NPTEPTTestContentOutline,effectiveJanuary2013

Thistestisdesignedtomeasurewhetherornotanexamineehastherequisiteknowledgerequiredofentrylevelphysicaltherapistpractitioners.Thefocusisontheclinical
applicationofknowledge,concepts,andprinciplesnecessaryfortheprovisionofsafeandeffectivepatientcare.Provisionofsafepatientcareincludesconsiderationofcurrent
bestevidencefromclinicallyrelevantresearchregardingthesafetyandefficacyoftherapeutic,rehabilitative,andpreventivephysicaltherapyservices.

Cardiovascular/
Pulmonary&
Lymphatic
Systems
16.5%
Target
(Acceptable
Range)

Musculo
skeletal
System
30.5%
Target
(Acceptable
Range)
Neuro
muscular&
Nervous
Systems
25.0%
Target
(Acceptable
Range)
OtherSystems(15.5%)

#
Items
Target
(Acceptable
Range)
Integu
mentary
System
5.0%
Target
(Acceptable
Range)
Metabolic&
Endocrine
Systems
3.5%
Target
(Acceptable
Range)
Gastro
intestinal
System
1.5%
Target
(Acceptable
Range)
Genito
urinary
System
2.0%
Target
(Acceptable
Range)
System
Interactions
3.5%
Target
(Acceptable
Range)
PhysicalTherapyExamination
(26.5%) 53(5056) 10(910) 22(2123) 17(1617) 3(34) 0 0 1(12) 0
FoundationsforEvaluation,
DifferentialDiagnosis,&
Prognosis(32.5%) 65(6070) 12(1113) 18(1718) 15(1516) 4(34) 5(56) 2(23) 2(12) 7(68)
Interventions(28.5%) 57(5664) 11(1112) 21(2122) 18(1719) 3(34) 2(23) 1(12) 1(12) 0

33(3235) 61(5963) 50(4852) 31(2840)

NonSystemDomains(12.5%)

Equipment&Devices;Therapeutic
Modalities(6.0%)
12
(1114)

Equipment&Devices
5
(56)

TherapeuticModalities
7
(68)

Safety&Protection;Professional
Responsibilities;Research(6.5%)
13
(1114)

Safety&Protection
5
(45)

Professional
Responsibilities
4
(34)

Research&Evidence
BasedPractice
4
(45)

Total 200

NPTE-PT Test Content Outline, effective January 2013 Copyright 2012, Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
Notethatthisblueprintcoversimportantentrylevelknowledgeareasthatarereasonablytestedusingwell
constructedmultiplechoiceitems;someimportantareasareexcludedbecausetheycannotbeadequately
assessedinamultiplechoiceformat,arebetterassessedthroughotherelementsofthelicensingprocess,arenot
specifictothescopeofpracticeofphysicaltherapists,orassessstandardsthatmightvarysubstantiallyacross
situationsorpracticelocations.Inaddition,someimportantknowledgeareasthatarenotlinkedtospecificbody
systemsandarenotexplicitlymentionedinthecontentoutline(e.g.,communicationsskills,teachingandlearning
techniques)areencompassedbymultipleknowledgeareasthatareincludedinthecontentoutlineandare
representedintestcontenttoagreaterextentthanisapparentfromthisoutline.Feedbackonthecandidates
performancewillbeprovidedforeachknowledgeareashowninboldfacetype.Percentagesreflecttherelative
weightswithinknowledgeareas.

