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Continuing Education



339-020-0010  CE Requirements for Current Licensees​

(1) All current licensees shall obtain a minimum of 30 points of CE from Board approved categories during the two years immediately preceding the date of the license renewal;

(2) Maintenance of current NBCOT Certification (National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy) may be used to satisfy the requirements for CE under subsection (1) of this rule but may not be used to satisfy the cultural competency CE requirements of OAR 339-020-0025 or the pain management CE requirements of OAR 339-020-0015.

Check to see if your NBCOT certification is current:  https://www.nbcot.org

In addition, there are mandatory legislative requirements required of ALL licensees:

1. You are required to complete 1 hour on cultural competency (you choose the course) during every renewal. For more information:  https://www.oregon.gov/otlb/Pages/Cultural-Competency%20CE%20Requirement.aspx

2. You are required to complete the OHA pain management module during every renewal period.    For more information:  https://www.oregon.gov/otlb/Pages/Pain-Management.aspx

 

For step-by-step instructions on how to enter your CE into the License Portal:  click here​ .  (Only required if your NBCOT certification is not current).  ​


339-020-0020  CE Categories and Points

These numbers refer to a two year total of 30 points. Credit for CE shall be calculated on a point basis in the following categories and must relate to occupational therapy services. It is the responsibility of the licensee to demonstrate how specific classes contribute to the development of the occupational therapy skills. "Application to OT Services" (CE Log) must be included for credit. Unless stated otherwise, one point equals one contact hour. Sixteen to 30 required CE points must come from categories 1-10. A limit of 14 of the required CE points may be accrued from categories 11-18, unless noted otherwise.

(1) Attendance at university, college or vocational technical adult education courses at or above practice level: Four points per credit hour. Documentation of successful completion required.

(2) Attendance at seminars, workshops, or institutes: One point per direct hour of content.

(3) Completion of online educational courses: Points as awarded by certificate or per credit, see (1). Certificate of successful completion required.

(4) Satisfactory completion of educational activities relating to occupational therapy approved by the AOTA Approved Provider Program, sponsored by OTAO, AOTA and NBCOT or professional academic institutions relating to occupational therapy: One point per hour of attendance. Certificate of attendance required.   

(5) Publication -- Copy of publications required.

(a) Publication of article in non-peer reviewed publication (e.g. OT Practice, SIS Quarterly, Advance, etc.): Five points per article.

(b) Publication of article in peer-reviewed professional publication (e.g. journals, book chapter, research paper): Ten points per article.

(c) Publication of chapter(s) in occupational therapy or related textbook: Ten points per chapter.

(d) Authoring a book related to the practice of occupational therapy.  14 points.

(6) Professional presentation (person presenting): Presentation must be at practice level for credit, e.g. CNA training would not be acceptable: Two points per hour with no additional points for subsequent presentation of same content. Course outline must be provided.

(7) Development of alternative media (computer software, video or app): Three points/hr of finished product. Outline required.

(8) Completing requirements for occupational therapy specialty certification (initial or recertification one time only for each specialty): 12 points. Copy of certificate required.

(9) Research, provided an abstract of the research is retained to prove participation: Principal -- Eight points. Associate -- Six points.

(10) Development and implementation of a school approved Level II student program (one time only and completed within a year): Four points. Copy of program must be provided.

(11) In-service training: One point per hour of attendance.

(12) Attendance at videotaped presentations of educational courses, seminars, workshops or institutes (group viewing with discussion): One-half point per direct hour of viewing with additional points for discussion, not to exceed seven points.

(13) Student supervision, Level I: One point per student.  (Up to 4 points).  

(14) Level II Fieldwork and Doctorate student supervision, OT Experiential level work: One point for 8 hours of supervision. (Up to 14 points).

(15) Mentoring; as defined in OAR-339-010-0005(5): One point for every two hours contract mentoring with documentation. Points may be obtained for both the mentor and the mentee.

(16) Professional leadership on a Board or Commission relating to OT -- Volunteer services to organizations, populations, and individuals that advance the reliance on and use of one's occupational therapy skills and experiences to the volunteer setting or experience: 10 hours equal two points. Up to four points a year with documentation.

(17) Re-Entry Supervisors: Therapists providing supervision under OAR 339-010-0016: One point for 8 hours.

(18) Personal Development/Self Care: Up to four points.​


CE Audits:
Per OAR 339-020-0080 (2), the Board has the authority to audit license renewals for compliance with the Division 20 Continuing Education requirement.   

Starting with 2022 renewals, Licensees not currently NBCOT certified when they renew will be required to upload their 30 points of CE into their renewal and describe how the course relates to their practice.  

If you are selected for the random audit, you will be notified and your CE that has been uploaded will be reviewed by the Board.
 
The Board will send you a return email verifying the review and acceptance of your CE.  
 
