ABPTS Oncology study guide
ABPTS Oncology · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The ABPTS oncology specialty certification is a board credential for physical therapists who have chosen oncology as their clinical focus. It signals that a therapist has demonstrated advanced knowledge and skill in managing the movement and functional problems of people living with or beyond cancer, and it is typically pursued by clinicians working in hospital cancer services, outpatient oncology rehabilitation, lymphedema programs, and survivorship care. The ABPTS Oncology study guide has 8 sections and about 2,192 words.
01Patient/Client Assessment and Diagnosis
Assessment in oncologic physical therapy begins with knowing the diagnosis, histology, stage, grade, and current treatment phase, because these drive every downstream decision. Candidates must distinguish screening for metastatic disease from routine musculoskeletal examination.
318 words, about 2 min02Prognosis, Risk Factors, and Prevention
Prognosis questions test whether you can translate disease and treatment factors into realistic rehabilitation goals and timeframes. Key concepts: stage and grade , performance status (ECOG/Karnofsky), comorbidity burden , and treatment intent (curative vs.
282 words, about 1 min03Medical and Surgical Management of Oncologic Conditions
You must understand the major treatment modalities and their rehabilitation implications. Surgery ranges from lumpectomy to radical resection and reconstruction; know precautions after breast reconstruction (avoid prolonged pressure or aggressive stretching on flaps, follow surgeon protocols), after lymph node dissection (lymphedema precautions), and after limb-salvage or amputation (weight-bearing and prosthetic timelines).
263 words, about 1 min04Physical Therapy Examination and Evaluation
Oncologic examination adapts standard tests to altered tissue and systemic status. Components: history (primary, treatment, current phase, red flags), systems review (cardiopulmonary, integumentary, neurologic, musculoskeletal), impairment measures (range of motion, strength, sensation, edema), functional measures (gait, transfers, endurance), and patient-reported outcomes .
283 words, about 1 min05Interventions and Treatment
Intervention planning in oncology balances dose, precautions, and goals . Core approaches: therapeutic exercise (aerobic, resistance, flexibility), manual therapy with tissue precautions, lymphedema management (compression, manual lymphatic drainage, decongestive exercise), gait and balance training for neuropathy, energy conservation and fatigue management , and pain modulation .
269 words, about 1 min06Outcomes Assessment and Evidence-Based Practice
Outcomes work asks you to choose measures, interpret change, and justify practice with evidence. Know the difference between impairment , activity , and participation measures, and match the tool to the domain.
266 words, about 1 min07Professional Roles, Ethics, and Consultation
Oncologic practice involves interprofessional collaboration , clear role boundaries, and ethical reasoning. Know when to consult and refer : suspected metastatic disease, new neurologic deficits, uncontrolled pain, wound complications, or psychosocial crisis.
256 words, about 1 min08Teaching, Education, and Research
This domain covers patient education , student and colleague teaching , and research literacy . Patient education must be plain-language , teach-back verified , and tailored to health literacy, culture, and emotional readiness.
255 words, about 1 min