NPTE-PT Test Content Outline, effective January 2013

2
NPTEPTTestContentOutline
(ListView)

DomainsofPractice(OrganizedbyContentAreas)
#Items
Target(Acceptable
Range)
PhysicalTherapyExamination
53
(5056)
Cardiovascular/Pulmonary&Lymphatic
Systems 10(910)
MusculoskeletalSystem 22(2123)
Neuromuscular&NervousSystems 17(1617)
IntegumentarySystem 3(34)
GenitourinarySystem 1(12)
FoundationsforEvaluation,Differential
Diagnosis,&Prognosis
65
(6070)
Cardiovascular/Pulmonary&Lymphatic
Systems 12(1113)
MusculoskeletalSystem 18(1718)
Neuromuscular&NervousSystems 15(1516)
IntegumentarySystem 4(34)
Metabolic&EndocrineSystems 5(56)
GastrointestinalSystem 2(23)
GenitourinarySystem 2(12)
SystemInteractions 7(68)
Interventions
57
(5664)
Cardiovascular/Pulmonary&Lymphatic
Systems 11(1112)
MusculoskeletalSystem 21(2122)
Neuromuscular&NervousSystems 18(1719)

NPTE-PT Test Content Outline, effective January 2013

3
DomainsofPractice(OrganizedbyContentAreas)
#Items
Target(Acceptable
Range)
Interventions(continued)
IntegumentarySystem 3(34)
Metabolic&EndocrineSystems 2(23)
GastrointestinalSystem 1(12)
GenitourinarySystem 1(12)
Equipment&Devices;TherapeuticModalities
12
(1114)
Equipment&Devices 5(56)
TherapeuticModalities 7(68)
Safety&Protection;ProfessionalResponsibilities;
Research
13
(1114)
Safety&Protection 5(45)
ProfessionalResponsibilities 4(34)
Research&EvidenceBasedPractice 4(45)

DomainsofPractice(OrganizedbySystems)
#ItemsTarget
(AcceptableRange)
Cardiovascular/Pulmonary&LymphaticSystems
33
(3235)
MusculoskeletalSystem
61
(5963)
Neuromuscular&NervousSystems
50
(4852)
OtherSystems(Integumentary,Metabolic&
EndocrineSystems,GastrointestinalSystem,
GenitourinarySystem,SystemInteractions)
31
(2840)

NPTE-PT Test Content Outline, effective January 2013

4
PHYSICALTHERAPIST
LICENSUREEXAMINATION
DETAILEDEXAMINATIONBLUEPRINTDESCRIPTIONS

CARDIOVASCULAR/PULMONARY&LYMPHATICSYSTEMS

PhysicalTherapyExamination.Thiscategoryreferstoknowledgeofthetypesandapplicationsof
cardiovascular/pulmonaryandlymphaticsystemstests/measures,includingoutcomemeasures,
accordingtocurrentbestevidence,andtheirrelevancetoinformationcollectedfromthehistoryand
systemsreview.Thecategoryincludesthereactionofthecardiovascular/pulmonaryandlymphatic
systemstotests/measuresandthemechanicsofbodymovementasrelatedtothe
cardiovascular/pulmonaryandlymphaticsystems.Informationcoveredintheseareassupports
appropriateandeffectivepatient/clientmanagementforrehabilitation,healthpromotion,and
performanceacrossthelifespan.
Cardiovascular/pulmonarysystemstests/measures,includingoutcomemeasures,andtheir
applicationsaccordingtocurrentbestevidence
Anatomyandphysiologyofthecardiovascular/pulmonarysystemsasrelatedto
tests/measures
Movementanalysisasrelatedtothecardiovascular/pulmonarysystems(e.g.,ribcage
excursion)

