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Alaska Physical Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

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Physical Therapist License

Alaska physical therapist license issued by the State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board under AS 08.84.

Licensing authority: State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board · Application information

License by credentials
Background Check
Fingerprints and national criminal history record check (AS 08.84.030(a)(4)).
Education
Items required under 12 AAC 54.030(a), including transcript and professional reference (12 AAC 54.100(1)).
Other State License
Licensed under the laws of another state whose requirements at the date of licensure were substantially equal to Alaska's; verification from every jurisdiction ever licensed, one current and in good standing (AS 08.84.060; 12 AAC 54.100(3)-(4)).
Recent Practice
One of: at least 60 hours of physical therapy employment within the 24 months before application; passing the national examination within that 24-month period; or a board-approved 150-hour internship (12 AAC 54.100(5)).
Statute Waiver
AS 08.84.060 permits the board to license without examination; the board's rule 12 AAC 54.100 exercises that permission by requiring all 12 AAC 54.030(a) items, including the jurisprudence questionnaire and passing NPTE scores, and a report of national examination scores.
License by credentials foreign educated
Education
Foreign transcripts evaluated under 12 AAC 54.040(a)(2) (12 AAC 54.110(1)).
English Proficiency
A passing NPTE score under 12 AAC 54.080 meets the English-language requirement of AS 08.84.032(a)(3) (12 AAC 54.110(6)).
Experience
At least six months of supervised work experience while licensed in another state, territory or the District of Columbia, or an internship meeting 12 AAC 54.040(c), (e) and (f) (12 AAC 54.110(4)).
Other State License
Licensed in another state whose requirements were substantially equal; verification from every jurisdiction ever licensed (AS 08.84.060; 12 AAC 54.110(3), (5)).
Recent Practice
At least 60 hours of physical therapy employment in the 24 months before application, or passing the national examination in that period (12 AAC 54.110(8)).
Reference
Professional reference letter (12 AAC 54.110(7)).
License by examination
Background Check
Fingerprints and Department of Public Safety fees for a national criminal history record check (AS 08.84.030(a)(4)).
Education
Graduation from a professional physical therapy education program that includes supervised field work and is accredited by a national accreditation agency approved by the board (AS 08.84.030(a)(1)); certified transcript sent directly from the school (12 AAC 54.030(a)(2)).
Fees
Application and license fees under 12 AAC 02.320.
Passing Score
Criterion-referenced passing score recommended by FSBPT, a scaled score of 600 on a 200-800 scale (12 AAC 54.080(a)).
Reference
Signed professional reference letter on the department form (12 AAC 54.030(a)(3)).
Score Transfer
An applicant who passed the national examination in another state while applying there may have the scores transferred and apply for licensure by examination (12 AAC 54.030(c)).
License by examination foreign educated
Background Check
Fingerprints and national criminal history record check (AS 08.84.032(a)(8)).
Education
Graduate of a physical therapy school outside the United States with a resident course of study substantially equivalent to a CAPTE-accredited program, evaluated by a board-approved credential evaluation service (AS 08.84.032(a)(1); 12 AAC 54.040(a)).
English Proficiency
An English-language examination recognized by the board if the program was not taught in English (AS 08.84.032(a)(3)); a passing NPTE score meets this requirement (12 AAC 54.040(k)).
Fees
Fees under AS 08.84.050 and 12 AAC 02.320.
Immigration
Applicable requirements of 8 U.S.C. 1101-1503 unless a United States citizen (AS 08.84.032(a)(4)).
Internship
Board pre-approved internship of at least six months full-time equivalent under on-site supervision of a licensed physical therapist; the NPTE must be passed before completing the internship or within one year after (AS 08.84.032(a)(2); 12 AAC 54.040(c)-(j)).
Reference
Professional reference letter on the department form (12 AAC 54.040(b)(3)).
Reinstatement
Alaska Jurisprudence Questionnaire – Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant
Lapsed Five Years Or More
Permanently lapsed; apply for a new license under AS 08.84.030 or 08.84.060 (12 AAC 54.950(d)); an applicant not actively practicing in another state must complete a board-approved 150-hour internship (12 AAC 54.950(e)).
Lapsed Two To Five Years
Reinstatement at the board's discretion on application, fees for the entire lapsed period, continuing competency for the entire lapsed period, and verification of licenses held elsewhere (12 AAC 54.950(c)).
Lapsed Under Two Years
Fees and documentation that all continuing competency and continuing education requirements of 12 AAC 54 have been met (12 AAC 54.950(b)).
Renewal
Alaska Jurisprudence Questionnaire – Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant
Continuing Education
24 contact hours in the concluding period, or 12 hours or passing the national physical therapy examination within 12 months before lapse for licensees licensed less than 12 months of the period (12 AAC 54.410(a)); active duty military exemptions (12 AAC 54.435).
Continuing Practice
At least 60 hours of physical therapy services during the concluding licensing period, or during that period one alternative: passing the national physical therapy examination sponsored by FSBPT, 40 additional continuing education contact hours, an approved review course, or a board-approved 150-hour internship (12 AAC 54.405(a)).
Fees
Renewal fee under 12 AAC 02.320.

Physical Therapist Limited Permit

Limited permit to practice in Alaska as a visiting, nonresident physical therapist under AS 08.84.075(b).

Licensing authority: State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board · Application information

Limited permit visiting nonresident
Alaska Jurisprudence Questionnaire – Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant
Fees
Application and limited permit fees (AS 08.84.075(b)(5); 12 AAC 02.320).
Other State License
Licensed to practice physical therapy in another state; verification sent directly from that state (AS 08.84.075(b)(3); form 08-4885 item 4).
Practice Limit
Proof, on the 120-Day Statement form, of not practicing in Alaska more than 120 days in the calendar year; valid 120 consecutive days; no more than one permit in 12 months and three in a lifetime (AS 08.84.075(b)(4), (c), (d)).
Prior Denial
Has not previously been denied physical therapy licensure in Alaska (AS 08.84.075(b)(2)).
Statute List
AS 08.84.075(b) lists application, no prior denial, another state's license, the 120-day proof and the fee; the Board's form 08-4885 additionally requires 'A completed jurisprudence form (#08-4883).'

