Nevada Physical Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice
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License as a Physical Therapist
Nevada license issued by the Nevada Physical Therapy Board under NRS 640.110 authorizing the holder to practice physical therapy.
Licensing authority: Nevada Physical Therapy Board · Application information
Licensure as a physical therapist by endorsement (license held in another U.S. jurisdiction)
- Affidavit And Fee
- NRS 640.145(2)(c)-(d): affidavit of truth and the application fee set under NRS 640.090(1)(c).
- Child Support Statement
- NRS 640.095: the child support statement prescribed by the Division of Social Services.
- Discipline And Malpractice
- NRS 640.145(2)(a): not disciplined or under investigation by another jurisdiction and not held civilly or criminally liable for malpractice.
- Expedited Temporary License
- Board page 'Licensure Exemptions / Temporary License Provisions': under NRS 640.145 the Board may approve an expedited license before the background check report is complete for endorsement candidates who have submitted a complete application and fingerprints and have a supervising physical therapist.
- Fingerprints
- NRS 640.090(1)(d): a complete set of fingerprints for a criminal background check.
- Jurisprudence Passing Score
- Exam Candidate/Endorsement Candidate Application Guides: 'Testers are required to answer 80% (16) of the questions correctly to pass the exam.'
- License Verification
- NAC 640.020(3) as amended by R124-21: proof of licensure from each state or territory where a license is or was held.
- Npte Score Transfer
- Endorsement Candidate Application Guide: 'Your FSBPT Score is required to be transferred over to the NV Jurisdiction.' 'You can not be licensed until the FSBPT score has been received.'
- Other State License
- NRS 640.145(1): holds a corresponding valid and unrestricted license in the District of Columbia or any state or territory of the United States.
- Statute Silent On Exams
- NRS 640.145 itself names no examination and lets the Board require 'Any other information required by the Board'; the Board's rule (NAC 640.020(2)(b)-(c) as amended by R124-21) and its Endorsement Candidate Application Guide require the FSBPT score and the NV JAM.
Licensure as a physical therapist by endorsement (foreign educated applicant licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction)
- Child Support Statement
- NRS 640.095: the child support statement prescribed by the Division of Social Services.
- Credentials Review
- R124-21 Sec. 10(2)(c): FCCPT educational credentials review using the most recent FSBPT Coursework Tools, sent directly by FCCPT.
- Fallback
- R124-21 Sec. 10(3): an applicant who does not meet these requirements may apply for licensure by examination under Sec. 11.
- Fingerprints
- NRS 640.090(1)(d): a complete set of fingerprints for a criminal background check.
- Jurisprudence Passing Score
- Exam Candidate/Endorsement Candidate Application Guides: 'Testers are required to answer 80% (16) of the questions correctly to pass the exam.'
- License Verification
- R124-21 Sec. 10(2)(b)(2): verification of each license or certification currently or previously held.
- Other State License
- R124-21 Sec. 10(2)(a): holds a corresponding valid and current (not only temporary) license or certification in the District of Columbia or any U.S. state or territory.
Expedited licensure as a physical therapist by endorsement for active members of the Armed Forces, their spouses, veterans and surviving spouses of veterans (NRS 640.146)
- Child Support Statement
- NRS 640.095: the child support statement prescribed by the Division of Social Services.
- Discipline And Malpractice
- NRS 640.146(2)(a): not disciplined or under investigation and not held liable for malpractice.
- Fee
- NRS 640.090(2): not more than one-half of the application fee; NAC 640.025(1)(b) as amended: $150 for a physical therapist.
- Fingerprints
- NRS 640.090(1)(d): a complete set of fingerprints for a criminal background check.
- Jurisprudence Passing Score
- Exam Candidate/Endorsement Candidate Application Guides: 'Testers are required to answer 80% (16) of the questions correctly to pass the exam.'
- Military Status
- NRS 640.146(1)(b): active member of, or spouse of an active member of, the Armed Forces of the United States, a veteran or the surviving spouse of a veteran.
