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New Mexico Physical Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

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Physical Therapist License

License to practice physical therapy in New Mexico issued by the New Mexico Physical Therapy Board under the Physical Therapy Act.

Licensing authority: New Mexico Physical Therapy Board (New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department) · Application information

Licensure by examination
Alternate Approval Pathway
An applicant may first apply directly to FSBPT to sit for the NPTE and have the score sent to New Mexico, then submit a complete licensure application and fees before the license is issued (16.20.2.8.B NMAC).
Application
Completed application submitted through the online portal, passport-size photograph and non-refundable application fee (16.20.3.8.A(1)-(3) NMAC; Board licensing page).
Criminal Background Check
Nationwide and statewide Department of Public Safety criminal history background check; disqualifying criminal convictions are listed in 16.20.3.8.C NMAC (16.20.3.8.A(8) NMAC).
Education
Graduation from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program with a post-baccalaureate degree in physical therapy (16.20.3.8.A(5)-(6) NMAC; NMSA 1978, 61-12D-10(A)(1)).
Foreign Educated
Foreign-educated physical therapists must also meet NMSA 1978, 61-12D-10(B) and 16.20.9 NMAC: substantially equivalent education determined by a board-sanctioned credentials review (or an FCCPT Type I comprehensive credential evaluation certificate), a credential evaluation, a current license or authorization to practice from the country of education, verification of education and employment, and any interim supervised clinical practice the board prescribes; CAPTE graduates are exempt from paragraphs (1), (2), (4) and (5) of 61-12D-10(B) (16.20.3.8.I NMAC).
Jurisprudence Passing Score
Pass the New Mexico jurisprudence examination with 80 percent; a failed examination may be retaken on payment of the fee (16.20.2.10.A NMAC).
Npte Attempts
Applicants who fail the NPTE two or more times must complete board-specified remedial work (mentorship, tutorial, review course and, after a fourth failure, the FSBPT PEAT practice exam) before retesting; FSBPT allows at most six lifetime attempts, three in a 12-month period, and two scores of 400 or less end eligibility (16.20.2.8.D-H NMAC).
Npte Score
A score on the NPTE for physical therapists at or above the criterion-referenced passing point of 600 on the 200-800 scale; the NPTE must be taken in English without an interpreter or dictionary; the testing entity sends scores directly to the board (16.20.2.8 and 16.20.3.8.A(7) NMAC).
Returning To Practice
Applicants who have not practiced since graduation or for more than three consecutive years must also show 15 board-approved continuing education contact hours per year not practicing and any additional competency evidence the board requires (16.20.3.8.B NMAC).
Expedited licensure for military service members, spouses and veterans
Disapproved Jurisdictions
Licensees of American Samoa and Guam are not eligible for expedited licensure (16.20.12.8 NMAC).
Documentation
Signed application, proof of the license, fingerprints for a state criminal background check, and military orders, marriage license, DD 214 or other proof of honorable discharge as applicable (16.20.12.12.A NMAC).
Duration And Renewal
The expedited license is valid for one year; on renewal the board issues a regular license (16.20.12.13.A and C NMAC).
Eligibility
Military service member, spouse of a military service member, spouse of a deceased military service member, or veteran (retired or separated with honorable discharge) holding a current unrestricted physical therapist license in good standing in another jurisdiction, including a branch of the United States armed forces (16.20.12.12.A NMAC as amended 2/24/2026).
Exam Timing
If the licensee's original jurisdiction did not require the NPTE and the New Mexico jurisprudence exam, the licensee must pass both as a prerequisite to license renewal (16.20.12.13.B NMAC); 16.20.2.10 NMAC exempts 16.20.12.13 applicants from the jurisprudence examination at application and requires it at first renewal.
Fees
No initial licensing or renewal fees for the first three years of licensure (16.20.12.12.E NMAC).
Expedited licensure by reciprocity (endorsement)
Application
Completed and signed application, proof of the out-of-state license, fingerprints for a state criminal background check and the application fee; the Board issues the license to a qualified applicant within 30 days (16.20.12.10 NMAC). 16.20.3.11 NMAC also provides licensure by reciprocity where the other jurisdiction's requirements meet or exceed NMSA 1978, 61-12D-10.
Continuing Education
15 hours of continuing education after one year of expedited licensure (16.20.12.11 NMAC).
Disapproved Jurisdictions
Licensees of American Samoa and Guam are not eligible for expedited licensure (16.20.12.8 NMAC).
Jurisprudence Timing
16.20.2.10.A NMAC exempts applicants for expedited licensure under 16.20.12.9 (now reserved) and 16.20.12.13 NMAC from the jurisprudence examination at application, and 16.20.2.10.B NMAC requires a licensee who received an expedited license to pass the New Mexico jurisprudence examination (80 percent) when renewing for the first time.
License Elsewhere
Holds a current, valid, unrestricted license in good standing as a physical therapist in another United States jurisdiction (including a branch of the armed forces) and is not subject to pending disciplinary action in New Mexico (NMSA 1978, 61-12D-10(H), 61-12D-10.1(A); 16.20.12.7 and 16.20.12.10 NMAC).
License Type
Since 2/24/2026 an expedited license is a full license conferring the same rights as a regular license (16.20.12.7.B NMAC).
Npte Evidence
16.20.2.8.A NMAC requires all applicants for licensure to take the NPTE or show proof of having taken it in another state; 16.20.3.8.A NMAC excludes expedited and reciprocity applicants from its own list of requirements, and NMSA 1978, 61-12D-10.1(B) lets the board require an examination of a person whose prior jurisdiction did not require one.
Reactivation of an inactive license
New Mexico Jurisprudence Examination (Physical Therapy)
Requirements
Renewal form and renewal fee for the year of reactivation, 15 continuing education contact hours per year inactive, and verification of licenses from other U.S. jurisdictions; a license may be inactive for at most four years (16.20.3.14 NMAC).
Reinstatement of a license lapsed for more than one year without continued practice in another state
New Mexico Jurisprudence Examination (Physical Therapy)
Requirements
Initial application, application fee, jurisprudence exam fee, verification of all licenses from other U.S. jurisdictions, and 15 continuing education contact hours for each year of lapse (16.20.3.10.C NMAC).
Reinstatement of a license lapsed for more than three years without practice in another state
Prior Npte Score
An NPTE score already earned is reported by the testing entity directly to the board (16.20.3.8.A(7) NMAC).
Requirements
New application satisfying all requirements for original licensure under 16.20.3.8 NMAC, 15 contact hours for each year of lapse and any additional course of study the board requires case by case (16.20.3.10.D NMAC; NMSA 1978, 61-12D-10(M)).
Reinstatement of a license lapsed for more than one year with continued practice in another state
New Mexico Jurisprudence Examination (Physical Therapy)
Requirements
Initial application, application fee, jurisprudence exam fee, verification of all licenses from other U.S. jurisdictions, verification of employment from the most recent physical therapy employer, and the continuing education required in the state of practice during the lapse (16.20.3.10.B NMAC).
Reinstatement of a license lapsed for less than one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Requirements
Renewal form, late fee, current renewal fee, proof of required continuing education and a notarized statement of no New Mexico practice while expired (16.20.3.10.A NMAC).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-02-24.