Physical Therapist Temporary Military Courtesy License

Temporary military courtesy license to practice as a physical therapist for an active duty military member or spouse under AS 08.01.063 and 12 AAC 54.130.

Licensing authority: State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board

Temporary military courtesy license
Physical Therapist Licensure Examination
Criminal History
No conviction of a crime affecting ability to practice competently and safely, as determined by the board (12 AAC 54.130(b)(6)).
Fees
Temporary license application and license fees under 12 AAC 02.105 (12 AAC 54.130(b)(2)).
Military Status
Active duty member of the United States armed forces, or spouse, with current active duty orders assigning the member to a duty station in Alaska (12 AAC 54.130(b)(3); AS 08.01.063(a)(1)).
Other State License
Current license in good standing in another licensing jurisdiction, not suspended, revoked or restricted except for renewal or continuing education lapses (12 AAC 54.130(b)(4)).
Prior Exam
The licensing jurisdiction of current licensure required a passing score on the examination required under 12 AAC 54.030(a)(5) as a condition of licensure (12 AAC 54.130(b)(5)).
Validity
Issued for 180 days; renewable once for 180 days at the board's discretion (12 AAC 54.130(c)).

Physical Therapist Temporary Permit

Nonrenewable temporary permit for a physical therapist license applicant under AS 08.84.065 and 12 AAC 54.050.

Licensing authority: State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board · Application information

Temporary permit credentials applicant
Application
All items required under 12 AAC 54.100 for licensure by credentials must be on file (12 AAC 54.050(b)(3)).
Fees
Temporary permit fee under 12 AAC 02.320.
Practice
A physical therapist permit holder awaiting licensure by credentials may practice without supervision; a physical therapist assistant permit holder practices under 12 AAC 54.510 (12 AAC 54.050(g)-(h)).
Validity
Valid for eight months or until the board considers the application for acceptance of credentials, whichever occurs first (AS 08.84.065(b)).
Temporary permit credentials applicant foreign educated
Application
All items required under 12 AAC 54.110 for foreign-educated licensure by credentials must be on file (12 AAC 54.050(d)(3)).
Fees
Temporary permit fee under 12 AAC 02.320.
Validity
Valid for eight months or until the board considers the application for acceptance of credentials (AS 08.84.065(b)).
Temporary permit examination applicant
Education
Meets AS 08.84.030(a)(1) (AS 08.84.065(a)(1)(A)).
Exam Timing
The permit is issued before the NPTE result; the applicant must be registered with FSBPT. 12 AAC 54.050(a)(3) cross-references all 12 AAC 54.030(a) items, but the Board's form 08-4915/08-4917 states: 'To receive a temporary permit, numbers 1-2 and 4-7 in the section above must have been received', which lists FSBPT registration rather than passing scores.
Fees
Temporary permit fee under 12 AAC 02.320.
Statement Of Responsibility
Signed and notarized statement of responsibility from the supervising physical therapist (12 AAC 54.050(a)(4)).
Supervision
A permit holder awaiting the examination may practice only under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist (12 AAC 54.050(f)).
Validity
Valid for eight months or until the results of the first examination for which the applicant is scheduled are published; lapses on the examination day if the applicant fails to take it (AS 08.84.065(c)).
Temporary permit examination applicant foreign educated
Physical Therapist Licensure Examination
Documents
Credentials evaluation or qualifying transcript, professional reference, notarized statement of responsibility, testing-center confirmation of the scheduled national examination, preceptor's verification of satisfactory internship completion, and fees (12 AAC 54.050(c)(1)-(7)).
Eligibility
Compliance with AS 08.84.032(a)(1) and 08.84.065(a): equivalent education, completed internship and immigration requirements (12 AAC 54.050(c); AS 08.84.065(a)(1)(B)).
Validity
Valid until the results of the first scheduled examination are published following completion of the internship (AS 08.84.065(d)); expires on the date the scores are posted to the board (12 AAC 54.050(c)).

Physical Therapist Assistant License

Alaska physical therapist assistant license issued by the State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board under AS 08.84.

Licensing authority: State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board · Application information

