Therapywizards first e-book!

This e-book is based on the writer's knowledge and opinion and

should not be taken as is. Try to filter what you think is right. Anyway,
it's written in a layman's format.
You can use this as a guide in your studies. ('Kinda contradicting,
huh?)
But don't sell it. This is free!
I know there is an entrepreneur in the heart of everyone. But try to
hold 'em back. (Down boy!)
If you have questions why I'm doing this, I don't have the slightest
idea.
Pls. pardon any grammatical or spelling errors. I'm not perfect. Not a
professional writer. Just an ordinary licensed Physical therapist who
scored 86% in the NPTE. Wait a minute, is it 84% or 86%?
Anyway, it's not that important.
I know, I know, some of you got higher than that. Then, why are you
reading this? Just kidding.
Read and enjoy!

NPTE e-book: Chapter 1-Q&A

To be a PT? Or not to be a PT? That's the question that most
students ask after failing 3-4 times!
Why do students fail? Is it the book's fault? Is it the parents fault?
Could it be genetic? I guess there are a lot of question, but few
answers.
From what I've seen in the past, students tend to rely on fellow
students to encourage themselves in studying for the dreaded exam.
Some have opted to go for the recalled questions, blindly following
other test-takers' understanding of the question.
Some students read a lot of books to overloading their brains
with useless information. I say useless because it does not exactly
appear in the NPTE! The exam does not ask for," What chapter in the
book did you read?" It does not ask for "the exact origin nor insertion
of...." So, are you still with me?
NPTE questions are more clinical than objective. It also takes
good test-taking skills to pass. The more questions you know and
understand, the more efficient you are in answering the questions.
Efficient? (Did I get the spelling right?) Yeah, efficient! There's a
difference between being effective and efficient. For those who are
not aware, effective means doing the right thing. Like studying for the
exam, taking vitamins, enough sleep, no gimmicks, setting priorities,
etc. Efficient means doing things right. E.g. No recalled questions,
answering a lot of questions and knowing the rationale, etc.
I'm not saying that you just study the question; of course you still
have to read selected topics. 5-6 years in college ought to teach the
tricks of the trade. If you don't know it yet, that's a problem! But it's
not too late. There is still time! You'll just have to get things right this
time. Later, I'll go into details with you to set things right.
I guess to answer the question above, the point that you
graduated after years of studying, means that you are already good.
NPTE just wanted to test if you're good enough to practice as a
licensed Physical therapist. Don't give up! I know it's depressing. But
the more you procrastinate, the more you forget what you've built in
your noodles!
So, read on. I hope this e-book will help you a lot.

Chapter 2: How to start?

When I was studying for the NPTE, my son was about 7 months
old, crawling like a worm, and crying like a banshee. And then I heard
my wife calling me because she'll be late for work. I have to drive her
back and forth. I was having the hardest time to remember what I've
read. I can't concentrate!
So, what did I do? I fed him well and played with him. So, after
exhausting his energy, he slept! And I drove my wife to work.
Problem 1 solved. Problem 2: I'm also tired and I have to take a
nap too.
Does this ring a bell to some?
I guess I have reason not study, huh? But I also have reasons to
study. And that is, my wife is the only one working. I look like a bum. I
don't feel people respecting me. I'm ashamed to go to gatherings
because they'll ask me about my job which I don't have. That's why I
studied!
So, to get things started, set your goals first! And that's the
NPTE! I want to be a registered PT! Say it! Say it loud! Say it louder
until your roommate thinks you've gone crazy. Ahem, paging Dr.
Phil!!!
You need to have a reason to pass. And that will motivate you!
One student, whom I've studied with, told me that he failed 4
times already. I was surprised the first time I've heard about this. But I
finally accepted that it happens.
His reason, he's working in an outpatient facility and don't have
time to pass the exam. I don't know what he's position is, but it's not
good for his study routine.
If you're working and don't have the option to fail. Then, let it be
your motivation to pass. If you need money and the time to study, I
can't help you with that. But you can plan your day. Plan ahead of
time!
The other student, whom I've talked to, has a different problem.
He's got a financer! He's filthy rich! And don't even get me started
with it!
He didn't have the time to study. Why? I don't know. With all his
money, he could buy himself a lot of time. Later, he admitted that he's
not sure if wanted to pursue his career as a PT. Are you getting what

