ABPTS PWCS study plan

Outline typical gross motor, fine motor, and speech-language milestones from birth to 5 years using a validated reference chart

Differentiate red flags for developmental delay from normal variation in at least 10 clinical vignettes

List the most common pediatric orthopedic and neuromuscular conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, spina bifida) and their PT implications

Map each condition to at least one evidence-based intervention category (e.g., task-specific training, orthotic management)

Explain the pathophysiology and PT management of pediatric cardiorespiratory and oncologic conditions in a written summary

Compare and contrast standardized pediatric outcome measures (e.g., GMFM, Bayley, PEDI-CAT) by domain, age range, and psychometric strength

Draft intervention plans for three complex pediatric cases integrating family-centered care principles

Identify when to refer to other disciplines (e.g., orthotist, speech-language pathologist, developmental pediatrician) in each case

Select appropriate examination tests and measures for pediatric patients across systems (musculoskeletal, neurologic, cardiopulmonary) in 15 vignettes

Interpret standardized test scores and determine whether findings support a specific diagnosis or need for further referral

Construct a differential diagnosis list for common pediatric presentation patterns (e.g., toe walking, delayed walking, hypotonia)

Formulate measurable short- and long-term goals using SMART criteria for three different pediatric diagnoses

Appraise three peer-reviewed pediatric PT studies for level of evidence, internal validity, and applicability to practice

Apply the PICO framework to convert two clinical uncertainties into answerable foreground questions

Integrate prognostic factors (e.g., age, severity, comorbidities) into expected outcome timelines for three conditions

Evaluate the psychometric properties (reliability, validity, responsiveness) of two outcome measures used in pediatric PT

Summarize the PT roles and legal responsibilities under IDEA Part C and Part B, including IEP and IFSP processes

Apply ethical decision-making frameworks to resolve three pediatric consent/assent and confidentiality scenarios

Demonstrate family-centered communication strategies by scripting a difficult conversation (e.g., delivering a diagnosis)

Identify state and federal regulatory requirements for pediatric PT documentation and billing

Design a small quality-improvement project using the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle for a pediatric PT workflow issue

Create a plain-language patient/family education handout on a common pediatric PT topic, written at a 6th-grade reading level

Evaluate how implicit bias and social determinants of health can affect pediatric PT access and outcomes

Describe the consultant role of the pediatric PT in school and early-intervention settings

Complete 100 mixed-domain practice questions under timed conditions, scoring at least 75%

Categorize every missed question by domain and error type (knowledge gap, misread, reasoning error)

Re-study the two weakest content areas identified by practice-question performance

Re-teach key concepts aloud or in writing to reinforce retention (e.g., create a 5-minute explainer on one weak topic)

Complete two full-length simulated exams under test-day conditions, scoring at least 80% on each

Review all high-yield summary sheets and error logs from weeks 1–7

Finalize a test-day strategy (time allocation, flagging, guessing protocol) and practice it during simulations

Confirm exam logistics (registration, testing center or remote requirements, identification)