License by credentials
Background Check
Fingerprints and national criminal history record check (AS 08.84.030(a)(4)).
Education
Items required under 12 AAC 54.030(a), including transcript and professional reference (12 AAC 54.100(1)).
Military Trained
A military-trained physical therapist assistant may apply for license by credentials only and must submit verification of a current and valid certificate, license, or other evidence of qualification issued under the laws of another state (12 AAC 54.120).
Other State License
Licensed under the laws of another state whose requirements at the date of licensure were substantially equal to Alaska's; verification from every jurisdiction ever licensed, one current and in good standing (AS 08.84.060; 12 AAC 54.100(3)-(4)).
Recent Practice
One of: at least 60 hours of physical therapy employment within the 24 months before application; passing the national examination within that 24-month period; or a board-approved 150-hour internship (12 AAC 54.100(5)).
Statute Waiver
AS 08.84.060 permits the board to license without examination; the board's rule 12 AAC 54.100 exercises that permission by requiring all 12 AAC 54.030(a) items, including the jurisprudence questionnaire and passing NPTE scores, and a report of national examination scores.
License by credentials foreign educated
Education
Foreign transcripts evaluated under 12 AAC 54.040(a)(2) (12 AAC 54.110(1)).
English Proficiency
A passing NPTE score under 12 AAC 54.080 meets the English-language requirement of AS 08.84.032(a)(3) (12 AAC 54.110(6)).
Experience
At least six months of supervised work experience while licensed in another state, territory or the District of Columbia, or an internship meeting 12 AAC 54.040(c), (e) and (f) (12 AAC 54.110(4)).
Other State License
Licensed in another state whose requirements were substantially equal; verification from every jurisdiction ever licensed (AS 08.84.060; 12 AAC 54.110(3), (5)).
Recent Practice
At least 60 hours of physical therapy employment in the 24 months before application, or passing the national examination in that period (12 AAC 54.110(8)).
Reference
Professional reference letter (12 AAC 54.110(7)).
License by examination
Background Check
Fingerprints and Department of Public Safety fees for a national criminal history record check (AS 08.84.030(a)(4)).
Education
Graduation from a professional physical therapy education program that includes supervised field work and is accredited by a national accreditation agency approved by the board (AS 08.84.030(a)(1)); certified transcript sent directly from the school (12 AAC 54.030(a)(2)).
Fees
Application and license fees under 12 AAC 02.320.
Passing Score
Criterion-referenced passing score recommended by FSBPT, a scaled score of 600 on a 200-800 scale (12 AAC 54.080(a)).
Reference
Signed professional reference letter on the department form (12 AAC 54.030(a)(3)).
Score Transfer
An applicant who passed the national examination in another state while applying there may have the scores transferred and apply for licensure by examination (12 AAC 54.030(c)).
License by examination foreign educated
Background Check
Fingerprints and national criminal history record check (AS 08.84.032(a)(8)).
Education
Graduate of a physical therapy school outside the United States with a resident course of study substantially equivalent to a CAPTE-accredited program, evaluated by a board-approved credential evaluation service (AS 08.84.032(a)(1); 12 AAC 54.040(a)).
English Proficiency
An English-language examination recognized by the board if the program was not taught in English (AS 08.84.032(a)(3)); a passing NPTE score meets this requirement (12 AAC 54.040(k)).
Fees
Fees under AS 08.84.050 and 12 AAC 02.320.
Immigration
Applicable requirements of 8 U.S.C. 1101-1503 unless a United States citizen (AS 08.84.032(a)(4)).
Internship
Board pre-approved internship of at least six months full-time equivalent under on-site supervision of a licensed physical therapist; the NPTE must be passed before completing the internship or within one year after (AS 08.84.032(a)(2); 12 AAC 54.040(c)-(j)).
Reference
Professional reference letter on the department form (12 AAC 54.040(b)(3)).
Reinstatement
Alaska Jurisprudence Questionnaire – Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant
Lapsed Five Years Or More
Permanently lapsed; apply for a new license under AS 08.84.030 or 08.84.060 (12 AAC 54.950(d)); an applicant not actively practicing in another state must complete a board-approved 150-hour internship (12 AAC 54.950(e)).
Lapsed Two To Five Years
Reinstatement at the board's discretion on application, fees for the entire lapsed period, continuing competency for the entire lapsed period, and verification of licenses held elsewhere (12 AAC 54.950(c)).
Lapsed Under Two Years
Fees and documentation that all continuing competency and continuing education requirements of 12 AAC 54 have been met (12 AAC 54.950(b)).
Renewal
Alaska Jurisprudence Questionnaire – Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant
Continuing Education
24 contact hours in the concluding period, or 12 hours or passing the national physical therapy examination within 12 months before lapse for licensees licensed less than 12 months of the period (12 AAC 54.410(a)); active duty military exemptions (12 AAC 54.435).
Continuing Practice
At least 60 hours of physical therapy services during the concluding licensing period, or during that period one alternative: passing the national physical therapy examination sponsored by FSBPT, 40 additional continuing education contact hours, an approved review course, or a board-approved 150-hour internship (12 AAC 54.405(a)).
Fees
Renewal fee under 12 AAC 02.320.

Physical Therapist Assistant Limited Permit

Limited permit to practice in Alaska as a visiting, nonresident physical therapist assistant under AS 08.84.075(b).

Licensing authority: State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board · Application information

Limited permit visiting nonresident
Alaska Jurisprudence Questionnaire – Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant
Fees
Application and limited permit fees (AS 08.84.075(b)(5); 12 AAC 02.320).
Other State License
Licensed to practice physical therapy in another state; verification sent directly from that state (AS 08.84.075(b)(3); form 08-4885 item 4).
Practice Limit
Proof, on the 120-Day Statement form, of not practicing in Alaska more than 120 days in the calendar year; valid 120 consecutive days; no more than one permit in 12 months and three in a lifetime (AS 08.84.075(b)(4), (c), (d)).
Prior Denial
Has not previously been denied physical therapy licensure in Alaska (AS 08.84.075(b)(2)).
Statute List
AS 08.84.075(b) lists application, no prior denial, another state's license, the 120-day proof and the fee; the Board's form 08-4885 additionally requires 'A completed jurisprudence form (#08-4883).'

Physical Therapist Assistant Temporary Military Courtesy License

Temporary military courtesy license to practice as a physical therapist assistant for an active duty military member or spouse under AS 08.01.063 and 12 AAC 54.130.

Licensing authority: State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board

Temporary military courtesy license
npte-pta
Criminal History
No conviction of a crime affecting ability to practice competently and safely, as determined by the board (12 AAC 54.130(b)(6)).
Fees
Temporary license application and license fees under 12 AAC 02.105 (12 AAC 54.130(b)(2)).
Military Status
Active duty member of the United States armed forces, or spouse, with current active duty orders assigning the member to a duty station in Alaska (12 AAC 54.130(b)(3); AS 08.01.063(a)(1)).
Other State License
Current license in good standing in another licensing jurisdiction, not suspended, revoked or restricted except for renewal or continuing education lapses (12 AAC 54.130(b)(4)).
Prior Exam
The licensing jurisdiction of current licensure required a passing score on the examination required under 12 AAC 54.030(a)(5) as a condition of licensure (12 AAC 54.130(b)(5)).
Validity
Issued for 180 days; renewable once for 180 days at the board's discretion (12 AAC 54.130(c)).

Physical Therapist Assistant Temporary Permit

Nonrenewable temporary permit for a physical therapist assistant license applicant under AS 08.84.065 and 12 AAC 54.050.

