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The purpose of this text is to help a physical therapist candidate
prepare for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), and
to equip the candidate with some excellent study tools. These study
tools are designed to review the required level of didactic information,
and to prepare for the NPTE by focusing on key topic areas.
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The NPTE is a 5-hour, 250-question (200 scored, 50 pretest),
multiple-choice examination. Preparing and sitting for such a comprehensive
5-hour examination can appear to be a daunting task.
However, with the appropriate guidance about what to review from
the pertinent subject areas, the student should be able to study with
real direction and focus.
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The information presented in this study guide is intended to
be all-inclusive so that candidates do not have to use a number of
texts to study for the examination. While it is hoped that the majority
of information presented is familiar to candidates, some areas may
require additional study prior to the examination. Special emphasis
has been placed on subject areas that have traditionally been found
to be weak. In addition to the chapters covering musculoskeletal,
neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, pediatric, geriatric, and
integumentary physical therapy, there are also chapters on special
topics such as administration, education, research, pharmacology,
orthotics/prosthetics, adjuctive interventions, therapeutic exercise,
and pathologic/psychological conditions. Given the importance that
both the musculoskeletal and neurologic systems play in the field of
physical therapy, greater emphasis is placed on these two systems, as
is reflected in the relative size of their respective chapters. Illustrations
and tables are provided throughout the text to help retain information.
In addition, the layout of the book has been designed to allow
candidates to add information in the margins.
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The simulated examination questions on the CD-ROM are
designed to help diagnose the strengths and vulnerabilities of
the reader’s academic and clinical backgrounds. After taking the
simulated examination, the reader is provided with a performance
analysis, which provides feedback about areas of vulnerability and
strength, emphasizing those areas that require additional study. The
examination that is provided on the CD-ROM is also available online,
to provide the reader a true sense as to how it feels to sit in front of
a computer and take the NPTE examination.
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It is hoped that the contents of this book, the CD-ROM, and the
online information will help the reader organize and focus his or her
study in the most efficient and effective manner. This is a work in
progress in the everchanging world of physical therapy. The author
would welcome any suggestions for changes or additions. Please
email your suggestions and comments to pt@mcgraw-hill.com.