- Npte Score Transfer
- Endorsement Candidate Application Guide: the FSBPT score must be transferred to Nevada before licensure.
- Other State License
- NRS 640.146(1)(a): holds a corresponding valid and unrestricted license in the District of Columbia or any U.S. state or territory.
- Statute Silent On Exams
- NRS 640.146 names no examination and lets the Board require 'Any other information required by the Board'; NAC 640.020(2)(b)-(c) as amended by R124-21 and the Endorsement Candidate Application Guide require the FSBPT score and the NV JAM.
Licensure as a physical therapist by examination (graduate of a Board approved program)
- Application And Fee
- NAC 640.025: initial application fee $300 and $25 for approval to take the examination.
- Child Support Statement
- NRS 640.095: the child support statement prescribed by the Division of Social Services.
- Early Testing
- R124-21 Sec. 9: the Board may approve a student who has completed the didactic curriculum to sit for the FSBPT examination before graduation.
- Education
- NRS 640.080(2): graduated from a school in which the applicant completed a program of professional education for physical therapists approved by the Board (CAPTE-accredited per NRS 640.060).
- Fingerprints
- NRS 640.090(1)(d): a complete set of fingerprints for a criminal background check.
- Good Moral Character
- NRS 640.080(1) / NRS 640.092(2): be of good moral character.
- Jurisprudence Passing Score
- Exam Candidate/Endorsement Candidate Application Guides: 'Testers are required to answer 80% (16) of the questions correctly to pass the exam.'
- Military Fee Waiver
- Exam Candidate Application Guide: active military, veterans and spouses select the Military/Military Spouse Examination Candidate application and upload an affidavit to waive the application fee.
- Npte Attempt Limits
- NAC 640.040(5) as amended by R124-21: the number of attempts on the FSBPT examination is subject to FSBPT limits.
- Official Transcript
- Exam Candidate Application Guide: official transcript with degree posted, sent directly by the institution.
Licensure as a physical therapist by examination (foreign educated applicant)
- Child Support Statement
- NRS 640.095: the child support statement prescribed by the Division of Social Services.
- Credentials Review
- R124-21 Sec. 11(2)(b): FCCPT educational credentials review using the most recent FSBPT Coursework Tools, showing education substantially equivalent to a Board-approved program, sent directly by FCCPT.
- English Proficiency
- R124-21 Sec. 11(2)(c): TOEFL with at least 22 writing, 24 speaking, 22 reading and 21 listening in a single administration, unless the applicant graduated from a CAPTE-accredited program or a school in Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand or the United Kingdom (Sec. 11(3)).
- Fingerprints
- NRS 640.090(1)(d): a complete set of fingerprints for a criminal background check.
- Foreign Education
- R124-21 Sec. 5/Sec. 11: graduate of a program located outside the United States and not accredited by CAPTE (foreign-educated physical therapist).
- Jurisprudence Passing Score
- Exam Candidate/Endorsement Candidate Application Guides: 'Testers are required to answer 80% (16) of the questions correctly to pass the exam.'
- Translations
- R124-21 Sec. 11(4): documents in another language translated by a Board-approved professional translator.
Annual renewal of a physical therapist license
- Continuing Competency
- NRS 640.150(1)(a) and (3): proof of completion of the program of continuing competency required by the Board.
- Jurisprudence Timing
- Board renewal page: the NV JAM appears in the renewal in the Licensee Portal and cannot be completed before the renewal is begun.
- Renewal Fee
- NAC 640.025: annual renewal fee $150.
- Timing
- NRS 640.150(1)-(2): the license expires 1 year after issuance or on the date prescribed by the Board and may be renewed within 30 days after it expires.
Temporary license as a physical therapist for a medical emergency, without examination (NRS 640.120(1))
- Assignment
- NRS 640.120(1): certification that the person has been assigned to Nevada on a temporary basis to assist in a medical emergency.
- Duration
- NRS 640.120(1): the license is issued for a period not to exceed 6 months.
