Enroll if you are:

  • Licensed Physical Therapists in California

  • Physical Therapist Assistants seeking license renewal

  • PT professionals new to California practice

  • Experienced therapists needing ethics refresher training

  • PT educators and clinical instructors

  • Healthcare administrators overseeing PT departments

Regulatory Boards

Our Physical Therapy Ethics CEU course aligns with major regulatory standards to ensure full compliance and nationwide acceptance. It meets the requirements for:

  • Physical Therapy Board of California

  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) standards

  • American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission (ANCC)

  • Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT)

  • Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)

Read more about the course
Ethics, Laws, and Regulations for California Physical Therapy
$20.00
5.0 (1920 reviews)
  • Continuing education credit hours 2.00
  • Mobile-Friendly, Self-Paced Format
  • Nationally-Accredited, Regulatory-Approved
98% Acceptance Rate
Contact us With Questions

Accredited and Approved Nationwide High-Quality CEU Courses since 1998.

This course is provided in partnership with Wild Iris Medical
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Frequently Asked Questions
    • How often do California PTs need ethics CEUs?

      California mandates that physical therapists complete 2 hours of ethics training every 2 years as part of the license renewal process. This requirement became mandatory in 2019 and applies to all licensed practitioners. The physical therapy ethics CEU course meets the requirements and provides documentation accepted by the California PT Board.

    • Will this course count toward my California license renewal?

      Yes, this course is specifically designed to meet the Physical Therapy Board of California's ethics requirement. Upon completion, you'll receive documentation accepted by the California licensing board. The course covers all 6 mandatory ethics topics required by the 2024 California regulations.

    • When should I complete this course before my license expires?

      We recommend completing your ethics requirement at least 30 days before your license renewal deadline. This provides buffer time for processing and ensures your credits are properly recorded. California PT Board processing typically takes 2-5 business days, but can take up to 14 days during peak renewal periods.