Biennial license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Thirty hours of continuing education biennially, except on first renewal (16.20.8.9.A NMAC as amended 2/24/2026).
Expedited License First Renewal
This route does not cover the first renewal of an expedited license, which requires the New Mexico jurisprudence examination (16.20.2.10.B and 16.20.12.13.B NMAC) and is carried by the expedited routes.
Renewal
Apply for renewal and pay the renewal fee; licenses renew biennially and expire on February 1 after no more than two years (16.20.8.8 NMAC as amended 2/24/2026).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-02-24.

Physical Therapist Assistant License

License to act as a physical therapist assistant in New Mexico issued by the New Mexico Physical Therapy Board under the Physical Therapy Act.

Licensing authority: New Mexico Physical Therapy Board (New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department) · Application information

Licensure by examination
Alternate Approval Pathway
An applicant may first apply directly to FSBPT to sit for the NPTE and have the score sent to New Mexico, then submit a complete licensure application and fees before the license is issued (16.20.2.8.B NMAC).
Application
Completed application submitted through the online portal, passport-size photograph and non-refundable application fee (16.20.3.8.A(1)-(3) NMAC; Board licensing page).
Criminal Background Check
Nationwide and statewide Department of Public Safety criminal history background check; disqualifying criminal convictions are listed in 16.20.3.8.C NMAC (16.20.3.8.A(8) NMAC).
Education
Graduation from a CAPTE-accredited physical therapist assistant program (associate degree) approved by the board (16.20.2.9 and 16.20.3.8.A(5)-(6) NMAC; NMSA 1978, 61-12D-10(E)(1)).
Jurisprudence Passing Score
Pass the New Mexico jurisprudence examination with 80 percent; a failed examination may be retaken on payment of the fee (16.20.2.10.A NMAC).
Jurisprudence Statute Note
NMSA 1978, 61-12D-10(E) lists graduation and the NPTE as the minimum requirements for a physical therapist assistant; the Board rules 16.20.2.10.A and 16.20.3.8.A(4) NMAC require the New Mexico jurisprudence examination of all applicants for licensure, and the Board checklist lists the application "with jurisprudence exam".
Npte Attempts
Applicants who fail the NPTE two or more times must complete board-specified remedial work (mentorship, tutorial, review course and, after a fourth failure, the FSBPT PEAT practice exam) before retesting; FSBPT allows at most six lifetime attempts, three in a 12-month period, and two scores of 400 or less end eligibility (16.20.2.8.D-H NMAC).
Npte Score
A score on the NPTE for physical therapist assistants at or above the criterion-referenced passing point of 600 on the 200-800 scale; the NPTE must be taken in English without an interpreter or dictionary; the testing entity sends scores directly to the board (16.20.2.8 and 16.20.3.8.A(7) NMAC).
Returning To Practice
Applicants who have not practiced since graduation or for more than three consecutive years must also show 15 board-approved continuing education contact hours per year not practicing and any additional competency evidence the board requires (16.20.3.8.B NMAC).
Supervisory Form
A supervisory form is also required when applying for an assistant license (Board licensure checklist item 5).
Expedited licensure for military service members, spouses and veterans
Disapproved Jurisdictions
Licensees of American Samoa and Guam are not eligible for expedited licensure (16.20.12.8 NMAC).
Documentation
Signed application, proof of the license, fingerprints for a state criminal background check, and military orders, marriage license, DD 214 or other proof of honorable discharge as applicable (16.20.12.12.A NMAC).
Duration And Renewal
The expedited license is valid for one year; on renewal the board issues a regular license (16.20.12.13.A and C NMAC).
Eligibility
Military service member, spouse of a military service member, spouse of a deceased military service member, or veteran (retired or separated with honorable discharge) holding a current unrestricted physical therapist assistant license in good standing in another jurisdiction, including a branch of the United States armed forces (16.20.12.12.A NMAC as amended 2/24/2026).