- Fee
- NRS 640.120(1): fees not to exceed $100 and conditions as the Board may require.
- Other Qualifications
- NRS 640.120(1): meets all the other qualifications set forth in NRS 640.080 or 640.092, as applicable.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2024-04-19.
- NRS Chapter 640 - Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants and Physical Therapist Technicians
NRS 640.120(1)
- Nevada Physical Therapy Board - Licensure Exemptions / Temporary License Provisions
Licensure Exemptions / Temporary License Provisions page, License Exemptions (opening clause)
- Nevada Physical Therapy Board - Licensure Exemptions / Temporary License Provisions
Licensure Exemptions / Temporary License Provisions page, License Exemptions (remainder of sentence)
License as a Physical Therapist Assistant
Nevada license issued by the Nevada Physical Therapy Board under NRS 640.110 authorizing the holder to assist in the practice of physical therapy under the supervision of a supervising physical therapist.
Licensing authority: Nevada Physical Therapy Board · Application information
Licensure as a physical therapist assistant by endorsement (license held in another U.S. jurisdiction)
All of the following:
- Affidavit And Fee
- NRS 640.145(2)(c)-(d): affidavit of truth and the application fee set under NRS 640.090(1)(c).
- Child Support Statement
- NRS 640.095: the child support statement prescribed by the Division of Social Services.
- Discipline And Malpractice
- NRS 640.145(2)(a): not disciplined or under investigation by another jurisdiction and not held civilly or criminally liable for malpractice.
- Expedited Temporary License
- Board page 'Licensure Exemptions / Temporary License Provisions': under NRS 640.145 the Board may approve an expedited license before the background check report is complete for endorsement candidates who have submitted a complete application and fingerprints and have a supervising physical therapist.
- Fingerprints
- NRS 640.090(1)(d): a complete set of fingerprints for a criminal background check.
- Jurisprudence Passing Score
- Exam Candidate/Endorsement Candidate Application Guides: 'Testers are required to answer 80% (16) of the questions correctly to pass the exam.'
- License Verification
- NAC 640.020(3) as amended by R124-21: proof of licensure from each state or territory where a license is or was held.
- Npte Score Transfer
- Endorsement Candidate Application Guide: 'Your FSBPT Score is required to be transferred over to the NV Jurisdiction.' 'You can not be licensed until the FSBPT score has been received.'
- Other State License
- NRS 640.145(1): holds a corresponding valid and unrestricted license in the District of Columbia or any state or territory of the United States.
- Statute Silent On Exams
- NRS 640.145 itself names no examination and lets the Board require 'Any other information required by the Board'; the Board's rule (NAC 640.020(2)(b)-(c) as amended by R124-21) and its Endorsement Candidate Application Guide require the FSBPT score and the NV JAM.
Licensure as a physical therapist assistant by endorsement (foreign educated applicant licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction)
All of the following:
- Child Support Statement
- NRS 640.095: the child support statement prescribed by the Division of Social Services.
- Credentials Review
- R124-21 Sec. 10(2)(c): FCCPT educational credentials review using the most recent FSBPT Coursework Tools, sent directly by FCCPT.
- Fallback
- R124-21 Sec. 10(3): an applicant who does not meet these requirements may apply for licensure by examination under Sec. 11.
- Fingerprints
- NRS 640.090(1)(d): a complete set of fingerprints for a criminal background check.
- Jurisprudence Passing Score
- Exam Candidate/Endorsement Candidate Application Guides: 'Testers are required to answer 80% (16) of the questions correctly to pass the exam.'
- License Verification
- R124-21 Sec. 10(2)(b)(2): verification of each license or certification currently or previously held.
- Other State License
- R124-21 Sec. 10(2)(a): holds a corresponding valid and current (not only temporary) license or certification in the District of Columbia or any U.S. state or territory.