I'm trying to point out? If you don't concentrate on one thing, you'll
jump and jump until you get burned out and not accomplish anything!
So, focus! And did I say it's my second point in getting started?
I was reading all my notes from college (I graduated 1999) to
prepare for the 2003 NPTE, when I found myself lost. I don't know
where to begin! Years have passed since I last opened my books
which were then full of dust. Cough! Cough! Cough! So, I bought
some folders. Clipped the old ones together in one file, placed the
new books on the other side of the shelf, and remodeled the bedroom
by putting a study spot with lights, etc. Basically, I tried to organize
my books, my time for my family and physical health.
After doing so, I browsed the internet for some good books. I went
to a lot of forum to find the best books or software. Guess what? I
wasn't able to find much. So, I tried searching Google, Yahoo and
Amazon. Then, I hit the jackpot! I found the best books to help me
study. Those books are now at www.therapywizards.com which I
gathered and posted in the website to help other students. I don't sell
them, the website is linked to Amazon.com and it will take you there
once you clicked the picture of the item. I guess the point here, is to
invest in books. The best investment that your parents have done is
to help you graduate. At least it's true to most of us. Now, the best
investment you're going to make is spending your hard-earned
money in books or software. If you don't have the money, you'll have
to go to the library. If you don't have it in your library, you'll just have
to buy 'em. You don't have to buy new. However, the difference
between new and used books is minimal. So, it's up to you.
I recommend, but I'm not endorsing, the following books for
those people whose been asking me a lot:
NPTE study guide by Sullivan (can be purchased at therapyed.com),
Giles test master, PEAT, Meyer's questions, Physical therapy board
review by Michael Dunaway--one of the best in Q&A, Orthopedic
secrets for reference, Therapeutic exercises by Kisner-- also, for
reference. Giles test master is a compilation of the hardest questions
from the other books by the same author. So, if you can answer it
well, then, that's a good sign.

When you buy books, don't buy it when you're desperate. It's like
buying groceries. Don't buy groceries when you're hungry. You will
overspend! If you failed, try to relax for a week or two. Then go back
and study again. Try to study for 3 months or more. Read the book
from therapyed.com 4-6 times until it sticks to the membrane of your
brain!
Before hitting the books, try to answer at least 100 questions
when you're starting. Just to have a baseline on where your
knowledge is. I will discuss the details on how to study the books that
I've mentioned in the next chapter.
So, there it is. It's not that hard to start, right? Yeah right.

Chapter 3: The Hardest part: Organization and Studying details

So, you're ready right? You better be, you're in chapter 3!-Nice rhyme, eh?
The first thing to do is set a time for your studies. Let's say, 6-8 hours
a day which I find okay when I'm busy with other stuff or when I just
feel lazy. Or 12 hours when I'm really into studying. You have to
divide your time. I used to be a pharmaceutical sales rep, so, I apply
what I've learned from that job to my lifestyle. Here's an example;
Today's schedule:
8-9:30-breakfast- the most important meal of the day
930-1230-study chapter 1 of Sullivan
1230-130-Lunch
130-530-study Chapter 2-3 of Sullivan
530-630-Nap
630-730-Answer 50 questions
730-830-Supper
830-1030-review the rationales. Bang
my head against the wall for wrong answers!
A week's schedule:
Monday- Sullivan 1-3
Tuesday-Sullivan 4-5
Wednesday-Sullivan 6 to end
Thursday-Recap everything
Friday-Answer Set 1 of questions
Saturday-Check rationales or gray areas in ortho-secrets/Magee

