Kansas Physical Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice
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Physical Therapist License
License to practice physical therapy issued by the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts under the physical therapy practice act (K.S.A. 65-2901 et seq.); issued with an active, federally active, exempt or inactive designation.
Licensing authority: Kansas State Board of Healing Arts · Application information
Physical therapist licensure without examination on evidence of a prior passed examination (K.S.A. 65 2909(a))
All of the following:
At least one of the following alternatives:
- Kansas Physical Therapist Jurisprudence Exam
- Age
- Applicant is of legal age (K.S.A. 65-2906(b)(1)).
- Background
- Fingerprint-based state and national criminal history record check, NPDB report and notarized affidavit with photograph.
- Education
- Successful completion of the academic requirements of a board-approved physical therapist educational program (K.S.A. 65-2906(b)(2)); the Board recognizes programs meeting the CAPTE evaluative criteria (K.A.R. 100-29-2); official transcript with final degree sent directly by the school.
- Expedited Processing
- An applicant holding a current license in another U.S. jurisdiction who qualifies under this endorsement statute is issued the license within 15 days (military servicemember or spouse) or 45 days (others) of a complete application (K.S.A. 48-3406(c)(1)).
- Fees
- Application $80, criminal background report $57, NPDB $3.
- Foreign Education
- Applicants from a non-approved school submit a credential evaluation from a board-approved agency (FCCPT or ICD) and may be required to complete college courses (K.A.R. 100-29-3); applicants trained where English was not the language of instruction show English-language instruction or a current TOEFL iBT with at least Writing 24, Speaking 26, Reading 21 and Listening 18.
- Jurisprudence Exam
- The Board application requires every physical therapist applicant to complete the Kansas Physical Therapist Jurisprudence Exam and submit it with the application; a score of 80% or higher is required.
- Other Licenses
- Verification of every other healthcare license, permit or certification held.
- Prior Examination
- Evidence satisfactory to the Board of having passed the examination approved by the Board (the FSBPT physical therapist examination, K.A.R. 100-29-4(a)); alternatively, an examination before a lawfully authorized examining board in physical therapy of another state, the District of Columbia, a territory or a foreign country whose licensure standards the Board determines to be as high as those of Kansas (K.S.A. 65-2909(a)).
Physical therapist licensure by examination (K.S.A. 65 2906)
All of the following:
- Age
- Applicant is of legal age (K.S.A. 65-2906(b)(1)).
- Background
- Fingerprint-based state and national criminal history record check, NPDB report and notarized affidavit with photograph.
- Education
- Successful completion of the academic requirements of a board-approved physical therapist educational program (K.S.A. 65-2906(b)(2)); the Board recognizes programs meeting the CAPTE evaluative criteria (K.A.R. 100-29-2); official transcript with final degree sent directly by the school.
- Fees
- Application $80, criminal background report $57, NPDB $3.
- Foreign Education
- Applicants from a non-approved school submit a credential evaluation from a board-approved agency (FCCPT or ICD) and may be required to complete college courses (K.A.R. 100-29-3); applicants trained where English was not the language of instruction show English-language instruction or a current TOEFL iBT with at least Writing 24, Speaking 26, Reading 21 and Listening 18.
- Jurisprudence Exam
- The Board application requires every physical therapist applicant to complete the Kansas Physical Therapist Jurisprudence Exam and submit it with the application; a score of 80% or higher is required.
- License Designation
- The applicant selects an active, federally active, exempt or inactive designation (K.S.A. 65-2910(e)-(g)); an active licensee maintains professional liability insurance of at least $100,000 per claim and $300,000 annual aggregate (K.S.A. 65-2920; K.A.R. 100-29-15).
- Npte Attempts
- The FSBPT physical therapist examination must be passed within six attempts (K.A.R. 100-29-4(c)); FSBPT sends the official score report directly to the Board.
