If you’re a physical therapy student, you probably dread the day you’ll sit for your National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE). After spending three years in your undergraduate and doctoral programs, the last thing you need is to fail your licensure examination.
Your success in the NPTE will largely depend on how prepared you are. You will need months of hard work to ensure that a poor NPTE score doesn’t come between you and your desired career as a licensed physical therapist.
Here, we tell you what the national physical therapy exam entails and how to pass it.
What Is the NPTE?
The NPTE is an evaluation tool that licensing authorities use to gauge whether you’re ready to start practicing as a physical therapist in the U.S. The comprehensive exam tests fresh graduates in the Doctorate of Physical Therapy. The goal of the exam is to ensure that only competent practitioners join the physical therapist field.
The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) is responsible for developing and administering the NPTE. If you want to practice as a licensed physical therapist, you must pass the exam. In the NPTE, you have 250 multiple-choice questions that you’ll complete within five hours.
How to Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam
Passing the NPTE may seem like a nearly impossible task. However, many before you have aced the exam by leveraging the right tips and tricks. Some of the tips that will help you pass the NPTE on your first try include:
Create a Study Plan
The NPTE will test you on eight body systems ranging from musculoskeletal to genitourinary systems. A study plan will help you prepare to answer questions in all these areas.
Make a study calendar and dedicate particular days to every topic. The plan will help you cover the relevant content before the exam day. It will also reduce the anxiety of failing to revise crucial topics before the exam.
Don’t Focus Entirely on Memorization
NPTE questions will require you to apply what you learned in class to real-world situations. The chances are that you’ll fail if you only memorize information.
The exam, for example, will require you to apply your knowledge in evaluating, diagnosing, and determining the necessary intervention for various body systems. This means that you’ll need the knowledge you gained from various sources. These could be academic materials, case studies, or hands-on experience.
If you only memorize without understanding the concepts, you’ll not be able to answer the given questions. So, ensure that you understand all the concepts in physical therapy and the best practices to apply in different patients’ situations.
Devote More Time to What Matters Most
In the NTSE, there are three heavily tested topics or systems. These include the cardiovascular, neuromuscular, and musculoskeletal systems. These topics cover most of the foundation knowledge you’ll need in your physical therapy practice.
Although you should study all the topics, give extra attention to these three. The topics may cover 75% of the exam questions. As a result, devote an equal amount of study time to the three topics.
If you have a weakness in any of the three areas, focus more on it. However, don’t overlook the other integral topics.
Vary Your Study Materials and Learning Strategies
NPTE study materials are available in plenty. An online search will suggest hardcopy guides, apps, and online seminars to help you prepare for the NPTE.
These materials may overwhelm you, especially when deciding on the right one. You should understand what works best for you and prioritize it. For example, if you’re an auditory learner, you can prioritize audio materials.
However, you should always try to use different modes of studying to avoid boredom. This is one of the NPTE studying tips that will help you break the monotony of staring at the core textbooks for hours. It might be a vital strategy to dodge study fatigue and cover more work.
Different learning approaches will also help you see the content from a different and interesting angle. You’ll have a better chance of coming across something you can easily remember.
Invest in an Online NPTE Prep Course
You might be wondering whether it is worth investing in an online course to prepare yourself for the NPTE. The simple answer is yes. The online prep courses will give you the extra support you need when preparing for the NPTE.
Most of these courses will open your eyes to the best way to approach the NPTE. The courses are flexible as you can choose the self-study option. You can check out https://therapyteam.com to learn what these courses entail and why you should leverage them.
Take Practice Tests
It might sound odd to suggest that you take a test as you wait to face your licensure board. However, taking practice tests will help you retain information better.
Practice tests mimic the format of the actual NPTE test. They will give you a better feel for the main exam.
You should take more than one practice test. While taking many tests does not guarantee that you’ll pass the NPTE, they will give you more exposure before the big day.
You should aim for more than just completing the practice tests and getting a higher score. Think of the tests as tools for revealing the areas that need improvement. Ask yourself questions like why you got a question wrong.
Get a Study Buddy
Avoid isolating yourself when preparing for the NPTE. Isolation will only stress you as you’ll have no one to talk to when you feel overwhelmed.
It would be good to get a study partner or join a study group. You can also involve your professor or your mentor and talk to them when you feel like you’re panicking. Study partners will enlighten you on other ways of taking in the content.
Working with a study partner will also help you relax and rest. You can take breaks from your preparation and engage in enjoyable activities together.
Increase Your Chances of Passing the National Physical Therapy Exam
If your eyes are set on becoming a physical therapist, you must take the National Physical Therapy Exam. Although the exam might scare you, you can pass the first time around. Leveraging the above tips and tricks will set you up for success in the NPTE.
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