FoundationsforEvaluation,DifferentialDiagnosis,&Prognosis.Thiscategoryreferstothe
interpretationofknowledgeaboutdiseases/conditionsofthecardiovascular/pulmonaryandlymphatic
systemsaccordingtocurrentbestevidence,inordertoensureappropriateandeffectivepatient/client
treatmentandmanagementdecisionsforrehabilitation,healthpromotion,andperformanceacrossthe
lifespan.
Differentialdiagnosesrelatedtodiseases/conditionsofthecardiovascular/pulmonary
systems
Differentialdiagnosesrelatedtodiseases/conditionsofthelymphaticsystem
Cardiovascular/pulmonarysystemsdiseases/conditionsandtheirpathophysiologyto
establishandcarryoutaplanofcare,includingprognosis
Lymphaticsystemdiseases/conditionsandtheirpathophysiologytoestablishandcarryout
aplanofcare,includingprognosis
Nonpharmacologicalmedicalmanagementofthecardiovascular/pulmonarysystems(e.g.,
diagnosticimaging,laboratorytestvalues,othermedicaltests,surgicalprocedures)
Pharmacologicalmanagementofthecardiovascular/pulmonarysystems
Nonpharmacologicalmedicalmanagementofthelymphaticsystem(e.g.,diagnostic
imaging,laboratorytestvalues,othermedicaltests,surgicalprocedures)

Interventions.Thiscategoryreferstocardiovascular/pulmonaryandlymphaticsystemsinterventions
(includingtypes,applications,responses,andpotentialcomplications)accordingtocurrentbest
evidence,aswellastheimpactonthecardiovascular/pulmonaryandlymphaticsystemsofinterventions
performedonothersystemsinordertosupportpatient/clientmanagementforrehabilitation,health
promotion,andperformanceacrossthelifespan.

NPTE-PT Test Content Outline, effective January 2013

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Cardiovascular/pulmonarysystemsphysicaltherapyinterventionsandtheirapplicationsfor
rehabilitation,healthpromotion,andperformanceaccordingtocurrentbestevidence
Anatomyandphysiologyofthecardiovascular/pulmonarysystemsasrelatedtophysical
therapyinterventions,dailyactivities,andenvironmentalfactors
Secondaryeffectsorcomplicationsfromphysicaltherapyandmedicalinterventionsonthe
cardiovascular/pulmonarysystems
Secondaryeffectsorcomplicationsonthecardiovascular/pulmonarysystemsfromphysical
therapyandmedicalinterventionsusedonothersystems
Lymphaticsystemphysicaltherapyinterventionsandtheirapplicationsforrehabilitation,
healthpromotion,andperformanceaccordingtocurrentbestevidence
Anatomyandphysiologyofthelymphaticsystemasrelatedtophysicaltherapy
interventions,dailyactivities,andenvironmentalfactors
Secondaryeffectsorcomplicationsfromphysicaltherapyandmedicalinterventionsonthe
lymphaticsystem
Secondaryeffectsorcomplicationsonthelymphaticsystemfromphysicaltherapyand
medicalinterventionsusedonothersystems

NPTE-PT Test Content Outline, effective January 2013

6
MUSCULOSKELETALSYSTEM

PhysicalTherapyExamination.Thiscategoryreferstoknowledgeofthetypesandapplicationsof
musculoskeletalsystemtests/measures,includingoutcomemeasures,accordingtocurrentbest
evidence,andtheirrelevancetoinformationcollectedfromthehistoryandsystemsreview.The
categoryincludesthereactionofthemusculoskeletalsystemtotests/measuresandthemechanicsof
bodymovementasrelatedtothemusculoskeletalsystem.Informationcoveredintheseareassupports
appropriateandeffectivepatient/clientmanagementforrehabilitation,healthpromotion,and
performanceacrossthelifespan.
Musculoskeletalsystemtests/measures,includingoutcomemeasures,andtheir
applicationsaccordingtocurrentbestevidence
Anatomyandphysiologyofthemusculoskeletalsystemasrelatedtotests/measures
Movementanalysisasrelatedtothemusculoskeletalsystem
Jointbiomechanicsandtheirapplications
Physicaltherapyultrasoundimagingofthemusculoskeletalsystem

