ABPTS Oncology study plan
ABPTS Oncology · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Patient/Client Assessment and Diagnosis & Physical Therapy Examination and Evaluation
Differentiate the components of oncologic patient assessment (history, systems review, red flags) by writing a one-page comparison table from memory
Classify common oncologic diagnoses and staging systems (TNM, grading) and explain how each stage alters PT examination priorities
Demonstrate a screening sequence for medical red flags (fever, unexplained weight loss, new neuro signs, DVT signs) across 10 written case vignettes
Construct a standardized examination template for a patient with a solid tumor that documents impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions
Your checkpoint
Completed 10-vignette red-flag screening worksheet with rationale for each referral decision
Patient/Client Assessment and Diagnosis & Physical Therapy Examination and Evaluation
Interpret lab values (CBC, platelets, albumin, LFTs, tumor markers) and state PT implications for exercise and mobilization thresholds
Perform and document a mock musculoskeletal and neurologic examination on a peer or simulated patient with an oncologic history
Analyze imaging reports (plain film, CT, MRI, bone scan) and translate findings into precautions for the plan of care
Compare lymphedema assessment methods (circumferential, volume, bioimpedance) and select the appropriate method for 5 case scenarios
Your checkpoint
Two complete mock examination write-ups (one solid tumor, one hematologic) with interpretation of labs and imaging
Interventions and Treatment
Design a progressive therapeutic exercise prescription for a patient with cancer-related fatigue using evidence-based dosing parameters
Justify aerobic and resistance training parameters for patients during and after chemotherapy using current guideline recommendations
Formulate a lymphedema management plan integrating manual therapy, compression, and exercise for a post-mastectomy case
Construct a plan of care addressing cancer-induced bone pain and pathologic fracture precautions for a patient with metastatic disease
Sequence interventions for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy to address balance, gait, and fall risk
Your checkpoint
Four written intervention plans (fatigue, lymphedema, bone metastases, CIPN) each with dosing, precautions, and progression criteria
Interventions and Treatment & Medical and Surgical Management of Oncologic Conditions
Integrate surgical oncology timelines (resection, reconstruction, amputation) into postoperative PT progression decisions
Differentiate the PT implications of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy by building a side-effect matrix
Apply safe handling and precautions for patients with implanted ports, drains, and post-surgical wound vacs in written case scenarios
Modify an intervention plan for a patient with thrombocytopenia and one with neutropenia, defending each modification
Your checkpoint
Completed side-effect matrix plus two modified plans of care with written justification for each precaution
Prognosis, Risk Factors, and Prevention & Outcomes Assessment and Evidence-Based Practice
Summarize modifiable and nonmodifiable cancer risk factors and articulate the PT role in prevention and survivorship counseling
Select and apply at least 3 validated outcome measures (e.g., fatigue, function, quality of life) to oncologic case scenarios
Critique 2 primary research articles on exercise in cancer and rate their level of evidence
Translate outcome measure results into measurable, patient-centered goals for a mock plan of care
Your checkpoint
Annotated bibliography of 2 critically appraised articles plus a goal-writing worksheet using selected outcome measures
Professional Roles, Ethics, and Consultation & Teaching, Education, and Research
Analyze ethical dilemmas in oncologic care (prognosis disclosure, end-of-life goals, scope of PT practice) across 5 written scenarios
Draft a consultation note to a referring oncologist requesting clarification of precautions
Design a patient education session outline for a newly diagnosed patient addressing activity, fatigue, and safety
Explain how to appraise and apply evidence in an educational interaction with a patient or caregiver
Your checkpoint
One consultation letter and one written patient education plan with teach-back assessment questions
Patient/Client Assessment and Diagnosis & Medical and Surgical Management of Oncologic Conditions & Interventions and Treatment
Synthesize assessment, medical management, and intervention content by completing 40 timed mixed-topic practice items
Identify the 3 weakest content areas from practice results and remediate each with targeted review
Rehearse full-length timed case-based practice under exam conditions
Correct and re-explain every missed item in writing to confirm reasoning
Your checkpoint
Error log of all missed practice items with corrected rationales and a ranked list of remaining weak areas
Prognosis, Risk Factors, and Prevention & Physical Therapy Examination and Evaluation & Outcomes Assessment and Evidence-Based Practice & Professional Roles, Ethics, and Consultation & Teaching, Education, and Research
Review all domains using spaced retrieval, targeting the lowest-scoring areas from week 7
Complete a second timed full-length practice exam and compare scores to week 7 baseline
Recite from memory the key red flags, precautions, and referral criteria across all domains
Finalize a one-page personal quick-reference sheet of high-yield facts
Your checkpoint
Final practice exam score report showing improvement over week 7 plus a completed one-page quick-reference sheet
Milestones
Week 2: Complete both mock examination write-ups with accurate red-flag screening and lab interpretation on at least 8 of 10 items
Week 4: Finish intervention plans and side-effect matrix; score at least 80% on a self-made quiz covering domains 3 and 5
Week 6: Complete ethical scenario analyses, consultation letter, and education plan; self-rate confidence of 3/4 or higher on domains 7 and 8
Week 7: Score at least 70% on first timed mixed practice exam and document an error log for every missed item
Week 8: Score at least 80% on second full-length practice exam and demonstrate improvement over week 7 baseline