Licensing authority: State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board · Application information

Temporary permit credentials applicant
Application
All items required under 12 AAC 54.100 for licensure by credentials must be on file (12 AAC 54.050(b)(3)).
Fees
Temporary permit fee under 12 AAC 02.320.
Practice
A physical therapist permit holder awaiting licensure by credentials may practice without supervision; a physical therapist assistant permit holder practices under 12 AAC 54.510 (12 AAC 54.050(g)-(h)).
Validity
Valid for eight months or until the board considers the application for acceptance of credentials, whichever occurs first (AS 08.84.065(b)).
Temporary permit credentials applicant foreign educated
Application
All items required under 12 AAC 54.110 for foreign-educated licensure by credentials must be on file (12 AAC 54.050(d)(3)).
Fees
Temporary permit fee under 12 AAC 02.320.
Validity
Valid for eight months or until the board considers the application for acceptance of credentials (AS 08.84.065(b)).
Temporary permit examination applicant
Education
Meets AS 08.84.030(a)(1) (AS 08.84.065(a)(1)(A)).
Exam Timing
The permit is issued before the NPTE result; the applicant must be registered with FSBPT. 12 AAC 54.050(a)(3) cross-references all 12 AAC 54.030(a) items, but the Board's form 08-4915/08-4917 states: 'To receive a temporary permit, numbers 1-2 and 4-7 in the section above must have been received', which lists FSBPT registration rather than passing scores.
Fees
Temporary permit fee under 12 AAC 02.320.
Statement Of Responsibility
Signed and notarized statement of responsibility from the supervising physical therapist (12 AAC 54.050(a)(4)).
Supervision
A permit holder awaiting the examination may practice only under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist (12 AAC 54.050(f)).
Validity
Valid for eight months or until the results of the first examination for which the applicant is scheduled are published; lapses on the examination day if the applicant fails to take it (AS 08.84.065(c)).
Temporary permit examination applicant foreign educated
npte-pta
Documents
Credentials evaluation or qualifying transcript, professional reference, notarized statement of responsibility, testing-center confirmation of the scheduled national examination, preceptor's verification of satisfactory internship completion, and fees (12 AAC 54.050(c)(1)-(7)).
Eligibility
Compliance with AS 08.84.032(a)(1) and 08.84.065(a): equivalent education, completed internship and immigration requirements (12 AAC 54.050(c); AS 08.84.065(a)(1)(B)).
Validity
Valid until the results of the first scheduled examination are published following completion of the internship (AS 08.84.065(d)); expires on the date the scores are posted to the board (12 AAC 54.050(c)).