Expedited physical therapist licensure for holders of a license in another U.S. jurisdiction who do not qualify by endorsement (K.S.A. 48 3406(c)(2))
All of the following:
- Additional Testing
- An applicant not in active practice during the preceding two years may be required to complete additional testing, training, monitoring or continuing education limited to Kansas law or materially different knowledge (K.S.A. 48-3406(d), (j)); no specific examination is named.
- Age
- Applicant is of legal age (K.S.A. 65-2906(b)(1)).
- Background
- Fingerprint-based state and national criminal history record check, NPDB report and notarized affidavit with photograph.
- Discipline
- No disqualifying discipline, unresolved complaints or disqualifying criminal record; fees and signed affidavit (K.S.A. 48-3406(c)(2)(C)-(H)).
- Experience
- Has worked at least one year in the occupation (K.S.A. 48-3406(c)(2)(B)).
- Fees
- Application $80, criminal background report $57, NPDB $3.
- Jurisprudence Exam
- The Board application requires every physical therapist applicant to complete the Kansas Physical Therapist Jurisprudence Exam and submit it with the application; a score of 80% or higher is required. The Board application also asks for the Expedited Licensure Questionnaire.
- Other Jurisdiction License
- Holds a valid current license in another state, district or territory of the United States that the Board determines authorizes a similar scope of practice; the Board of Healing Arts may deny the application if the qualifications are not substantially equivalent (K.S.A. 48-3406(c)(2)(A), (t)).
- Probation
- The license is issued on a probationary basis for up to six months (K.S.A. 48-3406(c)).
- Residency
- Military servicemember or spouse residing in Kansas due to military station, or an individual who has established or intends to establish Kansas residency (K.S.A. 48-3406(a)(1)).
Physical Therapist Assistant Certificate
Certificate as a physical therapist assistant issued by the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts under the physical therapy practice act; the assistant works under the direction of a licensed physical therapist.
Licensing authority: Kansas State Board of Healing Arts · Application information
Physical therapist assistant certification without examination on evidence of a prior passed examination (K.S.A. 65 2909(b))
At least one of the following alternatives:
- Age
- Applicant is of legal age (K.S.A. 65-2906(b)(1)).
- Background
- Fingerprint-based state and national criminal history record check, NPDB report and notarized affidavit with photograph.
- Education
- Successful completion of the academic requirements of a board-approved physical therapist assistant educational program (K.S.A. 65-2906(b)(2)); the Board recognizes programs meeting the CAPTE evaluative criteria (K.A.R. 100-29-2); official transcript with final degree sent directly by the school.
- Expedited Processing
- An applicant holding a current credential in another U.S. jurisdiction who qualifies under this endorsement statute is issued the certificate within 15 days (military servicemember or spouse) or 45 days (others) of a complete application (K.S.A. 48-3406(c)(1)).
- Fees
- Application $80, criminal background report $57, NPDB $3.
- Foreign Education
- Applicants from a non-approved school submit a credential evaluation from a board-approved agency (FCCPT or ICD) and may be required to complete college courses (K.A.R. 100-29-3); applicants trained where English was not the language of instruction show English-language instruction or a current TOEFL iBT with at least Writing 24, Speaking 26, Reading 21 and Listening 18.
- Other Licenses
- Verification of every other healthcare license, permit or certification held.
- Prior Examination
- Evidence satisfactory to the Board of having passed the physical therapist assistant examination approved by the Board (the FSBPT physical therapist assistant examination, K.A.R. 100-29-4(b)); alternatively, an examination before a lawfully authorized examining board in physical therapy of another state, the District of Columbia, a territory or a foreign country whose certification standards the Board determines to be as high as those of Kansas (K.S.A. 65-2909(b)).
Physical therapist assistant certification by examination (K.S.A. 65 2906)
All of the following:
- Age
- Applicant is of legal age (K.S.A. 65-2906(b)(1)).
- Background
- Fingerprint-based state and national criminal history record check, NPDB report and notarized affidavit with photograph.