Exam Timing
If the licensee's original jurisdiction did not require the NPTE and the New Mexico jurisprudence exam, the licensee must pass both as a prerequisite to license renewal (16.20.12.13.B NMAC); 16.20.2.10 NMAC exempts 16.20.12.13 applicants from the jurisprudence examination at application and requires it at first renewal.
Fees
No initial licensing or renewal fees for the first three years of licensure (16.20.12.12.E NMAC).
Expedited licensure by reciprocity (endorsement)
Application
Completed and signed application, proof of the out-of-state license, fingerprints for a state criminal background check and the application fee; the Board issues the license to a qualified applicant within 30 days (16.20.12.10 NMAC). 16.20.3.11 NMAC also provides licensure by reciprocity where the other jurisdiction's requirements meet or exceed NMSA 1978, 61-12D-10.
Continuing Education
15 hours of continuing education after one year of expedited licensure (16.20.12.11 NMAC).
Disapproved Jurisdictions
Licensees of American Samoa and Guam are not eligible for expedited licensure (16.20.12.8 NMAC).
Jurisprudence Timing
16.20.2.10.A NMAC exempts applicants for expedited licensure under 16.20.12.9 (now reserved) and 16.20.12.13 NMAC from the jurisprudence examination at application, and 16.20.2.10.B NMAC requires a licensee who received an expedited license to pass the New Mexico jurisprudence examination (80 percent) when renewing for the first time.
License Elsewhere
Holds a current, valid, unrestricted license in good standing as a physical therapist assistant in another United States jurisdiction (including a branch of the armed forces) and is not subject to pending disciplinary action in New Mexico (NMSA 1978, 61-12D-10(H), 61-12D-10.1(A); 16.20.12.7 and 16.20.12.10 NMAC).
License Type
Since 2/24/2026 an expedited license is a full license conferring the same rights as a regular license (16.20.12.7.B NMAC).
Npte Evidence
16.20.2.8.A NMAC requires all applicants for licensure to take the NPTE or show proof of having taken it in another state; 16.20.3.8.A NMAC excludes expedited and reciprocity applicants from its own list of requirements, and NMSA 1978, 61-12D-10.1(B) lets the board require an examination of a person whose prior jurisdiction did not require one.
Reactivation of an inactive license
New Mexico Jurisprudence Examination (Physical Therapy)
Requirements
Renewal form and renewal fee for the year of reactivation, 15 continuing education contact hours per year inactive, and verification of licenses from other U.S. jurisdictions; a license may be inactive for at most four years (16.20.3.14 NMAC).
Reinstatement of a license lapsed for more than one year without continued practice in another state
New Mexico Jurisprudence Examination (Physical Therapy)
Requirements
Initial application, application fee, jurisprudence exam fee, verification of all licenses from other U.S. jurisdictions, and 15 continuing education contact hours for each year of lapse (16.20.3.10.C NMAC).
Reinstatement of a license lapsed for more than three years without practice in another state
Prior Npte Score
An NPTE score already earned is reported by the testing entity directly to the board (16.20.3.8.A(7) NMAC).
Requirements
New application satisfying all requirements for original licensure under 16.20.3.8 NMAC, 15 contact hours for each year of lapse and any additional course of study the board requires case by case (16.20.3.10.D NMAC; NMSA 1978, 61-12D-10(M)).
Reinstatement of a license lapsed for more than one year with continued practice in another state
New Mexico Jurisprudence Examination (Physical Therapy)
Requirements
Initial application, application fee, jurisprudence exam fee, verification of all licenses from other U.S. jurisdictions, verification of employment from the most recent physical therapy employer, and the continuing education required in the state of practice during the lapse (16.20.3.10.B NMAC).
Reinstatement of a license lapsed for less than one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Requirements
Renewal form, late fee, current renewal fee, proof of required continuing education and a notarized statement of no New Mexico practice while expired (16.20.3.10.A NMAC).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-02-24.