Physical Therapist Licensure Examination

Provider
Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy; delivered at Prometric testing centers
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination in five sections
Exam questions
225 total items: 180 scored items and 45 pretest items
Time limit
5 hours testing time; 5 hours 30 minutes total appointment time
Passing score
Scaled score of 600
Examination outline
  • CARDIOVASCULAR & PULMONARY SYSTEMS — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Examination 7-8; Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis 7-9; Interventions 8-10; total per system 22-27 — Physical Therapy Examination — This category refers to knowledge of the types and applications of cardiovascular & pulmonary systems tests/measures, including outcome measures, according to current best evidence, and their relevance to information collected from the history and systems review. The category includes the reaction of the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems to tests/measures and the mechanics of body movement as related to the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — This category refers to the interpretation of knowledge about diseases/conditions of the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems according to current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to cardiovascular & pulmonary systems interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Cardiovascular & pulmonary systems tests/measures, including outcome measures, and their applications according to current best evidence
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems as related to tests/measures
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Movement analysis as related to the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems (e.g., rib cage excursion, breathing pattern)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Cardiovascular & pulmonary systems diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to establish and carry out a plan of care, including prognosis
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Nonpharmacological medical management of the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — The impact of pharmacology used to treat the cardiovascular & pulmonary system on physical therapy management
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Differential diagnoses related to diseases/conditions of the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems
    • Interventions — Cardiovascular & pulmonary systems physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Examination 14-18; Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis 15-18; Interventions 15-18; total per system 44-54 — Physical Therapy Examination — This category refers to knowledge of the types and applications of musculoskeletal system tests/measures, including outcome measures, according to current best evidence, and their relevance to information collected from the history and systems review. The category includes the reaction of the musculoskeletal system to tests/measures and the mechanics of body movement as related to the musculoskeletal system. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — This category refers to the interpretation of knowledge about diseases/conditions of the musculoskeletal system according to current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to musculoskeletal system interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the musculoskeletal system of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Musculoskeletal system tests/measures, including outcome measures, and their applications according to current best evidence
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system as related to tests/measures
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Movement analysis as related to the musculoskeletal system
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Joint biomechanics and their applications
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Musculoskeletal system diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to establish and carry out a plan of care, including prognosis
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Nonpharmacological medical management of the musculoskeletal system (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — The impact of pharmacology used to treat the musculoskeletal system on physical therapy management
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Differential diagnoses related to diseases/conditions of the musculoskeletal system
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — The impact of regenerative medicine (e.g., platelet rich plasma, stem cells) on physical therapy prognosis and interventions related to musculoskeletal diseases/conditions
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Connective tissue diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to establish and carry out a plan of care, including prognosis
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Differential diagnoses related to diseases/conditions of the connective tissue
    • Interventions — Musculoskeletal system physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the musculoskeletal system from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the musculoskeletal system from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • NEUROMUSCULAR & NERVOUS SYSTEMS — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Examination 13-16; Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis 13-16; Interventions 13-16; total per system 39-48 — Physical Therapy Examination — This category refers to knowledge of the types and applications of neuromuscular & nervous systems tests/measures, including outcome measures, according to current best evidence, and their relevance to information collected from the history and systems review. The category includes the reaction of the neuromuscular & nervous systems to tests/measures and the mechanics of body movement as related to the neuromuscular & nervous systems. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — This category refers to the interpretation of knowledge about diseases/conditions of the neuromuscular & nervous systems according to current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to neuromuscular & nervous systems interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the neuromuscular & nervous systems of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Neuromuscular & nervous systems tests/measures, including outcome measures, and their applications according to current best evidence
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Anatomy and physiology of the neuromuscular & nervous systems as related to tests/measures
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Movement analysis as related to the neuromuscular & nervous systems
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Neuromuscular & nervous systems (CNS, PNS, ANS) diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to establish and carry out a plan of care, including prognosis
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Nonpharmacological medical management of the neuromuscular & nervous systems (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — The impact of pharmacology used to treat the neuromuscular and nervous systems on physical therapy management
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Differential diagnoses related to diseases/conditions of the neuromuscular & nervous systems (CNS, PNS, ANS)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — The impact of regenerative medicine (e.g., platelet rich plasma, stem cells) on physical therapy prognosis and interventions related to the neuromuscular and nervous systems
    • Interventions — Neuromuscular & nervous systems physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the neuromuscular & nervous systems as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the neuromuscular & nervous systems from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the neuromuscular & nervous systems from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
    • Interventions — Motor control as related to neuromuscular & nervous systems physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Motor learning as related to neuromuscular & nervous systems physical therapy interventions
  • INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Examination 2-3; Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis 3-4; Interventions 3-4; total per system 8-11 — Physical Therapy Examination — This category refers to knowledge of the types and applications of integumentary system tests/measures, including outcome measures, according to current best evidence, and their relevance to information collected from the history and systems review. The category includes the reaction of the integumentary system to tests/measures and the mechanics of body movement as related to the integumentary system. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — This category refers to the interpretation of knowledge about diseases/conditions of the integumentary system according to current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to integumentary system interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the integumentary system of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Integumentary system tests/measures, including outcome measures, and their applications according to current best evidence
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system as related to tests/measures
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Movement analysis as related to the integumentary system (e.g., friction, shear, pressure, and scar mobility)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Integumentary system diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to establish and carry out a plan of care, including prognosis
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Nonpharmacological medical management of the integumentary system (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — The impact of pharmacology used to treat the integumentary system on physical therapy management
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Differential diagnoses related to diseases/conditions of the integumentary system
    • Interventions — Integumentary system physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the integumentary system from physical therapy and medical/surgical interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the integumentary system from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • METABOLIC & ENDOCRINE SYSTEMS — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Examination not allocated; Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis 2-3; Interventions 2-3; total per system 4-6 — Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — This category refers to the interpretation of knowledge about diseases/conditions of the metabolic & endocrine systems according to current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to metabolic & endocrine systems interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the metabolic & endocrine systems of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Metabolic & endocrine systems diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to establish and carry out a plan of care, including prognosis
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Nonpharmacological medical management of the metabolic & endocrine systems (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — The impact of pharmacology used to treat the metabolic and endocrine systems on physical therapy management
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Differential diagnoses related to diseases/conditions of the metabolic & endocrine systems
    • Interventions — Metabolic & endocrine systems physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the metabolic & endocrine systems as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the metabolic & endocrine systems from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the metabolic & endocrine systems from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Examination 1-2; Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis 1-2; Interventions 1-2; total per system 3-6 — Physical Therapy Examination — This category refers to knowledge of the types and applications of gastrointestinal system tests/measures, including outcome measures, according to current best evidence, and their relevance to information collected from the history and systems review. The category includes the reaction of the gastrointestinal system to tests/measures and the mechanics of body movement as related to the gastrointestinal system. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — This category refers to the interpretation of knowledge about diseases/conditions of the gastrointestinal system according to current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to gastrointestinal system interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the gastrointestinal system of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Gastrointestinal system tests/measures, including outcome measures, and their applications according to current best evidence (e.g., bowel dysfunction impact questionnaires, Murphy test, Rovsing test, McBurney point sign)
