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South Dakota Physical Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

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Physical Therapist

South Dakota license to practice physical therapy as a physical therapist, issued by the State Board of Physical Therapy under SDCL chapter 36-10.

Licensing authority: South Dakota Board of Physical Therapy · Application information

Physical therapist licensure by application and national examination (SDCL 36 10 27, 36 10 29)
Physical Therapist Licensure Examination
Application
File a notarized application with the State Board of Physical Therapy and pay the $120 initial application fee (SDCL 36-10-27(1)-(2); ARSD 20:66:01:01).
Character
Present evidence satisfactory to the board of good moral, ethical, and professional character (SDCL 36-10-27(3)).
Criminal Background Check
Submit fingerprints for a state and federal criminal background check; the board may not issue a license before receiving the results (SDCL 36-10-27.1).
Education
Graduation from a physical therapy program accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education or by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation (the Board checklist names CAPTE), or a course of professional instruction the board finds equivalent (SDCL 36-10-27(4)).
English Proficiency
An applicant relying on equivalent instruction must have passed an English proficiency examination approved by the board or completed two years of secondary or postsecondary education in an institution in which instruction is conducted in English (SDCL 36-10-27(4)(b)); the application asks internationally educated applicants whether they passed the TOEFL.
Examination Score
The national examination must be passed with a grade acceptable to the board; the applicant has FSBPT send the NPTE score report directly to the Board (SDCL 36-10-27(5); application page 2).
License Verification
Have every state in which the applicant holds or held licensure send verification of current and past licensure, including disciplinary status, directly to the board (Board licensing checklist).
Physical therapist licensure by reciprocity for a holder of a physical therapy license from another U.S. state, territory or the District of Columbia (SDCL 36 10 31, 36 10 32)
Physical Therapist Licensure Examination
Application
File a notarized application with the State Board of Physical Therapy and pay the $120 initial application fee (SDCL 36-10-27(1)-(2); ARSD 20:66:01:01).
Application Form
Apply on the form provided by the board and pay the application fee established in rule (SDCL 36-10-32(1), (3)).
Character
Present evidence satisfactory to the board of good moral, ethical, and professional character (SDCL 36-10-27(3)).
Criminal Background Check
Submit fingerprints for a state and federal criminal background check; the board may not issue a license before receiving the results (SDCL 36-10-27.1).
License Verification
Have every state in which the applicant holds or held licensure send verification of current and past licensure, including disciplinary status, directly to the board (Board licensing checklist).
Prior License
Hold a license or certificate to practice physical therapy issued by a board of the District of Columbia or a U.S. state or territory whose licensure requirements were, at the date of issuance, substantially equal to those of SDCL chapter 36-10 (SDCL 36-10-31).
Statutory Wording
SDCL 36-10-31 permits the board to issue this license 'without examination'; SDCL 36-10-32(2) requires 'the evidence required by this chapter and rules of the board', and the Board's physical therapist checklist requires 'NPTE Exam Scores (requested through FSBPT)' of every applicant, so the NPTE-PT is mounted and no examination is administered at application.
Physical therapist licensure without examination for an applicant registered by FSBPT or who has already passed a recognized national examination (SDCL 36 10 30)
Physical Therapist Licensure Examination
Application
File a notarized application with the State Board of Physical Therapy and pay the $120 initial application fee (SDCL 36-10-27(1)-(2); ARSD 20:66:01:01).
Character
Present evidence satisfactory to the board of good moral, ethical, and professional character (SDCL 36-10-27(3)).
Criminal Background Check
Submit fingerprints for a state and federal criminal background check; the board may not issue a license before receiving the results (SDCL 36-10-27.1).
Eligibility
SDCL 36-10-30 lets the board issue a license 'without examination' to an applicant who (1) 'Is registered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy' or (2) 'Has passed a national examination recognized by the board, with a grade acceptable to the board, and meets the requirements for licensure under this chapter and rules promulgated by the board.' 'Without examination' means no examination is administered at application; the Board's single physical therapist checklist still requires NPTE exam scores requested through FSBPT.
Fsbpt Registration
An applicant qualifying under SDCL 36-10-30(1) relies on FSBPT registration; the statute does not define that registration further.
License Verification
Have every state in which the applicant holds or held licensure send verification of current and past licensure, including disciplinary status, directly to the board (Board licensing checklist).
Biennial renewal of a physical therapist license (SDCL 36 10 33, 36 10 51)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete thirty continuing education hours during the two-year license period and sign a statement confirming completion on the renewal application; the board may waive the requirement for illness, disability, military service, or financial hardship (SDCL 36-10-51; ARSD 20:66:03:01-04).
Deadline
The license expires on January first of the second year after issuance; failure to renew on or before July first of that year forfeits the license (SDCL 36-10-33).
Renewal Fee
Pay the $120 biennial renewal fee (SDCL 36-10-33; ARSD 20:66:01:01(2)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-07-01.

Physical Therapist Assistant

South Dakota license to work as a physical therapist assistant under the supervision of a physical therapist, issued by the State Board of Physical Therapy under SDCL 36-10-35.1 and 36-10-35.2.

Licensing authority: South Dakota Board of Physical Therapy · Application information

Physical therapist assistant licensure by application and national examination (SDCL 36 10 35.1, 36 10 35.2)
npte-pta
Application
File a notarized application with the State Board of Physical Therapy and pay the $120 initial application fee (SDCL 36-10-35.1(1)-(2); ARSD 20:66:01:01).
Character
Present evidence satisfactory to the board of good moral, ethical, and professional character (SDCL 36-10-35.1(3)).
Criminal Background Check
Submit fingerprints for a state and federal criminal background check (SDCL 36-10-27.1).
Education
Graduation from a physical therapist assistant education program accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education or by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation (the Board checklist names CAPTE), or a course of professional instruction the board finds equivalent (SDCL 36-10-35.1(4)).
English Proficiency
An applicant relying on equivalent instruction must have passed an English proficiency examination approved by the board or completed two years of secondary or postsecondary education in an institution in which instruction is conducted in English (SDCL 36-10-35.1(4)(b)).
Examination Score
The national examination must be passed with a grade acceptable to the board; the applicant has FSBPT send the score report directly to the Board (SDCL 36-10-35.1(5); application page 2).
License Verification
Have every state in which the applicant holds or held licensure send verification of current and past licensure directly to the board (Board licensing checklist).
Biennial renewal of a physical therapist assistant license (SDCL 36 10 35.2, 36 10 33, 36 10 51)
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete thirty continuing education hours during the two-year license period and sign a statement confirming completion on the renewal application; the board may waive the requirement for illness, disability, military service, or financial hardship (SDCL 36-10-51; ARSD 20:66:03:01-04).
Deadline
The license expires and is renewed at the same time and in the same manner as a physical therapist license (SDCL 36-10-35.2, 36-10-33).
Renewal Fee
Pay the $120 biennial renewal fee (SDCL 36-10-35.2, 36-10-33; ARSD 20:66:01:01(2)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-07-01.

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

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