- Education
- Successful completion of the academic requirements of a board-approved physical therapist assistant educational program (K.S.A. 65-2906(b)(2)); the Board recognizes programs meeting the CAPTE evaluative criteria (K.A.R. 100-29-2); official transcript with final degree sent directly by the school.
- Fees
- Application $80, criminal background report $57, NPDB $3.
- Foreign Education
- Applicants from a non-approved school submit a credential evaluation from a board-approved agency (FCCPT or ICD) and may be required to complete college courses (K.A.R. 100-29-3); applicants trained where English was not the language of instruction show English-language instruction or a current TOEFL iBT with at least Writing 24, Speaking 26, Reading 21 and Listening 18.
- Jurisprudence Exam
- The Board jurisprudence exam is marked "PTs Only" and is not required of physical therapist assistant applicants.
- Npte Attempts
- The FSBPT physical therapist assistant examination must be passed within six attempts (K.A.R. 100-29-4(c)); FSBPT sends the official score report directly to the Board.
Expedited physical therapist assistant certification for holders of a credential in another U.S. jurisdiction who do not qualify by endorsement (K.S.A. 48 3406(c)(2))
- Additional Testing
- An applicant not in active practice during the preceding two years may be required to complete additional testing, training, monitoring or continuing education limited to Kansas law or materially different knowledge (K.S.A. 48-3406(d), (j)); no specific examination is named.
- Age
- Applicant is of legal age (K.S.A. 65-2906(b)(1)).
- Background
- Fingerprint-based state and national criminal history record check, NPDB report and notarized affidavit with photograph.
- Discipline
- No disqualifying discipline, unresolved complaints or disqualifying criminal record; fees and signed affidavit (K.S.A. 48-3406(c)(2)(C)-(H)).
- Experience
- Has worked at least one year in the occupation (K.S.A. 48-3406(c)(2)(B)).
- Fees
- Application $80, criminal background report $57, NPDB $3.
- Other Jurisdiction Credential
- Holds a valid current license or certification in another state, district or territory of the United States that the Board determines authorizes a similar scope of practice; the Board of Healing Arts may deny the application if the qualifications are not substantially equivalent (K.S.A. 48-3406(c)(2)(A), (t)).
- Probation
- The certificate is issued on a probationary basis for up to six months (K.S.A. 48-3406(c)).
- Residency
- Military servicemember or spouse residing in Kansas due to military station, or an individual who has established or intends to establish Kansas residency (K.S.A. 48-3406(a)(1)).
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2025-10-27.
- K.S.A. 48-3406 (Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes)
K.S.A. 48-3406(c)(2)
- K.S.A. 48-3406 (Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes)
K.S.A. 48-3406(c)(2)(A)
- KSBHA Physical Therapist (PT) and Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Initial Licensure Application packet
Application requirements check list, jurisprudence exam
Reinstatement of a physical therapist assistant certificate canceled for failure to renew (K.S.A. 65 2910(d); K.A.R. 100 29 10)
- Active Practice Elsewhere
- An applicant in active practice in another jurisdiction since cancellation submits proof of a current credential and of compliance with that jurisdiction's continuing education requirements (K.A.R. 100-29-10(b)(4)).
- Application
- Completed reinstatement application and reinstatement fee ($80).
- Continuing Education
- Canceled less than five years: the continuing education required when the certificate was canceled plus at least five contact hours for each six months since cancellation; canceled five years or more: an individually tailored continuing education program approved by the Board (K.A.R. 100-29-10(b)).
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2006-05-26.