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal system as related to tests/measures
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Movement analysis as related to the gastrointestinal system (e.g., effects of muscular tension or trigger points, positioning for bowel movement)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Gastrointestinal system diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to establish and carry out a plan of care, including prognosis
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Nonpharmacological medical management of the gastrointestinal system (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — The impact of pharmacology used to treat the gastrointestinal system on physical therapy management
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Differential diagnoses related to diseases/conditions of the gastrointestinal system
    • Interventions — Gastrointestinal system physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence (e.g., positioning for reflux prevention, bowel programs)
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal system as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the gastrointestinal system from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the gastrointestinal system from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • GENITOURINARY SYSTEM — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Examination 0-1; Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis 1-2; Interventions 1-2; total per system 2-5 — Physical Therapy Examination — This category refers to knowledge of the types and applications of genitourinary system tests/measures, including outcome measures, according to current best evidence, and their relevance to information collected from the history and systems review. The category includes the reaction of the genitourinary system to tests/measures and the mechanics of body movement as related to the genitourinary system. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — This category refers to the interpretation of knowledge about diseases/conditions of the genitourinary system according to current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to genitourinary system interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the genitourinary system of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Genitourinary system tests/measures, including outcome measures, and their applications according to current best evidence
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Anatomy and physiology of the genitourinary system as related to tests/measures
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Genitourinary system diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to establish and carry out a plan of care, including prognosis
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Nonpharmacological medical management of the genitourinary system (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — The impact of pharmacology used to treat the genitourinary system on physical therapy management
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Differential diagnoses related to diseases/conditions of the genitourinary system
    • Interventions — Genitourinary system physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence (e.g., bladder programs, biofeedback, pelvic floor retraining)
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the genitourinary system as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the genitourinary system from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the genitourinary system from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • LYMPHATIC SYSTEM — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Examination 1-2; Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis 1-2; Interventions 2-3; total per system 4-7 — Physical Therapy Examination — This category refers to knowledge of the types and applications of lymphatic system tests/measures, including outcome measures, according to current best evidence, and their relevance to information collected from the history and systems review. The category includes the reaction of the lymphatic system to tests/measures and the mechanics of body movement as related to the lymphatic system. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — This category refers to the interpretation of knowledge about diseases/conditions of the lymphatic system according to current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to lymphatic system interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the lymphatic system of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Lymphatic system tests/measures, including outcome measures, and their applications according to current best evidence
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system as related to tests/measures
    • Physical Therapy Examination — Movement analysis as related to the lymphatic system (e.g., compensatory movement, extremity range of motion)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Lymphatic system diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to establish and carry out a plan of care, including prognosis
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Nonpharmacological medical management of the lymphatic system (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Differential diagnoses related to diseases/conditions of the lymphatic system
    • Interventions — Lymphatic system physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system as related to interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the lymphatic system from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the lymphatic system from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • SYSTEM INTERACTIONS — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Examination not allocated; Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis 8-10; Interventions not allocated; total per system 8-10 — Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — This category refers to the interpretation of knowledge about diseases/conditions involving system interactions according to current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Diseases/conditions where the primary impact is on more than one system (e.g., cancer, multitrauma, sarcoidosis, autoimmune disorders, pregnancy) to establish and carry out a plan of care, including prognosis
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Nonpharmacological medical management of multiple systems (e.g., diagnostic imaging, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — The impact of pharmacology used to treat multiple systems, including polypharmacy, on physical therapy management
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Differential diagnoses related to diseases/conditions where the primary impact is on more than one system
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Impact of comorbidities/coexisting conditions on patient/client management (e.g., diabetes and hypertension; obesity and arthritis; dementia and hip fracture)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Psychological and psychiatric conditions that impact patient/client management (e.g., grief, depression, schizophrenia)
    • Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, & Prognosis — Dimensions of pain (acute or persistent) that impact patient/client management (e.g., psychological, social, physiological, neurological, mechanical)
  • EQUIPMENT, DEVICES, & TECHNOLOGIES — published total per nonsystem 5-6 items — This category refers to the different types of equipment, devices, & technologies, use requirements, and/or contextual determinants, as well as any other influencing factors involved in the selection and application of equipment, devices, & technologies, including consideration of current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Applications and adjustments, indications, contraindications, and precautions of assistive and adaptive devices/technologies (e.g., walkers, wheelchairs, adaptive seating systems and positioning devices, mechanical lifts)
    • Applications and adjustments, indications, contraindications, and precautions of prosthetic devices/technologies (e.g., lower-extremity and upper-extremity prostheses, microprocessor-controlled prosthetic devices)
    • Applications and adjustments, indications, contraindications, and precautions of protective, supportive, and orthotic devices/technologies (e.g., braces, helmets, taping, compression garments, serial casts, shoe inserts, splints)
  • THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES — published total per nonsystem 4-6 items — This category refers to the underlying principles for the use of therapeutic modalities as well as the justification for the selection and use of various types of therapeutic modalities, including consideration of current best evidence, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of thermal modalities
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of iontophoresis
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of electrotherapy modalities, excluding iontophoresis (e.g., neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), functional electrical stimulation (FES), interferential therapy, high-voltage pulsed current)
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of ultrasound modalities, excluding phonophoresis
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of mechanical modalities (e.g., mechanical motion devices, traction devices)
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of biofeedback
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of intermittent compression
  • SAFETY & PROTECTION — published total per nonsystem 5-7 items — This category refers to the critical issues involved in patient/client safety and protection and the responsibilities of health-care providers to ensure that patient/client management and health-care decisions take place in a secure environment.
    • Factors influencing safety and injury prevention (e.g., safe patient handling, fall prevention, equipment maintenance, environmental safety)
    • Function, implications, and related precautions of lines, tubes, catheters, monitoring devices, and mechanical ventilators/oxygen delivery devices
    • Emergency preparedness (e.g., CPR, first aid, disaster response)
    • Infection control procedures (e.g., standard/universal precautions, isolation techniques, sterile technique)
    • Signs/symptoms of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse and neglect
  • PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES — published total per nonsystem 4-5 items — This category refers to the responsibilities of health-care providers to ensure that patient/client management and health-care decisions take place in a trustworthy environment.
    • Standards of documentation
    • Patient/client rights (e.g., ADA, IDEA, HIPAA, patient bill of rights)
    • Human resource legal issues (e.g., OSHA, sexual harassment)
    • Roles and responsibilities of the physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, other health-care professionals, and support staff
    • Standards of professional ethics
    • Standards of billing, coding, and reimbursement
    • Obligations for reporting illegal, unethical, or unprofessional behaviors (e.g., fraud, abuse, neglect)
    • State and federal laws, rules, regulations, and industry standards set by state and accrediting bodies (e.g., state licensing entities, Joint Commission, CARF, CMS)
    • Risk management and quality assurance (e.g., policies and procedures, incident reports, peer chart review)
    • Cultural factors and/or characteristics that affect patient/client management (e.g., language differences, disability, ethnicity, customs, demographics, religion)
    • Socioeconomic factors that affect patient/client management
    • Applications and utilization of health information technology (e.g., electronic medical records)
    • The provision and utilization of telehealth (i.e., the use of telecommunication technologies to provide health care information and services)
  • RESEARCH & EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE — published total per nonsystem 3-5 items — This category refers to the application of measurement principles and research methods to make reasoned and appropriate assessment and to the interpretation of information sources and practice research to support patient/client management decisions fundamental to evidence-based practice.
    • Research methodology and interpretation (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, levels of evidence)
    • Data collection techniques (e.g., surveys, direct observation)
    • Measurement science (e.g., reliability, validity)
    • Techniques for accessing evidence (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, scientific proceedings, guidelines, clinical prediction rules)
    • Statistics (e.g., t-test, chi-square, correlation coefficient, ANOVA, likelihood ratio, effect size, confidence interval)
Examination sources