Biennial license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Thirty hours of continuing education biennially, except on first renewal (16.20.8.9.A NMAC as amended 2/24/2026).
Expedited License First Renewal
This route does not cover the first renewal of an expedited license, which requires the New Mexico jurisprudence examination (16.20.2.10.B and 16.20.12.13.B NMAC) and is carried by the expedited routes.
Renewal
Apply for renewal and pay the renewal fee; licenses renew biennially and expire on February 1 after no more than two years (16.20.8.8 NMAC as amended 2/24/2026).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-02-24.

Emergency License (Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant)

Four-month license for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants from a state in which a federal disaster has been declared.

Licensing authority: New Mexico Physical Therapy Board (New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department) · Application information

Emergency licensure after a declared federal disaster (physical therapist)
Documentation
Signed application with proof of identity, CAPTE graduation, proof of the NPTE and jurisprudence exam, verification of other licenses and employment, and proof of residency or employment in the disaster area; the board may waive prorated fees and specific forms (16.20.3.12.A-B NMAC).
Duration
Expires four months after issue unless a renewal application is approved; terminates on issuance of a permanent license (16.20.3.12.D and 16.20.3.13 NMAC).
Eligibility
Currently licensed and in good standing, or otherwise meeting New Mexico requirements, in a state in which a federal disaster has been declared; licensure available during the four months following the declaration (16.20.3.12.A NMAC).
Emergency licensure after a declared federal disaster (physical therapist assistant)
Documentation
Signed application with proof of identity, CAPTE graduation, proof of the NPTE and jurisprudence exam, verification of other licenses and employment, and proof of residency or employment in the disaster area; the board may waive prorated fees and specific forms (16.20.3.12.A-B NMAC).
Duration
Expires four months after issue unless a renewal application is approved; terminates on issuance of a permanent license (16.20.3.12.D and 16.20.3.13 NMAC).
Eligibility
Currently licensed and in good standing, or otherwise meeting New Mexico requirements, in a state in which a federal disaster has been declared; licensure available during the four months following the declaration (16.20.3.12.A NMAC).

Temporary Instructor License (Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant Teaching an Educational Seminar)

Temporary license for a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant licensed in another state to perform physical therapy only while teaching a continuing education seminar with hands-on demonstrations; valid through the end of the calendar year of issue.