- K.S.A. 65-2910 (Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes)
K.S.A. 65-2910(d)
- KSBHA Kansas Statutes Annotated and Kansas Administrative Regulations Relating to the practice of Physical Therapy (Statute and Regulation Handbook)
Handbook p. 38, K.A.R. 100-29-10(a)
- KSBHA Kansas Statutes Annotated and Kansas Administrative Regulations Relating to the practice of Physical Therapy (Statute and Regulation Handbook)
Handbook p. 38, K.A.R. 100-29-10(b)(2)
- KSBHA Kansas Statutes Annotated and Kansas Administrative Regulations Relating to the practice of Physical Therapy (Statute and Regulation Handbook)
Handbook p. 38, K.A.R. 100-29-10(b)(3)
Renewal of a physical therapist assistant certificate (K.S.A. 65 2910(a) (c); K.A.R. 100 29 8 and 100 29 9)
- Continuing Education
- In each odd-numbered renewal year, evidence of at least 20 contact hours of continuing education completed in the preceding two years (K.A.R. 100-29-9(a)(1)(A)); the jurisprudence assessment module requirement applies to licensed physical therapists only.
- Supervisor Report
- At renewal, the assistant reports the name and license number of the supervising physical therapist (K.A.R. 100-29-8(c)).
- Term
- Certificates expire annually on the date set by Board rule; renewal fee due by expiration, with a 30-day late-renewal period (K.S.A. 65-2910(a), (c)).
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2022-09-16.
- K.S.A. 65-2910 (Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes)
K.S.A. 65-2910(a)
- K.S.A. 65-2910 (Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes)
K.S.A. 65-2910(b)
- Kansas Register Vol. 41, No. 35 (September 1, 2022), Board of Healing Arts permanent administrative regulations, Article 29 Physical Therapy
K.A.R. 100-29-9(a)(1)(A), contact hours
- Kansas Register Vol. 41, No. 35 (September 1, 2022), Board of Healing Arts permanent administrative regulations, Article 29 Physical Therapy
K.A.R. 100-29-9(a)(1)(A), jurisprudence module
Physical Therapist / Physical Therapist Assistant Temporary Permit
Single three-month temporary permit for an applicant for physical therapist licensure or physical therapist assistant certification (K.S.A. 65-2909(c)).
Licensing authority: Kansas State Board of Healing Arts · Application information
Temporary permit for an applicant for physical therapist licensure (K.S.A. 65 2909(c))
All of the following:
- Eligibility
- Applicant meets the requirements for licensure, or all requirements except examination; the National Physical Therapy Examination need not yet be taken or passed (K.S.A. 65-2909(c)).
- Fee
- Temporary permit fee $25 in addition to the application fees.
- Jurisprudence Exam
- The Board application requires every physical therapist applicant to complete the Kansas Physical Therapist Jurisprudence Exam and submit it with the application; a score of 80% or higher is required.
- Term
- Expires three months after issue or when the license application is approved, whichever is first; only one permit per person (K.S.A. 65-2909(c)).
- Transcript
- A Letter of Completion is accepted in lieu of the official transcript for the permit; the transcript must be received before a permanent license is issued.
Temporary permit for an applicant for physical therapist assistant certification (K.S.A. 65 2909(c))
- Eligibility
- Applicant meets the requirements for certification, or all requirements except examination (K.S.A. 65-2909(c)).
- Fee
- Temporary permit fee $25 in addition to the application fees.
- Term
- Expires three months after issue or when the certification application is approved, whichever is first; only one permit per person (K.S.A. 65-2909(c)).
- Transcript
- A Letter of Completion is accepted in lieu of the official transcript for the permit.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2025-10-27.