Expedited licensure as a physical therapist assistant by endorsement for active members of the Armed Forces, their spouses, veterans and surviving spouses of veterans (NRS 640.146)
All of the following:
- Child Support Statement
- NRS 640.095: the child support statement prescribed by the Division of Social Services.
- Discipline And Malpractice
- NRS 640.146(2)(a): not disciplined or under investigation and not held liable for malpractice.
- Fee
- NRS 640.090(2): not more than one-half of the application fee; NAC 640.025(1)(b) as amended: $150 for a physical therapist.
- Fingerprints
- NRS 640.090(1)(d): a complete set of fingerprints for a criminal background check.
- Jurisprudence Passing Score
- Exam Candidate/Endorsement Candidate Application Guides: 'Testers are required to answer 80% (16) of the questions correctly to pass the exam.'
- Military Status
- NRS 640.146(1)(b): active member of, or spouse of an active member of, the Armed Forces of the United States, a veteran or the surviving spouse of a veteran.
- Npte Score Transfer
- Endorsement Candidate Application Guide: the FSBPT score must be transferred to Nevada before licensure.
- Other State License
- NRS 640.146(1)(a): holds a corresponding valid and unrestricted license in the District of Columbia or any U.S. state or territory.
- Statute Silent On Exams
- NRS 640.146 names no examination and lets the Board require 'Any other information required by the Board'; NAC 640.020(2)(b)-(c) as amended by R124-21 and the Endorsement Candidate Application Guide require the FSBPT score and the NV JAM.
Licensure as a physical therapist assistant by examination (graduate of a Board approved program)
All of the following:
- Application And Fee
- NAC 640.025: initial application fee $200 and $25 for approval to take the examination.
- Child Support Statement
- NRS 640.095: the child support statement prescribed by the Division of Social Services.
- Early Testing
- R124-21 Sec. 9: the Board may approve a student who has completed the didactic curriculum to sit for the FSBPT examination before graduation.
- Education
- NRS 640.092(3) and 640.093: completed a Board-approved program of professional education for a physical therapist assistant.
- Fingerprints
- NRS 640.090(1)(d): a complete set of fingerprints for a criminal background check.
- Good Moral Character
- NRS 640.080(1) / NRS 640.092(2): be of good moral character.
- Jurisprudence Passing Score
- Exam Candidate/Endorsement Candidate Application Guides: 'Testers are required to answer 80% (16) of the questions correctly to pass the exam.'
- Military Fee Waiver
- Exam Candidate Application Guide: active military, veterans and spouses select the Military/Military Spouse Examination Candidate application and upload an affidavit to waive the application fee.
- Minimum Age
- NRS 640.092(1): at least 18 years old.
- Npte Attempt Limits
- NAC 640.040(5) as amended by R124-21: the number of attempts on the FSBPT examination is subject to FSBPT limits.
- Official Transcript
- Exam Candidate Application Guide: official transcript with degree posted, sent directly by the institution.
Licensure as a physical therapist assistant by examination (foreign educated applicant)
All of the following:
- Board Faq Statement
- The Board's FAQ (https://www.ptboard.nv.gov/draft-the-board/faq/) answers 'Can a foreign trained PTA get a license in Nevada?' with 'No.', while R124-21 Sec. 11(1) provides that the Board may issue a license by examination to a foreign-educated physical therapist assistant; the regulation is recorded as the route and the Board's statement is reported here so the applicant can confirm eligibility with the Board.
- Child Support Statement
- NRS 640.095: the child support statement prescribed by the Division of Social Services.
- Credentials Review
- R124-21 Sec. 11(2)(b): FCCPT educational credentials review using the most recent FSBPT Coursework Tools, showing education substantially equivalent to a Board-approved program, sent directly by FCCPT.
- English Proficiency
- R124-21 Sec. 11(2)(c): TOEFL with at least 22 writing, 24 speaking, 22 reading and 21 listening in a single administration, unless the applicant graduated from a CAPTE-accredited program or a school in Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand or the United Kingdom (Sec. 11(3)).
- Fingerprints
- NRS 640.090(1)(d): a complete set of fingerprints for a criminal background check.
