Specialization
Specialist Certification: Oncology
As the 9th specialty area for the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, Oncology is now recognized for the unique skill set and knowledge base required to provide optimal rehabilitation for individuals with cancer.
Specialization in Oncology PT
In 2016 the APTA House of Delegates approved board certification in the area of oncology. The first oncology specialist certification examination was administered in spring 2019.
Resources for applying to become a board certified specialist in oncology will be posted and updated here as they become available.
Check back often as new materials are being developed to assist you in your preparation to apply for and sit for the exam.
Oncology Specialty Certification Exam through the ABPTS
The application window to sit for the Oncology Specialization Examination in 2020 closed on July 31st, 2019.
Applications should be submitted directly to ABPTS.
Future deadlines and information regarding the application process can be found through the ABPTS website.
For further questions, please contact Specialty Council Chair: nlstout90@gmail.com. If you have questions about the online application process, please contact Jessica Davison Levy at ABPTS: jessicadavisonlevy@apta.org
The Candidate’s Guide and the Exam Outline are now available through ABPTS
Upon completion of an application, you will receive a copy of the Description of Specialty Practice document that provides an overview of exam content areas and other information for exam preparation.
Resources & Governance Documents
Resources
The following resources have been developed and organized to assist you in your preparation to apply and sit for the Oncology Specialization Exam
Governance
Learning Opportunities
Enhancing your knowledge and skills in the area of oncologic rehabilitation can be a great way to help prepare for the specialization examination.
Click here for a listing of regional courses sponsored by the Academy and for additional resources via APTA’s Learning Center
OncoReadsSM
OncoReadsSM is a program developed by the Academy that allows you to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the comfort of your own home or office. In partnership with Rehabilitation Oncology and the APTA Learning Center, selected articles are made available for you to read and critically analyze in preparation to complete a 15 question exam (>/=70% to pass) to earn CEUs (.2 per article!) through the Learning Center.
Utilizing OncoReadsSM courses is a great way to review pertinent topics aligned with the Description of Specialty Practice.
Click here to access OncoReadsSM and start earning today.
Clinical Research Grants
Are you up on the latest Oncology Physical Therapy research or are your just starting out? New and experienced Academy members can make valuable contributions.
Clinical Internship Opportunities
This list of clinical sites is provided as a service to Academy Members.
Host a Regional Course in Your Area
The Academy of Oncologic PT, APTA has several course offerings looking for partners to host. The host facility will be chosen based on the guarantee that they can draw a minimum of 20 registrants.
Academy Member Awards
Know of a PT/PTA professional needing recognition? Here is the place to find out about our Member Awards.
Join the Academy ListServ
The Academy's General Listerv is a very productive messaging system for answering your practice questions. In addition, we maintain specialized listservs for our special interest groups.
Resource Guide for Specialization
This document, prepared by the Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy, is designed to help you in your preparation for the specialist examination.
OncoReads
OncoReads allows you to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the comfort of your own home or office. Begin earning today!
Partners Program
Any PT/PTA living in a country other than the US who is not eligible for membership in APTA can take advantage of our membership benefits by becoming a Partner of the Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy.
Look Inside the Oncology Toolbox
What's in your Physical Therapy Bag of Tricks? Find more and contribute some.
Sign Up to Become a Volunteer
This Academy survives and thrives on it's exceptional line of volunteers. From experienced to clincians; if you want to be a leader, we have a position.