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 2019. In 2019, 68 individuals successfully passed the examination and were welcomed as the inaugural class of Board-Certified Clinical Specialists in Oncologic Physical Therapy.

Resources for applying to become a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Oncologic Physical Therapy 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.

Interested in becoming an Oncologic Clinical Specialist in 2023? You need to start now.

Application Deadline for 2023 test:  July 1, 2022

Begin the Process Here

There you will find lots of resources to assist you.  The first document I recommend you download is the candidate guide as it walk you through the application process including how to prepare your case report which is located at page 78 in the guide.

Other Resources

In addition to all the resources at ABPTS, the APTA Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy (APTA Oncology) at https://oncologypt.org has helpful resources for clinical specialization.  Two which you may find useful:

  1. An annotated bibliography of all the Edge systematic review papers courtesy of Amy Litterini at https://oncologypt.org/specialization/ . Scroll down to find the link to the document. Also, you may go to the Rehabilitation Oncology journal and use the search feature and type in EDGE and all, I think 32 or 33 reviews will pop up.  Log in through the Academy member journal under the publication link to have free access to all of the papers.
  2. Although a little outdated, there is an extensive Resource Guide with bibliography on the Academy webpage at the same link to specialization:  https://oncologypt.org/specialization/ . Scroll down to find the link to the document.
The Candidate’s Guide and the Exam Outline are available through ABPTS
Download the Guide & Exam
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.
Maintenance of Clinical Specialization (MOSC)

Oncologic Clinical Specialists Congratulations on achieving this board certification and joining this select group of PTs dedicated to exceptional patient care through continued specialized education and training and furthering the profession through leadership and knowledge of medical and PT advancements.

You need to follow the required ongoing process to maintain your clinical specialist certification.

Maintain Your APTA Specialist Certification

After clicking, scroll down and you will see a link to "Explore materials, tools, and resources for specialists.

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 Specialist Certification Examination

Resource Guide for Specialization

EDGE Annotated Bibliography

Governance

Learning Opportunities

Enhancing your knowledge and skills in the area of oncologic rehabilitation can be a great way to help prepare for the Oncology Specialist Certification Examination.

Click HERE for a listing of regional courses sponsored by APTA Oncology and for additional resources via APTA’s Learning Center

 

OncoReadsSM

OncoReadsSM is a program developed by APTA Oncology 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.

Booth Signup

Sign up for an available volunteer slot at the Academy booth in the CSM Exhibit Hall! You must be logged in to sign up.

Join the APTA Oncology ListServ

APTA Oncology'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.

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Resource Guide for Specialization

This document, prepared by APTA Oncology, is designed to help you in your preparation for the Oncology Specialist Certification Examination.

OncoReads

OncoReadsSM allows you to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the comfort of your own home or office. Begin earning today!

Partners Program

Any PT or PTA living in a country other than the US or a healthcare provider from another discipline, not eligible for APTA membership, can take advantage of our membership benefits by becoming a Partner of APTA Oncology.

 

APTA Engage

Want to get involved? Check out APTA Engage for the latest volunteer opportunities within APTA Oncology. Check back often as new opportunities arise!

Clinical Research Grant

A clinical research grant is available to APTA Oncology members to assist with a one-year research study that investigates a question(s) of importance to adult or pediatric oncology or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) physical therapy.

Internship & Mentor Opportunities

Oncology rehab facilities across the country that are willing to offer clinical affiliations, and mentors who have volunteered to share their time and expertise.

Host a Regional Course in Your Area

APTA Oncology has several course offerings looking for partners to host. Click here to learn more.