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APTA Specialist Certification - Governed by ABPTS

APTA Specialist Certification - Governed by ABPTS

All questions on the exam relate to the competencies outlined in "Description of Specialty Practice: Neurologic Physical Therapy."

Following is an outline summarizing the key components of the DSP for neurologic physical therapy. Examination percentages reflect the approximate weighting of specialty board examination for each content domain. Examination questions can reflect  knowledge areas or practice expectations, or both combined, to test the application of knowledge areas to clinical practice.

Outline Summary

A. Foundation Sciences
B. Behavioral Sciences
C. Clinical Sciences
D. Clinical Reasoning & Critical Inquiry

A. Communication
B. Education
C. Consultation
D. Evidence-based Practice
E. Prevention, Wellness, and Health Promotion
F. Social Responsibility
G. Leadership
H. Professional Development

A. Patient and Client Examination (30%)

    1. History and Systems Review
    2. Examination Procedures (Tests and Measures)
    3. Evaluation/Diagnosis/Prognosis

B. Intervention (30%)

    1. Clinical Decision-Making Regarding Plan of Care
    2. Coordination, Communication, and Documentation
    3. Patient and Client-related instruction
    4. Procedural Interventions

C. Outcomes (5%)

  TOTAL 100%

The medical conditions that may be represented on the examination include (but are not limited to) the following:

1. Primary prevention of diseases, injuries, or functional decline of the neuromuscular system across the lifespan.

2. Promotion of health and wellness in populations with lifelong disability from neurologic conditions.

3. Prevention and management of body function and structure, activity limitations, and participation restrictions in individuals with conditions of the neuromuscular system, including:

  • Cerebral vascular accident
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • CNS tumors
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Basal ganglia disorders (Parkinson disease, Huntington disease, dystonias, etc.)
  • Cerebellar disorders
  • Dementia/Alzheimer's disease
  • Vestibular disorders
  • Falls and balance disorders
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Acute poliomyelitis and postpoliomyelitis syndrome
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Guillain-Barré syndrome and polyneuropathies
  • Muscle disease
  • Amputations in individuals with neurologic disorders
  • Psychiatric disorders and aphysiologic disorders
  • General medical disorders affecting the neuromuscular system
  • Cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders in individuals with neurologic conditions
  • Musculoskeletal disorders in individuals with neurologic conditions
  • Integumentary dysfunction in individuals with neurologic conditions
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