ABPTS OCS study plan
ABPTS OCS · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Musculoskeletal Examination, Evaluation, and Diagnosis
Map every joint region to a structured exam sequence (observation, AROM/PROM, MMT, special tests, neuro) and recite each from memory
Differentiate capsular versus non-capsular movement-pattern restrictions for all major joints using a self-built comparison table
Select and justify 3-5 high-yield special tests per region based on reported sensitivity/specificity, not habit
Practice goniometric and manual muscle testing technique on 2 healthy volunteers and self-correct alignment errors
Your checkpoint
A one-page-per-region exam algorithm (8 regions) with test names, purpose, and cited psychometric values
Musculoskeletal Examination, Evaluation, and Diagnosis & Musculoskeletal Interventions and Procedural Techniques
Construct differential diagnosis lists for 6 common regional presentations (e.g., shoulder pain, anterior knee pain) ranked by prevalence and red-flag exclusion
Write tissue-healing-timeline-appropriate loading progressions for tendon, muscle, ligament, and bone injuries
Draft a criterion-based return-to-activity progression for one sport-specific case
Self-quiz 40 exam-finding-to-diagnosis pairings until 90% accuracy
Your checkpoint
Six completed differential diagnosis worksheets, each with red-flag screen and ranked hypotheses
Musculoskeletal Interventions and Procedural Techniques
Demonstrate and cue 12 manual therapy techniques (mobilization grades I-IV, soft tissue, thrust rationale) with correct hand placement and parameters
Design a graded motor control and eccentric loading program for 3 tendinopathy sites with explicit dosage
Explain indications, precautions, and evidence for dry needling, cupping, and joint manipulation in writing
Sequence a full treatment session (manual + exercise + education) and time it to a 45-minute visit
Your checkpoint
A technique log of 12 manual interventions with indications, contraindications, and cueing notes
Medical and Surgical Considerations in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
Map post-operative precautions and phase progressions for 8 common orthopaedic surgeries (e.g., rotator cuff repair, TKA, ACLR, lumbar fusion)
Identify medical red flags and when to refer for each major region
Interpret 10 imaging and lab reports (radiograph, MRI, D-dimer, CBC) and state the PT implication
List pharmacology considerations for NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and anticoagulants relevant to dosing and healing
Your checkpoint
A surgical precautions and progression matrix covering 8 procedures plus a red-flag referral quick-reference
Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Across the Lifespan and Special Populations & Pain Science and Psychosocial Considerations
Adapt exam and intervention selection for pediatric, adolescent, pregnant, and geriatric patients with 3 modifications each
Apply pain neuroscience concepts (central sensitization, nociception vs. pain) to explain 3 case presentations in patient-friendly language
Screen for and address yellow flags using validated tools (e.g., FABQ, PCS) and script a reassuring education conversation
Design a psychosocially informed graded exposure plan for one fear-avoidance case
Your checkpoint
Two case write-ups (one lifespan, one psychosocial) with assessment, education script, and modified plan of care
Professional Practice, Evidence-Based Practice, and Research & Professionalism, Ethics, and Patient/Client Management
Appraise 6 studies using a structured critical appraisal checklist (design, validity, applicability)
Calculate and interpret sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, NNT, and MCID from published data
Outline informed consent, documentation, and direct-access responsibilities for 3 ethically ambiguous scenarios
Draft a clinical question in PICO format and run a search yielding 5 applicable articles
Your checkpoint
A critical appraisal summary table for 6 studies with computed psychometric and effect-size values
Musculoskeletal Examination, Evaluation, and Diagnosis & Musculoskeletal Interventions and Procedural Techniques & Medical and Surgical Considerations in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy & Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Across the Lifespan and Special Populations & Pain Science and Psychosocial Considerations
Complete 200 mixed-domain practice items under timed conditions and log error patterns by domain
Re-teach the 10 weakest concepts aloud as if instructing a colleague
Re-run weak-region exam algorithms and manual technique cues until error-free
Build a one-page rapid-review sheet per domain from personal error log
Your checkpoint
An error-analysis report identifying the top 10 weak concepts with remediation notes
Musculoskeletal Examination, Evaluation, and Diagnosis & Musculoskeletal Interventions and Procedural Techniques & Medical and Surgical Considerations in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy & Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Across the Lifespan and Special Populations & Pain Science and Psychosocial Considerations & Professional Practice, Evidence-Based Practice, and Research & Professionalism, Ethics, and Patient/Client Management
Complete 2 full-length timed mock exams and score each by domain
Review every missed item to root cause (knowledge gap, misread, or reasoning error)
Recite high-yield facts, special test psychometrics, and surgical precautions from memory daily
Finalize a test-day strategy for pacing, flagging, and item triage
Your checkpoint
Two scored mock exams with a final prioritized review list and written test-day plan
Milestones
Week 2: Score 85% or higher on a self-made 40-item exam-finding-to-diagnosis quiz
Week 4: Explain post-operative precautions for all 8 target surgeries without notes
Week 6: Correctly compute sensitivity, specificity, LR+, and NNT on 10 of 10 practice problems
Week 8: Score 75% or higher on both full-length mock exams with no domain below 65%