CAET study plan

Map each basic-science system (anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, pathokinesiology) to the clinical domains it feeds, writing a one-page concept map per system.

Define and correctly use 40 core biomechanics terms (moment arm, torque, lever class, force-velocity relationship) in your own words.

Trace normal gait through all phases and label joint kinematics, muscle activity, and ground reaction forces for each subphase.

Self-quiz 50 recall items on anatomy and physiology and log every miss with the underlying concept, not just the answer.

Explain the pathophysiology of the five highest-yield conditions (e.g., diabetes, stroke, osteoarthritis, spinal cord injury, peripheral neuropathy) in mechanism-to-impairment chains.

Calculate and interpret worked biomechanics problems (joint reaction forces, torque, work, power) without referencing the answer key.

Connect each basic-science principle to at least one assessment finding and one intervention choice.

Re-test the week 1 missed items and confirm closure of at least 80%.

Select and justify the correct assessment tool for a given impairment across range of motion, strength, sensation, balance, and gait.

Interpret sample findings (MMT grades, goniometry values, Berg Balance scores, dermatome maps) and state the functional implication of each.

Differentiate normal from abnormal findings in 20 vignette-style scenarios and write the reasoning chain for each.

Document a mock evaluation note using a consistent SOAP structure.

Sequence the medical and surgical management pathway for three common surgical populations (joint replacement, amputation, spinal surgery) from pre-op through discharge.

Identify precautions, contraindications, and weight-bearing restrictions for each pathway and state the clinical action each triggers.

Match pharmacology classes to their rehabilitation-relevant effects and adverse responses.

Integrate assessment findings into a prioritized problem list for a mock complex patient.

Build a phase-by-phase intervention plan for each of the three surgical populations, linking each phase to criteria for progression.

Justify therapeutic exercise selection using tissue-healing timelines and load-progression principles.

Distinguish when to modify, hold, or escalate a plan based on a change in medical status.

Explain the rationale for each intervention in a mock patient conference format.

Select and dose interventions (strength, mobility, balance, motor control, modalities) for 10 impairment profiles with cited rationale.

Match orthotic and prosthetic component choices to patient presentation, functional level, and reimbursement-relevant documentation needs.

Evaluate an assistive technology recommendation against the patient's environment, goals, and safety risks.

Write measurable short- and long-term goals that satisfy SMART criteria for three mock patients.

Apply an ethical decision-making framework to five dilemmas (informed consent, confidentiality, scope of practice, conflicts of interest, patient safety reporting).

Classify levels of evidence and appraise two abstracts for internal validity, bias, and applicability to practice.

Translate a quality-improvement model (e.g., PDSA) into a small measurable practice improvement proposal.

Identify the correct reporting or escalation action for safety and ethics scenarios.

Demonstrate structured handoff and interprofessional communication in three role-play scenarios, capturing feedback.

Complete two full-length timed practice exams under test conditions and score each by domain.

Re-teach the three weakest domains from memory using a blank-page recall exercise.

Finalize a one-page personal error-pattern sheet and a test-day strategy checklist.