Following are resource lists that reflect current literature in advanced physical therapy specialty areas. Lists are provided by APTA sections. Please contact the APTA section in your specialty area for information on the availability of continuing education courses and review courses that cover advanced specialty practice. Not all specialty sections offer review courses. ABPTS and specialty councils do not review or endorse any preparation materials or courses. In addition, reviewing these materials does not guarantee that candidates will receive a passing score on the specialist certification exam.
General Resources
Finding Information in Physical Therapy Literature
Studying for Certification Examinations
Articles of Interest
- "An assortment of learning styles," Chronicle of Higher Education (8 January 2010): A8; published online 15 December 2009.
- Belluck, P. "Take a test to really learn, research suggests," New York Times, January 21, 2011: A14.
- Pashler, Harold; McDaniel, Mark; Rohrer, Doug; & Bjork, Robert (2009), "Learning styles: Concepts and evidence," Psychological Science in the Public Interest 9(3): 105–119.
- Smith LC. The decision to specialize: Accounts of nine board-certified specialists, PT Magazine, 2001: 9(6): 52-59.
Nine specialists share their personal experience and offer encouragement and advice for those who are considering specialist certification, including how to study for the exams.
Helpful Websites
Area Specific Information
Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy
Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Section (APTA)
c/o Specialist Certification Program
1111 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-1488
800/999-2782, ext 8520
FAX: 703/706-8186
Price: Free
Clinical Electrophysiologic Physical Therapy
Clinical Electrophysiologic Section (APTA)
c/o Specialist Certification Progam
Alexandria, VA 22314-1488
800/999-2782, ext 8520
FAX: 703/706-8186
Price: Free
Geriatric Physical Therapy
Section on Geriatrics
Karen Oshman, CAE
3510 East Washington Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
Phone: 866/586-8247
FAX: 608/221-9697
E-mail: karen.oshman@geriatricspt.org
Web site: www.geriatricspt.org
Neurologic Physical Therapy
Neurology Section
Sandy Rossi
PO Box 327
Alexandria, VA 22313-0327
Phone: 703/ 706-3237
FAX: 703/706-8578
E-mail: neuro@apta.org
Web site: www.neuropt.org
Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Section (APTA)
Attention: Terri DeFlorian
2920 East Avenue South
La Crosse, WI 54601-8231
800/444-3982, ext 204
Fax: 608/788-3965
E-mail: tdeflorian@orthopt.org
Web site: www.orthopt.org
Pediatric Physical Therapy
Section on Pediatrics (APTA)
1111 N Fairfax St
Alexandria, VA 22314
FAX - 703/706-8575
E-mail: pediatrics@apta.org
Web site: www.pediatricapta.org
PCS Exam Resources document available through the Section's Online Store
Sports Physical Therapy
Sports Physical Therapy Section (APTA)
9002 North Meridian
Suite 112A
Indianapolis, IN 46260
877/732-5009
E-mail: tjackson@spts.org
Sports Section Member Price: Free
Sports Section Nonmembers: $5
Women's Health Physical Therapy
Women's Health Physical Therapy Section (APTA)
Attention: Kathie St. Clair
1111 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
800/999-2782, ext 3229
Fax: 703/706-8575
E-mail: SOWH@apta.org
Web site: www.womenshealthapta.org
Women's Health Section Member Price: Free
Women's Health Section Nonmembers: $25