NBCE Physiotherapy study guide
NBCE Physiotherapy · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The NBCE Physiotherapy Examination (commonly abbreviated PHT) is one of the computer-based pre-licensure examinations administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. It is grouped with Parts I, II and III in the NBCE's published list of "Pre-Licensure Computer-Based Exams (Parts I, II, III, PHT)", sitting alongside the separate practical Part IV, the SPEC exam, specialty exams and state board exams. Candidates are chiropractic students and graduates who must demonstrate physiotherapy competence as part of the licensure pathway expected by state licensing boards; applicants apply through the NBCE's online application portal. Content is best understood as covering physiotherapy assessment and evaluation, therapeutic modalities, rehabilitative exercise and therapeutic procedures, and case management with attention to indications, contraindications and safety. Topics on this exam: Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation, Therapeutic Modalities, Rehabilitative Exercise and Therapeutic Procedures, and Case Management, Indications, Contraindications, and Safety. The NBCE Physiotherapy study guide has 4 sections and about 1,521 words.
01Physiotherapy Assessment and Evaluation
History first (mechanism, onset, irritability, 24-hour behavior, red flags), then observation, palpation, and objective testing. Every test should answer a question you have already formed.
306 words, about 2 min02Therapeutic Modalities
Cryotherapy reduces blood flow, edema, spasm, and pain; typical application 10–20 minutes with a barrier. Thermotherapy increases blood flow and tissue extensibility and is used before stretching.
272 words, about 1 min03Rehabilitative Exercise and Therapeutic Procedures
Inflammatory (approximately days 0–5): protect the tissue, control pain and edema, maintain range in uninvolved segments, begin submaximal isometrics. Proliferative (approximately days 5–21): controlled loading, gentle active range, introduce light resistance.
302 words, about 2 min04Case Management, Indications, Contraindications, and Safety
Chart in a consistent format (subjective, objective, assessment, plan) with measurable findings, skilled interventions, and response to treatment - this is what supports medical necessity. Informed consent requires capacity, disclosure of risks and alternatives, understanding, and voluntariness; it is an ongoing conversation, not a signature.
641 words, about 3 min