Introduction of the NPTAE

Lecture Objectives

By the end of the lecture each student will:

Define FBSPT TerminologyUnderstand NPTAE HistoryUnderstand NPTAE PreparationUnderstand NPTA Exam OutlineUnderstand FBSPT Grading System

NPTAE Terms

NPTAE=National Physical Therapist Assistant Exam

FSBPT =The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy

ECD=Examination Development Committee

FSBPT and NPTAE History

Since 1950 multiple PTs/PTAs have been taking a registry examination.

In the 1950 the examination was in a Paper and Pencil Mode.

Only 3 available days were available for testing throughout the year.

By 1980 the FBSPT began negotiating with the APTA and the exam got replaced and named the NPTE.

By 1990 there was a 200 question exam for PTs and a 150 question exam for PTAs.

(Cont.) FSBPT and NPTAE History

(Cont.) However, still in 1990 only 3 schedule dates were available.

By 1991 extreme changes occur: Paper pencil mode no longer available Questions on exam increased to 250 for PTs and 200

for PTAs The exam was available over 200 places The Exam was available 6 days a week.

Exam Procedures The exam is performed by volunteer PTs and

PTAsThe volunteers

Write exam questions They reference Edit Review Enhance exam items

Exam Procedures The mission of these volunteers and the FBSPT

To protect the public by providing service and leadership that promote safe and competent physical therapy practice.

How?By having PTs and PTAs perform the NPTAE

with the purpose to verify Their basic ability to entry level competence

after graduating from a accredited program from a PTA Program.

Exam Procedures Their main purpose of the NPTAE though is to provide examination services to regulatory

authorities charged with the regulation of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants

to provide a common element in the evaluation of candidates so that standards will be comparable from jurisdiction to jurisdiction

to protect the public interest in having only those persons who have the requisite knowledge of physical therapy be licensed to practice physical therapy.

National Physical Therapy Assistant

Examination (NPTAE)

This test is designed to measure whether or not an examinee has the requisite knowledge and skills required of entry-level physical therapist assistants working under the supervision of a physical therapist. The focus is on the clinical application of knowledge, concepts and principles necessary for the provision of safe and effective patient care consistent with the principles of best practice.

Percentage of Content Area Description

Clinical Application of Physical Therapy Principles & Foundational Sciences (59)

39.33% Cardiac, Vascular & Pulmonary Systems (10) Musculoskeletal System (15) Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems (14) Integumentary System (4) Other Systems – Metabolic & Endocrine,

Gastrointestinal, and Multi-System Involvement (16)

(Cont.) Percentage of Content Area Description

Data Collection/ Interventions/ Equipment & Devices; Therapeutic Modalities (72 )48%

Data Collection 23 15.33% Cardiac, Vascular & Pulmonary Systems (4) Musculoskeletal System (9) Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems (7) Integumentary System (2) Other Systems – Metabolic & Endocrine,

Gastrointestinal, and Multi-System Involvement (1)

(Cont.) Percentage of Content Area Description

Data Collection/ Interventions/ Equipment & Devices; Therapeutic Modalities 72 48%

Data Collection 23 15.33% Cardiac, Vascular & Pulmonary Systems (4) Musculoskeletal System (9) Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems (7) Integumentary System (2) Other Systems – Metabolic & Endocrine,

Gastrointestinal, and Multi-System Involvement (1)

(Cont.) Percentage of Content Area Description

Interventions 27 18.00% Cardiac, Vascular & Pulmonary Systems (5) Musculoskeletal System (8) Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems (9) Integumentary System (3) Other Systems – Metabolic & Endocrine, Gastrointestinal,

and Multi-System Involvement (2)

Equipment & Devices; Therapeutic Modalities (22) 14.67%

Equipment & Devices (9) Therapeutic Modalities (13)

(Cont.) Percentage of Content Area Description

Safety, Protection, & Professional Roles; Teaching & Learning; Evidence-Based Practice (19) 12.67%

Safety, Protection, & Professional Roles (12) Teaching & Learning (4) Evidence-Based Practice (3)

Total 150 100%

Works Cited

FSBPT. “2010 NPTE Candidate Handbook.“ 2010. 1-43. Print.

Morrison Media LLC. “NPTAE Secrets.” 2008. 1-171. Print.