FoundationsforEvaluation,DifferentialDiagnosis,&Prognosis.Thiscategoryreferstothe
interpretationofknowledgeaboutdiseases/conditionsofthemusculoskeletalsystem,accordingto
currentbestevidence,inordertoensureappropriateandeffectivepatient/clienttreatmentand
managementdecisionsforrehabilitation,healthpromotion,andperformanceacrossthelifespan.
Differentialdiagnosesrelatedtodiseases/conditionsofthemuscularandskeletalsystems
Differentialdiagnosesrelatedtodiseases/conditionsoftheconnectivetissue
Muscularandskeletaldiseases/conditionsandtheirpathophysiologytoestablishandcarry
outaplanofcare,includingprognosis
Connectivetissuediseases/conditionsandtheirpathophysiologytoestablishandcarryouta
planofcare,includingprognosis
Nonpharmacologicalmedicalmanagementofthemusculoskeletalsystem(e.g.,diagnostic
imaging,laboratorytestvalues,othermedicaltests,surgicalprocedures)
Pharmacologicalmanagementofthemusculoskeletalsystem

Interventions.Thiscategoryreferstomusculoskeletalsysteminterventions(includingtypes,
applications,responses,andpotentialcomplications),accordingtocurrentbestevidence,aswellasthe
impactonthemusculoskeletalsystemofinterventionsperformedonothersystemsinordertosupport
patient/clientmanagementforrehabilitation,healthpromotion,andperformanceacrossthelifespan.
Musculoskeletalsystemphysicaltherapyinterventionsandtheirapplicationsfor
rehabilitation,healthpromotion,andperformanceaccordingtocurrentbestevidence
Anatomyandphysiologyofthemusculoskeletalsystemasrelatedtophysicaltherapy
interventions,dailyactivities,andenvironmentalfactors
Secondaryeffectsorcomplicationsfromphysicaltherapyandmedicalinterventionsonthe
musculoskeletalsystem
Secondaryeffectsorcomplicationsonthemusculoskeletalsystemfromphysicaltherapy
andmedicalinterventionsusedonothersystems

NPTE-PT Test Content Outline, effective January 2013

7
NEUROMUSCULAR&NERVOUSSYSTEMS

PhysicalTherapyExamination.Thiscategoryreferstoknowledgeofthetypesandapplicationsof
neuromuscular/nervoussystemstests/measures,includingoutcomemeasures,accordingtocurrent
bestevidence,andtheirrelevancetoinformationcollectedfromthehistoryandsystemsreview.The
categoryincludesthereactionoftheneuromuscular/nervoussystemstotests/measuresandthe
mechanicsofbodymovementasrelatedtotheneuromuscular/nervoussystems.Informationcoveredin
theseareassupportsappropriateandeffectivepatient/clientmanagementforrehabilitation,health
promotion,andperformanceacrossthelifespan.
Neuromuscular/nervoussystemstests/measures,includingoutcomemeasures,andtheir
applicationsaccordingtocurrentbestevidence
Anatomyandphysiologyoftheneuromuscular/nervoussystemsasrelatedto
tests/measures
Movementanalysisasrelatedtotheneuromuscular/nervoussystems

FoundationsforEvaluation,DifferentialDiagnosis,&Prognosis.Thiscategoryreferstothe
interpretationofknowledgeaboutdiseases/conditionsoftheneuromuscular/nervoussystems,
accordingtocurrentbestevidence,inordertoensureappropriateandeffectivepatient/client
treatmentandmanagementdecisionsforrehabilitation,healthpromotion,andperformanceacrossthe
lifespan.
Differentialdiagnosesrelatedtodiseases/conditionsoftheneuromuscular/nervoussystems
(CNS,PNS,ANS)
Neuromuscular/nervoussystems(CNS,PNS,ANS)diseases/conditionsandtheir
pathophysiologytoestablishandcarryoutaplanofcare,includingprognosis
Nonpharmacologicalmedicalmanagementoftheneuromuscular/nervoussystems(e.g.,
diagnosticimaging,laboratorytestvalues,othermedicaltests,surgicalprocedures)
Pharmacologicalmanagementoftheneuromuscular/nervoussystems