- K.S.A. 65-2909 (Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes)
K.S.A. 65-2909(c)
- KSBHA Physical Therapist (PT) and Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Initial Licensure Application packet
Application instructions, Temporary Permit
- KSBHA Physical Therapist (PT) and Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Initial Licensure Application packet
Application requirements check list, jurisprudence exam
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
- author-npte-pt.pdf
PDF page 1, NPTE-PT Test Content Outline, effective January 2024
- author-npte-pt.pdf
PDF page 1, This test is designed
- author-npte-pt.pdf
PDF page 1, Note that this blueprint
- author-npte-pt.pdf
PDF page 2, DETAILED EXAMINATION BLUEPRINT DESCRIPTIONS
- author-npte-pt.pdf
PDF page 1, Cardiovascular
- npte-understanding.html
Official page, passage beginning The NPTE is a multiple-choice exam
- author-npte-content.html
Official page, passage beginning The PT exam consists of 225 items
- npte-understanding.html
Official page, passage beginning The passing standard is a scaled score of 600
- npte-understanding.html
Official page, passage beginning The PT and PTA exams are computer-based
- author-npte-registration.html
Official page, passage beginning How do I register
- author-npte-results.html
Official page, passage beginning Your exam score status
- author-npte-content.html
Official page, passage beginning updates to the NPTE Content Outlines
Kansas Physical Therapist Jurisprudence Exam
- Provider
- Kansas State Board of Healing Arts
- Format
- Board form of multiple-choice and true/false questions completed and submitted with the licensure application
- Exam questions
- 25
- Passing score
- 80% or higher; each question is weighted four percentage points
Practice scope
Inferred from the examination name; the authority has not published an examination outline.
- K.S.A. Chapter 65, Article 29 - Physical therapy practice act
- K.A.R. Agency 100, Article 29 - Physical therapy regulations
- L. 2026, ch. 124, New Section 1 - Point-of-care testing by physical therapists
Examination sources
- KSBHA Physical Therapist (PT) and Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Initial Licensure Application packet
Application instructions, Jurisprudence Exam (PTs)
- KSBHA Kansas Physical Therapist Jurisprudence Exam (PTs Only)
Jurisprudence exam form, title
- KSBHA Kansas Physical Therapist Jurisprudence Exam (PTs Only)
Jurisprudence exam form, answer reference
- KSBHA Physical Therapist (PT) and Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Initial Licensure Application packet
General information, handbook reference
- KSBHA Kansas Statutes Annotated and Kansas Administrative Regulations Relating to the practice of Physical Therapy (Statute and Regulation Handbook)
Handbook cover
- KSBHA Kansas Statutes Annotated and Kansas Administrative Regulations Relating to the practice of Physical Therapy (Statute and Regulation Handbook)
Handbook p. 1, statute table of contents
- KSBHA Kansas Statutes Annotated and Kansas Administrative Regulations Relating to the practice of Physical Therapy (Statute and Regulation Handbook)
Handbook p. 30, regulation table of contents
- 2026 Session Laws of Kansas, Chapter 124 (House Bill 2509)
L. 2026, ch. 124, title
- KSBHA Kansas Physical Therapist Jurisprudence Exam (PTs Only)
Jurisprudence exam form, scoring instruction
- KSBHA Kansas Physical Therapist Jurisprudence Exam (PTs Only)
Jurisprudence exam form, question 1
- KSBHA Kansas Physical Therapist Jurisprudence Exam (PTs Only)
Jurisprudence exam form, instructions
- KSBHA Physical Therapist (PT) and Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Initial Licensure Application packet
Application requirements check list, jurisprudence exam
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
- author-npte-pta.pdf
PDF page 1, NPTE-PTA Test Content Outline, effective January 2024
- author-npte-pta.pdf
PDF page 1, This test is designed
- author-npte-pta.pdf
PDF page 1, Note that this blueprint
- author-npte-pta.pdf
PDF page 2, DETAILED EXAMINATION BLUEPRINT DESCRIPTIONS
- author-npte-pta.pdf
PDF page 1, Cardiovascular
- npte-understanding.html
Official page, passage beginning The NPTE is a multiple-choice exam
- author-npte-content.html
Official page, passage beginning The PT exam consists of 225 items
- npte-understanding.html
Official page, passage beginning The passing standard is a scaled score of 600
- npte-understanding.html
Official page, passage beginning The PT and PTA exams are computer-based
- author-npte-registration.html
Official page, passage beginning How do I register
- author-npte-results.html
Official page, passage beginning Your exam score status
- author-npte-content.html
Official page, passage beginning updates to the NPTE Content Outlines