Licensing authority: New Mexico Physical Therapy Board (New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department) · Application information

Temporary instructor license for teaching an educational seminar
New Mexico Jurisprudence Examination (Physical Therapy)
Jurisprudence Note
16.20.4.10 NMAC lists only the application, fee and license verification, and the Board FAQ describes issuance on verification of the home license; 16.20.2.10.A NMAC, whose scope is all individuals who wish to practice physical therapy in New Mexico, requires the New Mexico jurisprudence examination of all applicants for licensure except expedited applicants.
Requirements
Instructor license application and non-refundable fee, and verification of a valid current license sent directly by the state board where the instructor is licensed; limited to the continuing education program for which it was issued and to seminars with hands-on demonstrations; valid through the end of the calendar year (16.20.4.10 NMAC; Board FAQ: $50).

Temporary License (Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant)

Non-renewable temporary license, valid for no more than 180 days, for a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant applicant who has met every application requirement except passage of the NPTE.

Licensing authority: New Mexico Physical Therapy Board (New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department) · Application information

Temporary license pending the NPTE (physical therapist applicant)
Denial
May be denied to an applicant who practiced without a license in New Mexico, violated the code of ethics or failed the licensure examination in any state (16.20.4.8.C NMAC).
Eligibility
Applicant for licensure as a physical therapist who has completed every application requirement for licensure except passage of the NPTE; the Board FAQ states that only new graduates are eligible (16.20.4.8.A NMAC; Board FAQ).
Foreign Trained
Foreign-trained applicants must also meet 16.20.3 and 16.20.9 NMAC (16.20.4.9 NMAC); for a foreign national the 180 days start on entry into the United States.
Npte
Must sit for the NPTE within 180 days after issuance; failure to sit voids the license and failing the NPTE revokes it (16.20.4.8.D and 16.20.2.8.G NMAC).
Supervision
May work only under on-site direct supervision of a New Mexico unrestricted licensed physical therapist with at least six months of clinical experience who files a supervisory statement with the board (16.20.4.8.E NMAC).
Validity
Non-renewable and valid for no more than 180 days (16.20.4.8.B NMAC).
Temporary license pending the NPTE (physical therapist assistant applicant)
Denial
May be denied to an applicant who practiced without a license in New Mexico, violated the code of ethics or failed the licensure examination in any state (16.20.4.8.C NMAC).
Eligibility
Applicant for licensure as a physical therapist assistant who has completed every application requirement for licensure except passage of the NPTE; the Board FAQ states that only new graduates are eligible (16.20.4.8.A NMAC; Board FAQ).
Jurisprudence Note
16.20.4.8.A NMAC refers to the application requirements of the Physical Therapy Act, whose 61-12D-10(E) does not list the jurisprudence examination for assistants; 16.20.2.10.A NMAC requires it of all applicants for licensure.
Npte
Must sit for the NPTE within 180 days after issuance; failure to sit voids the license and failing the NPTE revokes it (16.20.4.8.D and 16.20.2.8.G NMAC).
Supervision
May work only under on-site direct supervision of a New Mexico unrestricted licensed physical therapist with at least six months of clinical experience who files a supervisory statement with the board (16.20.4.8.E NMAC).
Validity
Non-renewable and valid for no more than 180 days (16.20.4.8.B NMAC).

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

New Mexico Jurisprudence Examination (Physical Therapy)

Provider
New Mexico Physical Therapy Board
Format
Open book examination
Passing score
80 percent of a total available score of 100 percent
Exam fee
$25.00 per attempt
Examination outline
  • Physical Therapy Act
  • 16.20.1 NMAC General Provisions
  • 16.20.2 NMAC Examinations
  • 16.20.3 NMAC Issuance of Licenses
  • 16.20.4 NMAC Temporary Licenses
  • 16.20.6 NMAC Physical Therapist Assistants
  • 16.20.7 NMAC Supervision
  • 16.20.8 NMAC Renewal Requirements and Continuing Education
  • 16.20.9 NMAC Education Criteria for Foreign-Educated Applicants
  • 16.20.10 NMAC Direct Care Requirements
  • 16.20.11 NMAC Disciplinary Proceedings
  • 16.20.12 NMAC Expedited Licensing Requirements
  • 16.20.13 NMAC Dry Needling Provision
  • 16.20.14 NMAC Imaging
Examination sources

npte-pta

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