Alaska Jurisprudence Questionnaire – Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant

Provider
Alaska State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board
Format
Board-prepared open-reference questionnaire; select the correct answer and cite the statute or regulation where it was found
Exam questions
20
Examination outline
  • AS 08.84 Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists
  • 12 AAC 54 State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board
  • AS 08.01 Centralized Licensing
  • 12 AAC 02 General Occupational Licensing Functions
  • State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board Principles of Practice
Examination sources

npte-pta

Provider
Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy; delivered at Prometric testing centers
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination in four sections
Exam questions
180 total items: 140 scored items and 40 pretest items
Time limit
4 hours testing time; 4 hours 30 minutes total appointment time
Passing score
Scaled score of 600
Examination outline
  • CARDIOVASCULAR & PULMONARY SYSTEMS — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Data Collection 5-8; Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment 7-9; Interventions 8-10; total per system 20-27 — Physical Therapy Data Collection — This category refers to knowledge of the types and applications of cardiovascular & pulmonary systems tests/measures, including outcome measures, according to current best evidence. The category includes the reaction of the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems to tests/measures and the mechanics of body movement as related to the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — This category refers to foundational scientific principles and knowledge of diseases and conditions of the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to cardiovascular & pulmonary systems interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Cardiovascular & pulmonary systems tests/measures, including outcome measures, and their applications according to current best evidence
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems as related to tests/measures
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Movement analysis as related to the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems (e.g., rib cage excursion, breathing pattern)
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Cardiovascular & pulmonary systems diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to carry out the established plan of care
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Nonpharmacological medical management of the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — The impact of pharmacology used to treat the cardiovascular & pulmonary system on physical therapy management
    • Interventions — Cardiovascular & pulmonary systems physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the cardiovascular & pulmonary systems from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Data Collection 9-12; Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment 10-13; Interventions 12-15; total per system 31-40 — Physical Therapy Data Collection — This category refers to knowledge of the types and applications of musculoskeletal system tests/measures, including outcome measures, according to current best evidence. The category includes the reaction of the musculoskeletal system to tests/measures and the mechanics of body movement as related to the musculoskeletal system. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — This category refers to foundational scientific principles and knowledge of diseases and conditions of the musculoskeletal system to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to musculoskeletal system interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the musculoskeletal system of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Musculoskeletal system tests/measures, including outcome measures, and their applications according to current best evidence
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system as related to tests/measures
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Movement analysis as related to the musculoskeletal system
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Joint biomechanics and their applications
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Musculoskeletal system diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to carry out the established plan of care
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Nonpharmacological medical management of the musculoskeletal system (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — The impact of pharmacology used to treat the musculoskeletal system on physical therapy management
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Connective tissue diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to carry out the established plan of care
    • Interventions — Musculoskeletal system physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the musculoskeletal system from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the musculoskeletal system from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • NEUROMUSCULAR & NERVOUS SYSTEMS — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Data Collection 8-10; Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment 9-12; Interventions 10-13; total per system 27-35 — Physical Therapy Data Collection — This category refers to knowledge of the types and applications of neuromuscular & nervous systems tests/measures, including outcome measures, according to current best evidence. The category includes the reaction of the neuromuscular & nervous systems to tests/measures and the mechanics of body movement as related to the neuromuscular & nervous systems. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — This category refers to foundational scientific principles and knowledge of diseases and conditions of the neuromuscular & nervous systems to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to neuromuscular & nervous systems interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the neuromuscular & nervous systems of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Neuromuscular & nervous systems tests/measures, including outcome measures, and their applications according to current best evidence
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Anatomy and physiology of the neuromuscular & nervous systems as related to tests/measures
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Movement analysis as related to the neuromuscular & nervous systems
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Neuromuscular & nervous systems (CNS, PNS, ANS) diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to carry out the established plan of care
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Nonpharmacological medical management of the neuromuscular & nervous systems (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — The impact of pharmacology used to treat the neuromuscular and nervous systems on physical therapy management
    • Interventions — Neuromuscular & nervous systems physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the neuromuscular & nervous systems as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the neuromuscular & nervous systems from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the neuromuscular & nervous systems from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
    • Interventions — Motor control as related to neuromuscular & nervous systems physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Motor learning as related to neuromuscular & nervous systems physical therapy interventions
  • INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Data Collection 1-2; Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment 1-3; Interventions 1-3; total per system 3-8 — Physical Therapy Data Collection — This category refers to knowledge of the types and applications of integumentary system tests/measures, including outcome measures, according to current best evidence. The category includes the reaction of the integumentary system to tests/measures and the mechanics of body movement as related to the integumentary system. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — This category refers to foundational scientific principles and knowledge of diseases and conditions of the integumentary system to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to integumentary system interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the integumentary system of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Integumentary system tests/measures, including outcome measures, and their applications according to current best evidence
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system as related to tests/measures
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Movement analysis as related to the integumentary system (e.g., friction, shear, pressure, and scar mobility)
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Integumentary system diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to carry out the established plan of care
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Nonpharmacological medical management of the integumentary system (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — The impact of pharmacology used to treat the integumentary system on physical therapy management
    • Interventions — Integumentary system physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the integumentary system from physical therapy and medical/surgical interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the integumentary system from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • METABOLIC & ENDOCRINE SYSTEMS — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Data Collection not allocated; Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment 2-3; Interventions 2-3; total per system 4-6 — Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — This category refers to foundational scientific principles and knowledge of diseases and conditions of the metabolic & endocrine systems to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to metabolic & endocrine systems interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the metabolic & endocrine systems of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Metabolic & endocrine systems diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to carry out the established plan of care
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Nonpharmacological medical management of the metabolic & endocrine systems (e.g., diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — The impact of pharmacology used to treat the metabolic and endocrine systems on physical therapy management
    • Interventions — Metabolic & endocrine systems physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the metabolic & endocrine systems as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the metabolic & endocrine systems from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the metabolic & endocrine systems from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Data Collection not allocated; Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment 0-2; Interventions 0-2; total per system 0-4 — Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — This category refers to foundational scientific principles and knowledge of diseases and conditions of the gastrointestinal system to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to gastrointestinal system interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the gastrointestinal system of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Gastrointestinal system diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to carry out the established plan of care