- Foreign Education
- R124-21 Sec. 5/Sec. 11: graduate of a program located outside the United States and not accredited by CAPTE (foreign-educated physical therapist assistant).
- Jurisprudence Passing Score
- Exam Candidate/Endorsement Candidate Application Guides: 'Testers are required to answer 80% (16) of the questions correctly to pass the exam.'
- Translations
- R124-21 Sec. 11(4): documents in another language translated by a Board-approved professional translator.
Annual renewal of a physical therapist assistant license
- Continuing Competency
- NRS 640.150(1)(a) and (3): proof of completion of the program of continuing competency required by the Board.
- Jurisprudence Timing
- Board renewal page: the NV JAM appears in the renewal in the Licensee Portal and cannot be completed before the renewal is begun.
- Renewal Fee
- NAC 640.025: annual renewal fee $100.
- Timing
- NRS 640.150(1)-(2): the license expires 1 year after issuance or on the date prescribed by the Board and may be renewed within 30 days after it expires.
Temporary license as a physical therapist assistant for a medical emergency, without examination (NRS 640.120(1))
- Assignment
- NRS 640.120(1): certification that the person has been assigned to Nevada on a temporary basis to assist in a medical emergency.
- Duration
- NRS 640.120(1): the license is issued for a period not to exceed 6 months.
- Fee
- NRS 640.120(1): fees not to exceed $100 and conditions as the Board may require.
- Other Qualifications
- NRS 640.120(1): meets all the other qualifications set forth in NRS 640.080 or 640.092, as applicable.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2024-04-19.
- NRS Chapter 640 - Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants and Physical Therapist Technicians
NRS 640.120(1)
- Nevada Physical Therapy Board - Licensure Exemptions / Temporary License Provisions
Licensure Exemptions / Temporary License Provisions page, License Exemptions (opening clause)
- Nevada Physical Therapy Board - Licensure Exemptions / Temporary License Provisions
Licensure Exemptions / Temporary License Provisions page, License Exemptions (remainder of sentence)
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
Nevada Jurisprudence Assessment Module Examination (Physical Therapy)
- Provider
- Nevada Physical Therapy Board (link provided in the licensure application or the renewal in the Licensee Portal)
- Format
- Open-book online assessment
- Passing score
- 80% (16 questions) correct
Examination outline
- NRS Chapter 640 - Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants and Physical Therapist Technicians
- NAC Chapter 640 - Physical Therapists
Examination sources
- Nevada Physical Therapy Board Exam Candidate Application Guide (2026)
Exam Candidate Application Guide, page 2, 7th step (NV JAM)
- Nevada Physical Therapy Board Endorsement Candidate Application Guide (2026)
Endorsement Candidate Application Guide, page 2, Step 7 (NV JAM)
- Approved Regulation of the Nevada Physical Therapy Board, LCB File No. R124-21
R124-21 Sec. 35, NAC 640.040(2) as amended
- Nevada Physical Therapy Board - Physical Therapy Practice Act
Physical Therapy Practice Act page, link list
- Nevada Physical Therapy Board Exam Candidate Application Guide (2026)
Exam Candidate Application Guide, page 2, 7th step (passing score)
- Nevada Physical Therapy Board Endorsement Candidate Application Guide (2026)
Endorsement Candidate Application Guide, page 2, Step 7 (passing score)
- Approved Regulation of the Nevada Physical Therapy Board, LCB File No. R124-21
R124-21 Sec. 35, NAC 640.040(4) as amended
- Nevada Physical Therapy Board Exam Candidate Application Guide (2026)
Exam Candidate Application Guide, page 2, 7th step (NV JAM link and certificate)
- Approved Regulation of the Nevada Physical Therapy Board, LCB File No. R124-21
R124-21 Sec. 33, NAC 640.020(2)(c) as amended
- Nevada Physical Therapy Board - License Renewal and Continuing Competence
License Renewal and Continuing Competence page, Jurisprudence
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