Interventions.Thiscategoryreferstoneuromuscular/nervoussystemsinterventions(includingtypes,
applications,responses,andpotentialcomplications),accordingtocurrentbestevidence,aswellasthe
impactontheneuromuscular/nervoussystemsofinterventionsperformedonothersystemsinorderto
supportpatient/clientmanagementforrehabilitation,healthpromotion,andperformanceacrossthe
lifespan.
Neuromuscular/nervoussystemsphysicaltherapyinterventionsandtheirapplicationsfor
rehabilitation,healthpromotion,andperformanceaccordingtocurrentbestevidence
Anatomyandphysiologyoftheneuromuscular/nervoussystemsasrelatedtophysical
therapyinterventions,dailyactivities,andenvironmentalfactors
Secondaryeffectsorcomplicationsfromphysicaltherapyandmedicalinterventionsonthe
neuromuscular/nervoussystems
Secondaryeffectsorcomplicationsontheneuromuscular/nervoussystemsfromphysical
therapyandmedicalinterventionsusedonothersystems
Motorcontrolasrelatedtoneuromuscular/nervoussystemsphysicaltherapyinterventions
Motorlearningasrelatedtoneuromuscular/nervoussystemsphysicaltherapyinterventions

NPTE-PT Test Content Outline, effective January 2013

8
INTEGUMENTARYSYSTEM

PhysicalTherapyExamination.Thiscategoryreferstoknowledgeofthetypesandapplicationsof
integumentarysystemtests/measures,includingoutcomemeasures,accordingtocurrentbest
evidence,andtheirrelevancetoinformationcollectedfromthehistoryandsystemsreview.The
categoryincludesthereactionoftheintegumentarysystemtotests/measuresandthemechanicsof
bodymovementasrelatedtotheintegumentarysystem.Informationcoveredintheseareassupports
appropriateandeffectivepatient/clientmanagementforrehabilitation,healthpromotion,and
performanceacrossthelifespan.
Integumentarysystemtests/measures,includingoutcomemeasures,andtheirapplications
accordingtocurrentbestevidence
Anatomyandphysiologyoftheintegumentarysystemasrelatedtotests/measures
Movementanalysisasrelatedtotheintegumentarysystem(e.g.,friction,shear,pressure,
andscarmobility)

FoundationsforEvaluation,DifferentialDiagnosis,&Prognosis.Thiscategoryreferstothe
interpretationofknowledgeaboutdiseases/conditionsoftheintegumentarysystem,accordingto
currentbestevidence,inordertoensureappropriateandeffectivepatient/clienttreatmentand
managementdecisionsforrehabilitation,healthpromotion,andperformanceacrossthelifespan.
Differentialdiagnosesrelatedtodiseases/conditionsoftheintegumentarysystem
Integumentarysystemdiseases/conditionsandtheirpathophysiologytoestablishandcarry
outaplanofcare,includingprognosis
Nonpharmacologicalmedicalmanagementoftheintegumentarysystem(e.g.,diagnostic
imaging,laboratorytestvalues,othermedicaltests,surgicalprocedures)
Pharmacologicalmanagementoftheintegumentarysystem

Interventions.Thiscategoryreferstointegumentarysysteminterventions(includingtypes,applications,
responses,andpotentialcomplications),accordingtocurrentbestevidence,aswellastheimpacton
theintegumentarysystemofinterventionsperformedonothersystemsinordertosupport
patient/clientmanagementforrehabilitation,healthpromotion,andperformanceacrossthelifespan.
Integumentarysystemphysicaltherapyinterventionsandtheirapplicationsfor
rehabilitation,healthpromotion,andperformanceaccordingtocurrentbestevidence
Anatomyandphysiologyoftheintegumentarysystemasrelatedtophysicaltherapy
interventions,dailyactivities,andenvironmentalfactors
Secondaryeffectsorcomplicationsfromphysicaltherapyandmedicalinterventionsonthe
integumentarysystem
Secondaryeffectsorcomplicationsontheintegumentarysystemfromphysicaltherapyand
medicalinterventionsusedonothersystems