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Nonpharmacological medical management of the gastrointestinal system (e.g., surgical procedures, diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests)
    • Interventions — Gastrointestinal system physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence (e.g., positioning for reflux prevention, bowel programs)
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal system as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the gastrointestinal system from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the gastrointestinal system from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • GENITOURINARY SYSTEM — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Data Collection not allocated; Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment 0-2; Interventions 0-2; total per system 0-4 — Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — This category refers to foundational scientific principles and knowledge of diseases and conditions of the genitourinary system to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to genitourinary system interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the genitourinary system of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Genitourinary system diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to carry out the established plan of care
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Nonpharmacological medical management of the genitourinary system (e.g., surgical procedures, diagnostic imaging, laboratory test values, other medical tests)
    • Interventions — Genitourinary system physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence (e.g., bladder programs, biofeedback, pelvic floor retraining)
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the genitourinary system as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the genitourinary system from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the genitourinary system from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • LYMPHATIC SYSTEM — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Data Collection 0-2; Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment 1-2; Interventions 1-2; total per system 2-6 — Physical Therapy Data Collection — This category refers to knowledge of the types and applications of lymphatic system tests/measures, including outcome measures, according to current best evidence. The category includes the reaction of the lymphatic system to tests/measures and the mechanics of body movement as related to the lymphatic system. Information covered in these areas supports appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — This category refers to foundational scientific principles and knowledge of diseases and conditions of the lymphatic system to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan. — Interventions — This category refers to lymphatic system interventions (including types, applications, responses, and potential complications), according to current best evidence, as well as the impact on the lymphatic system of interventions performed on other systems in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Lymphatic system tests/measures, including outcome measures, and their applications according to current best evidence
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system as related to tests/measures
    • Physical Therapy Data Collection — Movement analysis as related to the lymphatic system (e.g., compensatory movement, extremity range of motion)
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Lymphatic system diseases/conditions and their pathophysiology to carry out the established plan of care
    • Interventions — Lymphatic system physical therapy interventions and their applications for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance according to current best evidence
    • Interventions — Anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system as related to physical therapy interventions, daily activities, and environmental factors
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the lymphatic system from physical therapy interventions
    • Interventions — Adverse effects or complications on the lymphatic system from physical therapy interventions used on other systems
  • SYSTEM INTERACTIONS — published item ranges: Physical Therapy Data Collection not allocated; Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment 5-7; Interventions not allocated; total per system 5-7 — Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — This category refers to foundational scientific principles and knowledge of diseases and conditions involving system interactions to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Diseases/conditions where the primary impact is on more than one system (e.g., cancer, multitrauma, sarcoidosis, autoimmune disorders, pregnancy) to carry out the established plan of care
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Nonpharmacological medical management of multiple systems (e.g., diagnostic imaging, other medical tests, surgical procedures)
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — The impact of pharmacology used to treat multiple systems, including polypharmacy, on physical therapy management
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Impact of comorbidities/coexisting conditions on patient/client management (e.g., diabetes and hypertension; obesity and arthritis; dementia and hip fracture)
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Psychological and psychiatric conditions that impact patient/client management (e.g., grief, depression, schizophrenia)
    • Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment — Dimensions of pain (acute or persistent) that impact patient/client management (e.g., psychological, social, physiological, neurological, mechanical)
  • EQUIPMENT, DEVICES, & TECHNOLOGIES — published total per nonsystem 8-10 items — This category refers to the different types of equipment, devices, & technologies, use requirements, and/or contextual determinants, according to current best evidence, as well as any other influencing factors involved in the application of equipment, devices, & technologies, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Application and adjustments, indications, contraindications, and precautions of assistive and adaptive devices/technologies (e.g., walkers, wheelchairs, adaptive seating systems and positioning devices, mechanical lifts)
    • Application and adjustments, indications, contraindications, and precautions of prosthetic devices/technologies (e.g., lower-extremity and upper-extremity prostheses)
    • Application and adjustments, indications, contraindications, and precautions of protective, supportive, and orthotic devices/technologies (e.g., braces, helmets, compression garments, shoe inserts, splints)
  • THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES — published total per nonsystem 5-7 items — This category refers to the different types of therapeutic modalities, use requirements, and/or contextual determinants, according to current best evidence, as well as any other influencing factors involved in the application of therapeutic modalities, in order to support appropriate and effective patient/client management for rehabilitation, health promotion, and performance across the lifespan.
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of thermal modalities
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of iontophoresis
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of electrotherapy modalities, excluding iontophoresis (e.g., neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), functional electrical stimulation (FES), interferential therapy, high-voltage pulsed current)
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of ultrasound modalities
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of mechanical modalities (e.g., mechanical motion devices, traction devices)
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of biofeedback
    • Applications, indications, contraindications, and precautions of intermittent pneumatic compression
  • SAFETY & PROTECTION — published total per nonsystem 6-8 items — This category refers to the critical issues involved in patient/client safety and protection and the responsibilities of health-care providers to ensure that patient/client management and health-care decisions take place in a secure environment.
    • Factors influencing safety and injury prevention (e.g., safe patient handling, fall prevention, equipment maintenance, environmental safety)
    • Function, implications, and related precautions of intravenous lines, tubes, catheters, monitoring devices, and mechanical ventilators/oxygen delivery devices
    • Emergency preparedness (e.g., CPR, first aid, disaster response)
    • Infection control procedures (e.g., standard/universal precautions, isolation techniques, sterile technique)
    • Signs/symptoms of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse and neglect
  • PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES — published total per nonsystem 2-4 items — This category refers to the responsibilities of health-care providers to ensure that patient/client management and health-care decisions take place in a trustworthy environment.
    • Standards of documentation
    • Patient/client rights (e.g., ADA, IDEA, HIPAA, patient bill of rights)
    • Human resource legal issues (e.g., OSHA, sexual harassment)
    • Roles and responsibilities of the physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, other health-care professionals, and support staff
    • Standards of professional ethics
    • Standards of billing, coding, and reimbursement
    • Obligations for reporting illegal, unethical, or unprofessional behaviors (e.g., fraud, abuse, neglect)
    • State and federal laws, rules, regulations, and industry standards set by state and accrediting bodies (e.g., state licensing entities, Joint Commission, CARF, CMS)
    • Risk management and quality assurance (e.g., policies and procedures, incident reports, peer chart review)
    • Cultural factors and/or characteristics that affect patient/client management (e.g., language differences, disability, ethnicity, customs, demographics, religion, health literacy)
    • Socioeconomic factors that affect patient/client management (e.g., social determinants of health)
    • Applications and utilization of health information technology (e.g., electronic medical records)
  • RESEARCH & EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE — published total per nonsystem 1-3 items — This category refers to the knowledge of basic research methods and data collection techniques necessary for interpretation of information sources and practice research to support patient/client management decisions fundamental to evidence-based practice.
    • Research methodology and interpretation (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, levels of evidence)
    • Data collection techniques (e.g., surveys, direct observation)
    • Measurement science (e.g., reliability, validity)
    • Techniques for accessing evidence (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, scientific proceedings, guidelines, clinical prediction rules)
Examination sources