Understanding Colorado PDA Point Requirements for PTs

The Colorado State Physical Therapy Board oversees professional development through its mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program. In Colorado, continuing competence requirements are calculated as Professional Development Activities (PDA) Points (equivalent to clock hours). Licenses must be renewed biennially by October 31st of even-numbered years.

What Counts for Colorado PT  PDA Points?

Colorado utilizes a self-directed learning plan model where clinicians complete a Reflective Self-Assessment Tool (RSAT) and accrue points across specific categories. Formal educational coursework—including online courses and structured web-based modules—falls under Category I Activities.

 The Biennial Points Breakdown

• Physical Therapists (PT): 30 PDA points total every two years. (Note: Physical Therapist Assistants in Colorado are currently exempt from mandatory CPD hours).
• Category I Minimum: At least 15 to 20 points must be accumulated through formal Category I activities, such as our online educational courses.
• Conversion Rate: 1 contact hour of continuous instruction equals 1 Category I PDA point.

Board-Approved CEUs for PTs in Colorado

This 100% online, self-paced Intro to Nutrition CEU course provides the foundational nutrition knowledge required to guide your PT patients toward healthier lifestyle choices—directly resulting in improved clinical outcomes and enhanced quality of life.

• Intro to Nutrition Course
• Hours: 4 Contact Hours (4 CEHs), worth 4 PDA points
• Format: Fully Online Physical Therapy CEU course, Self-Paced Multimedia Learning Price: $119 (Regularly $149 — Save $30!)
• Approval: FPTA Approved with Reciprocal Acceptance 

What You Will Learn in the Intro to Nutrition Course 

At the conclusion of this continuing education course, Colorado PTs and PTAs will be able to confidently apply these core principles in daily practice:

• Foundational Nutrition: Define principles of macro- and micronutrients, calories, and daily healthy population requirements.
• Dietary Frameworks: Compare and contrast the Standard American Diet (SAD), Mediterranean diet, plant-based diets, and others.
• Industry & Lobbies: Understand how the food industry and lobbying efforts influence your patients' everyday food choices.
• Label Analysis: Master reading food labels to effectively counsel patients on hidden sugars, ingredients, and nutrients.
• Clinical Assessments: Identify common dietary assessment tools used within a physical therapy setting.
• Targeted Nutrition: Outline food sources and specific nutrient functions related to healing, physical recovery, and rehab.

Meet Your Instructor

Built by a DPT who saw the gap.

Dr. Sean M. Wells, DPT, PT, OCS, ATC/L, CSCS, CNPT, CNPT developed this curriculum after recognizing that nutrition was the "missing link" in his own clinical practice. Based in Florida, Dr. Wells designed these courses to ensure that every DPT can confidently provide nutritional counseling that stays within the legal and professional guidelines of the APTA.

The Benefits of Nutrition Training for PTs:

Without Structured Training:

• Potential for missed screening
• Missed referral opportunities related to nutrition
• Missed opportunities for improved recovery
• Limited patient guidance

With the CNPT® Program:

Aligned with National Standards: Your knowledge directly aligns with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) House of Delegates (HOD) passed measure stating that PTs can and should provide nutritional counseling within their scope of training and education.

• Confident integration of nutrition into care
• Improved patient outcomes and recovery
• Better clinical decision-making