NPTE-PT Test Content Outline, effective January 2013

9
METABOLIC&ENDOCRINESYSTEMS

FoundationsforEvaluation,DifferentialDiagnosis,&Prognosis.Thiscategoryreferstothe
interpretationofknowledgeaboutdiseases/conditionsofthemetabolicandendocrinesystems,
accordingtobestcurrentevidence,inordertoensureappropriateandeffectivepatient/client
treatmentandmanagementdecisionsforrehabilitation,healthpromotion,andperformanceacrossthe
lifespan.
Differentialdiagnosesrelatedtodiseases/conditionsofthemetabolicandendocrine
systems
Metabolicandendocrinesystemsdiseases/conditionsandtheirpathophysiologyto
establishandcarryoutaplanofcare,includingprognosis
Nonpharmacologicalmedicalmanagementofthemetabolicandendocrinesystems(e.g.,
diagnosticimaging,laboratorytestvalues,othermedicaltests,surgicalprocedures)
Pharmacologicalmanagementofthemetabolicandendocrinesystems

Interventions.Thiscategoryreferstometabolicandendocrinesystemsinterventions(includingtypes,
applications,responses,andpotentialcomplications),accordingtocurrentbestevidence,aswellasthe
impactonthemetabolicandendocrinesystemsofinterventionsperformedonothersystemsinorder
tosupportpatient/clientmanagementforrehabilitation,healthpromotion,andperformanceacrossthe
lifespan.
Metabolicandendocrinesystemsphysicaltherapyinterventionsandtheirapplicationsfor
rehabilitation,healthpromotion,andperformanceaccordingtocurrentbestevidence
Anatomyandphysiologyofthemetabolicandendocrinesystemsasrelatedtophysical
therapyinterventions,dailyactivities,andenvironmentalfactors
Secondaryeffectsorcomplicationsfromphysicaltherapyandmedicalinterventionsonthe
metabolicandendocrinesystems
Secondaryeffectsorcomplicationsonthemetabolicandendocrinesystemsfromphysical
therapyandmedicalinterventionsusedonothersystems

NPTE-PT Test Content Outline, effective January 2013

10
GASTROINTESTINALSYSTEM

FoundationsforEvaluation,DifferentialDiagnosis,&Prognosis.Thiscategoryreferstothe
interpretationofknowledgeaboutdiseases/conditionsofthegastrointestinalsystem,accordingto
currentbestevidence,inordertoensureappropriateandeffectivepatient/clienttreatmentand
managementdecisionsforrehabilitation,healthpromotion,andperformanceacrossthelifespan.
Gastrointestinalsystemdiseases/conditionsandtheirpathophysiologytoestablishand
carryoutaplanofcare,includingprognosis
Differentialdiagnosesrelatedtodiseases/conditionsofthegastrointestinalsystem
Nonpharmacologicalmedicalmanagementofthegastrointestinalsystem(e.g.,diagnostic
imaging,laboratorytestvalues,othermedicaltests,surgicalprocedures)
Pharmacologicalmanagementofthegastrointestinalsystem

Interventions.Thiscategoryreferstogastrointestinalsysteminterventions(includingtypes,
applications,responses,andpotentialcomplications),accordingtocurrentbestevidence,aswellasthe
impactonthegastrointestinalsystemofinterventionsperformedonothersystemsinordertosupport
patient/clientmanagementforrehabilitation,healthpromotion,andperformanceacrossthelifespan.
Gastrointestinalsystemphysicaltherapyinterventionsandtheirapplicationsfor
rehabilitationandhealthpromotionaccordingtocurrentbestevidence(e.g.,positioningfor
refluxprevention,bowelprograms)
Anatomyandphysiologyofthegastrointestinalsystemasrelatedtophysicaltherapy
interventions,dailyactivities,andenvironmentalfactors
Secondaryeffectsorcomplicationsfromphysicaltherapyandmedicalinterventionsonthe
gastrointestinalsystem
Secondaryeffectsorcomplicationsonthegastrointestinalsystemfromphysicaltherapyand
medicalinterventionsusedonothersystems