Note:  Failure to timely respond to the board request or those found to be not in compliance will be subject to disciplinary action by the Board.
 
 
You are required to retain your original CE certificates for 4 years from the date of the certificate. ​


CE TERMINOLOGY:
10 contact hours is 1 CEU.  **
**AOTA refers to CEUs and NBCOT refers to PDUs.  PDUs weigh classes higher with education provided by AOTA or an AOTA approved provider.
The Oregon Licensing Board requires 30 CE points.
In the Administrative Rules:  1 contact hour is equal to 1 point, but can vary based on the category of CE.
If it's an online course, points as awarded by the certificate.  .2 CEUs would equal 2 points, or 2 contact hours would equal 2 points, etc.​


Mentorship

Under OAR 339-020-0020(15)  in order to receive mentorship CE credit, a written mentorship agreement must be signed by both parties, the mentor and the mentee, including a description of the planned and collaborative experience and the goals to be achieved under the plan.  Points may be obtained for both the mentor and the mentee.  One point is give for each two hours of contract mentoring with the documentation.  

OTLB DOCUMENTATION OF MENTORSHIP.pdf​​​
  
The definition of mentorship is found under OAR 339-010-0005(5) which states: 
  
339-010-0005 Definitions 

(5) "Mentorship," as it is used in these rules, is a collaborative experience of direct contact between currently licensed occupational therapy practitioners for the purpose of updating professional skills. Mentorship may include, but is not limited to, mentee observation of the mentor's practice, classroom work, case review and discussion, and review and discussion of professional literature. 

If you are NBCOT certified you automatically met the state CE requirement, so you may want to check the  NBCOT guidelines at their website:  www.nbcot.org​.


Since the Oregon board adopted Telehealth rules, they can also be used to help with mentoring situations in distance situations when there are no local therapists available. 


No Pre-approval of CE
The Board does not pre-approve CE.  Licensees should look to the CE definition and determine whether the courses relate to OT practice and be prepared to demonstrate how the credit relates if requested.
 
You will have no problem if your continuing education comes from educational sessions relating to occupational therapy sponsored by OTAO, AOTA, AOTA approved providers, and NBCOT or professional academic institutions relating to occupational therapy.  You can receive one point per hour of attendance, with documentation. ​

Waiver / Extension for CE
The Board may, in individual cases involving physical disability or illness, or undue hardship, grant waivers of the minimum CE requirements or extensions of time within which to fulfill the same or make required reports. Applications for waivers shall be made to the Board in writing at least two months prior to license expiration. If you are requesting a waiver for medical reasons, you must provide letter from treating physician.

Some requests approved by the Board:
  • Extended illness
  • Death in the family
  • Pregnancy complications
Some requests not approved:
  • High cost of CE
  • Inconvenience
  • ​Isolation, difficult to obtain CE​


If you are NBCOT certified when you renew, your CE automatically meets the state requirement. (OAR 339-020-0010).   In the renewal, click that you ARE certified and we verify it when we process your renewal.

If you are not NBCOT certified when you renew, please read on for advice regarding your CE.    

Next renewals will be held from March 1-May 31, 2024 and licensees must have at least 30 points of CE or be NBCOT certified.  Licensees not NBCOT certified will be required to enter the course and completion certificate into the online renewal.

 

Advice on CE:

· CE must be specifically related to your OT practice and be at practice level. 

· Annual trainings for your job, universal precautions, or common health care safety training (CPR) are not accepted.

· CE on emerging practice must have evidence-base support in addition to the completion certificates to count.

· Management:  The Board recognizes that enhancing professional skills, although not clinically based in terms of patient care, demands more in terms of management so educational management courses will be approved. 

· Self-help courses:  CE on personal development/self-care is accepted.  OAR 339-020-0020 (18).

· Medicare training may be approved depending on documentation and how it relates to OT. 

· In-services:  Keep track of the information needed, the date, who provided it, number of hours and how it specifically related to OT at the practice level.  If your facility does not do this then you must obtain the documentation. 

· For CE to count, you must submit the CE completion certificate that includes your name, the name of the course, the date, the number of CE points, and who it was given by.

· Do not leave it for the last minute.  Most practitioners get more than the required 30 points.

· If you had over the required 30 points in the last licensing period and obtained CE in March, April or May of 2022, you can use these points towards the 2024 renewal period.  You cannot use CE from March, April, May twice, so if you used these CE points for the previous renewal, you cannot use them again.

· Waiver / Extension for CE: The Board may, in individual cases involving physical disability or illness, or undue hardship, grant waivers of the minimum CE requirements or extensions of time within which to fulfill the same or make required reports. Applications for waivers shall be made to the Board in writing at least two months prior to license expiration. If you are requesting a waiver for medical reasons, you must provide letter from treating physician.   OAR 339-020-0090.