special test
Group study
Sunday-rest-Go to church and pray.
1st month's schedule:
Goal: Finish Sullivan book (Read at least 3x)
Answer all 4 sets of questions (at least 2x)
Next month:
Test taking skills with Giles test master, guide to success 1 and 2
Test taking skills with Michael Dunaway
Test taking skills with Theresa Meyer
Participate more on group study or have a study partner
Answer questions automatically during group study
Final test: PEAT
If you're not still ready:
3rd month
Read Weak areas in Sullivan: let's say,
Wheelchair and Admin
Ortho
Cardio/Pulmo
Memorize values
Understand terms and remember patterns:
SCI functional outcomes, Ortho/Prosthe problems
Now you know why you have to read Sullivan book 4-6 times. You
have to come back for specific topics every now and then.
If a question comes on your mind, look it up right away. Don't let
the wind blow it away. (Again, nice rhyme!)
Study group usually comes in the later part. When you have a
steady knowledge. You'll learn additional info from other people. But
don't panic! You don't have to know everything! They know
something, and you know most of the things. And that's all that
matters!
If you're getting 80% consistently with practice exams, your
chances are good. If not, don't be discouraged. It's only practice.

Remember to learn from your mistakes. Remember the question and

rationale! I can only say so much, but again, test-taking skills play a
big part in the NPTE. The more questions you know and understand
the better. It's like answering in the quiz bee! The more automatic and
accurate you become in answering questions, the more time you
have to go back or at least think about the harder questions. I
remember I still have and hour and half when I finished the exam.
So, I spent half hour reading the questions that I found difficult. Just
read the questions at least 3 times. Usually, you don't see it right
away, but after reading it for a few times, the answer unfolds in your
face. It's like solving a puzzle. Answer the question as if you're life
depended on it. Don't let it go! You studied for 3 months, don't waste
it!
If you're not sure with your answer, usually your first answer is
right. So, don't change your answer if you don't have a better answer
for that question. When you're done and provided you still have time,
try to count your "correct" answers. Correct meaning, answers that
you're confident to be right. Right meaning, you remember it's in the
books or it's similar to the question you've encountered before--some
of the questions are quite similar. Of course, right answers should be
80% more than wrong. Savvy?
Whatever questions you've encountered, always remember that
it's the same principle. Our profession has changed. But not that
much. The basics cannot be changed! At the same time they can only
throw so much in the pool of questions that most of em is quite
similar. I graduated 1999. In my opinion, Physical therapy principles
are still the same when I took the exam in 2003.

Chapter 4: Moment of truth

Top 10 Tips:
1. Arrive early
2. Bring at least 2 ID (passport, Green card, DL, etc)
3. Don't eat too much. You might fall asleep.
4. Pray before the exam. You prayed and cried while studying.
Make your prayer count. Ask God to help you pass the exam. Don't
ask God to help you pass when you're done! That's plain stupid.
5. Try to answer the first 20 questions accurately. Take your time. If
you can't answer it, leave it. With the proposed changes in the exam
pattern, you'll have to divide the set of 50 into sections. E.g. First 50
questions. So you don't get overwhelmed, divide it by 25 or 10. It all
depends on your comfort level. I'm comfortable answering set of 50
by dividing it by 2. So, it feels like I'm just answering 25 questions for
30 minutes.
Savvy?
6. Remember the basic principle. Like closed packed position, resting
position, etc.
It doesn't look like it's the question. But if you read it carefully, the
principle applies.
7. Don't panic. Close your eyes and breathe.
8. Don't forget your pencil and paper. Write down the amount of
correct answers and unsure answers. Count unsure answers as
incorrect. That will encourage you to answer one question at a time.
9. When you're done, go back and review your answers.
10. Go home and rest. Or watch a movie. Depending on your
personality, you can do whatever you want now. Because the waiting

time has always been hard. In Indiana, the results come out after 3
days. I'm not sure about other states. Check your state of jurisdiction
or go to https://www.fsbpt.net/pt/index.cfm and click registration
status to see if you pass or fail. It will say something like, "your score
has been sent to state of jurisdiction". But it doesn't mean you pass.
Sometimes it will just say that you failed.
So, I guess that's all I can share for now. Anyway, its just a short ebook. On my next e-book, I will discuss negotiation skills. It's as
important as passing the NPTE.
Don't forget to visit www.therapywizards.com. I would love to see a lot
of messages being posted in the website's forum. If you have
questions, drop me a line in the forum section under PT.
Author: Cowboybuboy
Ebay Id: littletyke456
Email ad: ptyugi@yahoo.com
Website: www.therapywizards.com-the best source of NPTE test prep