NPTE-PT Test Content Outline, effective January 2013

11
GENITOURINARYSYSTEM

PhysicalTherapyExamination.Thiscategoryreferstoknowledgeofthetypesandapplicationsof
genitourinarysystemtests/measures,includingoutcomemeasures,accordingtocurrentbestevidence,
andtheirrelevancetoinformationcollectedfromthehistoryandsystemsreview.Thecategoryincludes
thereactionofthegenitourinarysystemtotests/measuresandthemechanicsofbodymovementas
relatedtothegenitourinarysystem.Informationcoveredintheseareassupportsappropriateand
effectivepatient/clientmanagementforrehabilitation,healthpromotion,andperformanceacrossthe
lifespan.
Genitourinarysystemtests/measures,includingoutcomemeasures,andtheirapplications
accordingtocurrentbestevidence
Anatomyandphysiologyofthegenitourinarysystemasrelatedtotests/measures
Physiologicalresponseofthegenitourinarysystemtovarioustypesoftests/measures

FoundationsforEvaluation,DifferentialDiagnosis,&Prognosis.Thiscategoryreferstothe
interpretationofknowledgeaboutdiseases/conditionsofthegenitourinarysystem,accordingtocurrent
bestevidence,inordertoensureappropriateandeffectivepatient/clienttreatmentandmanagement
decisionsforrehabilitation,healthpromotion,andperformanceacrossthelifespan.
Differentialdiagnosesrelatedtodiseases/conditionsofthegenitourinarysystem
Genitourinarysystemdiseases/conditionsandtheirpathophysiologytoestablishandcarry
outaplanofcare,includingprognosis
Nonpharmacologicalmedicalmanagementofthegenitourinarysystem(e.g.,diagnostic
imaging,laboratorytestvalues,othermedicaltests,surgicalprocedures)
Pharmacologicalmanagementofthegenitourinarysystem

Interventions.Thiscategoryreferstogenitourinarysysteminterventions(includingtypes,applications,
responses,andpotentialcomplications),accordingtocurrentbestevidence,aswellastheimpacton
thegenitourinarysystemofinterventionsperformedonothersystemsinordertosupportpatient/client
managementforrehabilitation,healthpromotion,andperformanceacrossthelifespan.
Genitourinarysystemphysicaltherapyinterventionsandtheirapplicationsforrehabilitation
andhealthpromotionaccordingtocurrentbestevidence(e.g.,bladderprograms,
biofeedback,pelvicfloorretraining)
Anatomyandphysiologyofthegenitourinarysystemasrelatedtophysicaltherapy
interventions,dailyactivities,andenvironmentalfactors
Secondaryeffectsorcomplicationsfromphysicaltherapyandmedicalinterventionsonthe
genitourinarysystem
Secondaryeffectsorcomplicationsonthegenitourinarysystemfromphysicaltherapyand
medicalinterventionsusedonothersystems

NPTE-PT Test Content Outline, effective January 2013

12
SYSTEMINTERACTIONS

FoundationsforEvaluation,DifferentialDiagnosis,&Prognosis.Thiscategoryreferstothe
interpretationofknowledgeaboutsysteminteractions,accordingtocurrentbestevidence,inorderto
ensureappropriateandeffectivepatient/clienttreatmentandmanagementdecisionsforrehabilitation,
healthpromotion,andperformanceacrossthelifespan.
Differentialdiagnosesrelatedtodiseases/conditionswheretheprimaryimpactisonmore
thanonesystem
Diseases/conditionswheretheprimaryimpactisonmorethanonesystemtoestablishand
carryoutaplanofcare,includingprognosis
Impactofcomorbidities/coexistingconditionsonpatient/clientmanagement(e.g.,diabetes
andhypertension,obesityandarthritis,hipfractureanddementia)
Psychologicalandpsychiatricconditionsthatimpactpatient/clientmanagement(e.g.,
depression,schizophrenia)
Nonpharmacologicalmedicalmanagementofmultiplesystems(e.g.,diagnosticimagingand
othermedicaltests,surgicalprocedures)
Pharmacologicalmanagementofmultiplesystems,includingpolypharmacy