· You are required by rule to keep your CE information for four years.  OAR 339-020-0080 (2)

· Mandatory Legislative Requirements:  The Pain Management module and Cultural Competency  CE Requirement does count toward the 30 points.

· For a list of CE Categories and Points please check the OTLB website under  the Continuing Education tab.​

Contact us if you have questions.  Otlb.info@otlb.oregon.gov​

In order to provide a service to applicants and occupational therapists, the board will give information on some upcoming CE events.   We try to let you know of any free events that are coming up.  Always confirm with the facility putting on the event.

 

Occupational Therapy Association of Oregon (OTAO):  For events and CE put on by your state Association go to their web site at www.otao.com. The OTAO Annual Conference is held annually in October.

You can find listings by going to: www.otao.com and clicking on: Calendar.

 

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Pacific University:

Pacific University School of Occupational Therapy invites you to check periodically for Continuing Education events sponsored exclusively by the School of Occupational Therapy at Pacific University College of Health Professions.

 

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FREE 1 CEU-OTLB Ethics and Law Exam.  If you have not already taken the Ethics and Law Exam and you are already licensed in Oregon, you can earn 1 free CEU.  See Law/Ethics exam under Applicants.  The Board will receive your score automatically.  Take the exam and then send an email to otlb.info@otlb.oregon.gov and confirm with the Board.

 

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Providence Rehabilitation Continuing Education:  A wide range of continuing education classes are available to all physical and occupational therapists.    You need to check if there is a charge.

 

 

American Society of Aging:  inexpensive and free online CE:

https://www.asaging.org/web-seminars

 

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OccupationalTherapy.com; Unlimited CE for $99, AOTA approved provider: http://www.occupationaltherapy.com/general/welcome-oregon-occupational-therapists

 

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Aspire OT is a continuing education company exclusively for occupational therapy practitioners. AOTA Approved Provider.

https://www.aspireoted.com

 

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OSU College of Pharmacy:  Cultural Competence and Preventing Health Disparities - 2 hrs of CC CE

Visit: https://oregon-state-pharmacy-ce.catalog.instructure.com/browse/cultural-competence/courses/cultural-competence  

 

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Free 1 hour course offering on www.OnlineCE.com. The course is 1 hour, audiovisual format, and titled “An Overview of CTS".

OnlineCE.com is offering a 36 hour course bundle of CE for $136.80 which is less than $4.00 a credit hour. OnlineCE.com is an AOTA Approved Provider and CE can be used for state license renewal and NBCOT renewal. 


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​AOTA:  "Occupational Therapy and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion"  Member price:  $19.95 / Non-member price:  $29.95

Earn .1 AOTA CEU (1 contact hour)

Click here

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 More Cultural Competency courses:  ​

 Diverse Communities

MedBridge

1.25 /$100

Patient-Centered Care for Culturally Diverse Patients

MedBridge

2 / $100

I Don't See Color: How Your Own Cultural Identity Shapes Your Clinical Practice (No Cost Course!)

MedBridge1.5 / Free
Cultural Humility with transgender and nonbinary people

MedBridge

1.75 / $34

Cultural Sensitivity in the Health Care Workplace

MedBridge

1.25 / $100

Implicit Bias: Strategies to Counter Bias in Clinical Interactions

MedBridge2 / $100
Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) in Maternal Health Care (No Cost Course!)

US Department of Health and Human Services

2 / FREE

Cultural Competency 201

OnlineCE.com

1 / $24


Cultural Competence and Preventing Health Disparities

Oregon State University- College of Pharmacy

2 / $60

Cultural Competency and Ethics for Healthcare ProfessionalsPortland Community College-Institute for Health Professionals

6 / $119

Understanding the Diversity of Legal Blindness Its Impacts and Solutions - Part 1 Basics

Adaptability for Life

4 / $97

Cultural Considerations in the Healthcare Field

Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization4 / Unknown
Comprehensibility: Tools for Increasing Connection and Understanding Across Cultures

Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization4 / Unknown​
Preparing for Health Equity in the 21st CenturyOrganizational Cultural Competence Assessment and Training (OCCAT)

4.5 / $125

Working With Specific Populations: Hispanic/Latino

Quality Interactions Inc

1 / $55

Creating a Welcoming Environment for LGBTQ Individuals

Quality Interactions Inc

1 / $55

Cross-Cultural Care in Mental Health and Depression

Quality Interactions Inc

1 / $55

Recognizing & Overcoming Unconscious Bias

Quality Interactions Inc

1 / $55

ResCUE Model for CrossCultural Clinical Care

Quality Interactions Inc

1 / $55

Dispelling the Illusion of Communication: Tips for Engaging LEP Patients

Amada Wheeler-Kay​Unknown

​ 

Board does not endorse any specific CE classes, though the CE approved by AOTA is automatically accepted. ​