NPTE Updates (2024)

• NPTE-PT: Total items = $225$; Scored = $180$; Unscored = $45$.

  • Up to $45$ scenario-based items; Approximately $180$ stand-alone MC items.

  • Includes graphic, video, or text items.

• NPTE-PTA: Total items = $180$; Scored = $140$; Unscored = $40$.

  • Up to $35$ scenario-based items; Approximately $145$ stand-alone MC items.

  • Includes graphic, video, or text items.

NPTE Changes at a Glance (2024 and beyond)

• PT Content (NPTE-PT):

  • Total Items = $225$; Scored = $180$; Unscored = $45$.

  • Scenario-based = Up to $45$.

  • Test Time = $5$ hours.

  • Scoring = $600/800$.

  • Cost = $485$; Prometric Fee = $100.30$.

• PTA Content (NPTE-PTA):

  • Total Items = $180$; Scored = $140$; Unscored = $40$.

  • Scenario-based = Up to $35$.

  • Test Time = $4$ hours.

  • Scoring = $600/800$.

  • Cost = $485$; Prometric Fee = $82.60$.

PT Content Updates (Added/Removed)

• Skills Added:

  • Regenerative medicine related to MSK interventions and prognosis

  • Regenerative medicine related to the NM system

  • Provision/utilization of telehealth

  • Phonophoresis

• Work activities added:

  • Taping for edema management

  • Electrodiagnostic test results

  • Gross motor development progression

  • Negative pressure wound therapy

  • Taping for lymphatic drainage

  • Phonophoresis

• Removals: none listed under Skills in this update

PTA Content Updates (Added/Removed)

• Skills Added: none

• Skills Removed:

  • Impact of pharmacology used to treat the GI system

• Work activities added:

  • Gross motor development progression

  • Taping for NM reeducation

  • Taping for pain management

  • Nonselective debridement

  • Application of topical agents for iontophoresis

  • Phonophoresis

  • Intermittent pneumatic compression

  • Vestibular dysfunction repositioning

  • Participation in professional organizations

PT Content Outline (Body systems, items, and distribution)

• Major systems covered: Cardiovascular & Pulmonary, Musculoskeletal, Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems, Integumentary, Metabolic & Endocrine, Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary, Lymphatic.

• System Interactions and Nonsystem sections included.

• Overall total for PT content outline: $180$ items.

• Per-system and cross-system categories cover Foundations for Evaluation, Interventions, and total per system, plus cross-cutting areas (e.g., Equipment, Therapeutic Modalities, Safety & Protection, Professional Responsibilities, Research & Evidence-Based Practice).

PTA Content Outline (Summary)

• Major systems covered: Cardiovascular & Pulmonary, Musculoskeletal, Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems, Integumentary, Metabolic & Endocrine, Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary, Lymphatic.

• System Interactions and Nonsystem sections included.

• Overall total for PTA content outline: $140$ items.

• Distribution aligns with PT content but scaled for PTA competencies.

Example PT Questions (MCQs) & Key Takeaways

• Q1 (Aerobic intensity target): Which measure is MOST appropriate target aerobic exercise intensity?

  • Options: 1) $60$% max HR, 2) $80$% max HR, 3) Borg 12/20, 4) Borg 17/20

  • Correct: 4) Borg rating of perceived exertion of $17/20$.

  • Rationale: In Parkinson’s Disease, autonomic dysfunction blunts cardiovascular response; higher intensity with large amplitude and whole-body movements is recommended.

  • Reference concept: PD CV response to exercise; high-intensity targets may be used when tolerated.

• Q2 (Medication timing): If a patient takes all medications in the afternoon, PT should be scheduled when?

  • Options: 1) $30-60$ min before, 2) $2$ hours before, 3) $30-60$ min after, 4) $2$ hours after

  • Correct: 3) $30-60$ min after dosing.

  • Rationale: Levodopa effects typically begin ~$20-60$ minutes after dosing.

• Q3 (Assistive device outside): MOST appropriate device for outside walking?

  • Options: 1) Rolling cane, 2) Quadruped cane, 3) Four-wheeled walker, 4) Front-wheeled walker

  • Practical note: A cane is often preferred for mild–moderate disease; walkers with wheels can increase festination and hazard.

  • Answer guidance: Cane (1 or 2) is generally preferred over wheeled walkers; avoid walkers with wheels.

• Q4 (Assistive device outdoors – explicit answer not stated here): Outside walking, walkers with wheels are hazardous; cane is usually preferred. Consider option 1 or 2 (Rolling or Quadruped Cane) as acceptable depending on height and control.

• Q5 (Regenerative medicine – PRP): Which statement BEST describes PRP therapy for hamstring strains and future sports participation?

  • Options: 1) PRP decreases tissue healing time resulting in less risk of recurrence; 2) PRP increases tissue healing time resulting in less risk of recurrence; 3) PRP decreases tissue healing time resulting in greater risk of recurrence; 4) PRP increases tissue healing time resulting in greater risk of recurrence

  • Correct: 1) PRP decreases tissue healing time resulting in less risk of recurrence.

  • Rationale: PRP injections reported to decrease healing times and recurrence risk in athletes when cited (e.g., Dutton’s Orthopaedic text).

PRP (Regenerative Medicine) — Key takeaway

• In the context given, PRP therapy for hamstring strains is described as decreasing tissue healing time and reducing recurrence risk in athletes.

• Source note: Dutton’s Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, and Intervention references on PRP evidence.

Conclusion

• The material covers NPTE structure updates (PT and PTA), updated item counts, delivery formats (including scenario-based items), and new/removal topics affecting PT and PTA curricula.

• Practical exam prep elements include example MCQs with rationale tied to common PT topics (PD exercise prescription, medication timing, assistive devices, and regenerative medicine concepts).

• For quick recall: remember the overall NPTE formats ($225$ PT, $180$ PTA), the potential inclusion of up to $45$ scenario-based items in PT and up to $35$ in PTA, and the emphasis on telehealth, phonophoresis, and regenerative medicine topics in updates.

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