EQUIPMENTANDDEVICES

Thiscategoryreferstothedifferenttypesofequipmentanddevices,userequirements,and/or
contextualdeterminants,aswellasanyotherinfluencingfactorsinvolvedintheselectionand
applicationofequipmentanddevices,includingconsiderationofcurrentbestevidence,inorderto
supportpatient/clienttreatmentandmanagementdecisionsforrehabilitation,healthpromotion,and
performanceacrossthelifespan.
Assistiveandadaptivedevices
Prostheticdevices
Protective,supportive,andorthoticdevices

THERAPEUTICMODALITIES

Thiscategoryreferstotheunderlyingprinciplesfortheuseoftherapeuticmodalitiesaswellasthe
justificationfortheselectionanduseofvarioustypesoftherapeuticmodalities,includingconsideration
ofcurrentbestevidence,inordertosupportpatient/clienttreatmentandmanagementdecisionsfor
rehabilitation,healthpromotion,andperformanceacrossthelifespan.
Thermalmodalities
Iontophoresis
Electrotherapymodalities,excludingiontophoresis
Phonophoresis
Ultrasoundmodalities,excludingphonophoresis
Mechanicalmodalities(e.g.,mechanicalmotiondevices,tractiondevices)
Biofeedback
Electromagneticradiation(e.g.,diathermy)
Pneumaticcompressionmodalities

SAFETY&PROTECTION

NPTE-PT Test Content Outline, effective January 2013

13

Thiscategoryreferstothecriticalissuesinvolvedinpatient/clientsafetyandprotectionandthe
responsibilitiesofhealthcareproviderstoensurethatpatient/clientmanagementandhealthcare
decisionstakeplaceinasecureenvironment.
Factorsinfluencingsafetyandinjuryprevention
Function,implications,andprecautionsrelatedtointravenouslines,tubes,catheters,and
monitoringdevices
Emergencypreparedness(e.g.,CPR,firstaid,disasterresponse)
Infectioncontrolprocedures(e.g.,standard/universalprecautions,isolationtechniques,
steriletechnique)
Signs/symptomsofphysical,sexual,andpsychologicalabuseandneglect

PROFESSIONALRESPONSIBILITIES

Thiscategoryreferstotheresponsibilitiesofhealthcareproviderstoensurethatpatient/client
managementandhealthcaredecisionstakeplaceinatrustworthyenvironment.
Standardsofdocumentation
Patient/clientrights(e.g.,ADA,IDEA,HIPAA)
Humanresourcelegalissues(e.g.,OSHA,sexualharassment)
Rolesandresponsibilitiesofphysicaltherapistassistantsinrelationtophysicaltherapists
andotherhealthcareprofessionals
Rolesandresponsibilitiesofotherhealthcareprofessionalsandsupportstaff

RESEARCH&EVIDENCEBASEDPRACTICE

Thiscategoryreferstotheapplicationofmeasurementprinciplesandresearchmethodstomake
reasonedandappropriateassessmentandtotheinterpretationofinformationsourcesandpractice
researchtosupportpatient/clientmanagementdecisionsfundamentaltoevidencebasedpractice.
Researchdesignandinterpretation(e.g.,qualitative,quantitative,hierarchyofevidence)
Measurementscience(e.g.,reliability,validity)
Statistics(e.g.,ttest,chisquare,correlationcoefficient,ANOVA,likelihoodratio)
Datacollectiontechniques(e.g.,surveys,directobservation)