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Certified Physical Therapy Aide (CPTA) Exam Prep

Start Here: How to Use This Course Sample Lesson

Module 1: Introduction to the Physical Therapy Profession and the Aide’s Role Sample Lesson

1.1 What Is Physical Therapy?

1.2 Who Is the Physical Therapy Aide?

1.3 PT Aide vs. PT vs. PTA: Understanding the Differences

1.4 Where PT Aides Work

1.5 A Day in the Life of a PT Aide

Chapter 1 Practice

Chapter 1 Practice Set

Chapter 1 Reflect

Chapter 1 Wrap-up

Module 2: The Healthcare Team and Where PT Aides Fit In

2.1 The Physical Therapy Care Team

2.2 Supervision and the Chain of Command

2.3 Working with Other Departments and Providers

2.4 How Patients Enter and Move Through the Care System

Chapter 2 Practice

Chapter 2 Practice Set

Chapter 2 Reflect

Chapter 2 Wrap-up

Module 3: Professionalism, Ethics, and Scope of Practice

3.1 What Scope of Practice Means for a PT Aide

3.2 Ethics in Healthcare Support Roles

3.3 Professional Boundaries and Patient Relationships

3.4 Workplace Professionalism Standards

3.5 Recognizing and Reporting Ethical Concerns

Chapter 3 Practice

Chapter 3 Practice Set

Chapter 3 Reflect

Chapter 3 Wrap-up

Module 4: Medical Terminology and Basic Anatomy for PT Aides

4.1 Building Blocks of Medical Language

4.2 The Musculoskeletal System

4.3 The Nervous System and Movement

4.4 Directional Terms and Body Positions

4.5 Common Abbreviations Used in PT Settings

Chapter 4 Practice

Chapter 4 Practice Set

Chapter 4 Reflect

Chapter 4 Wrap-up

Module 5: Communication Skills for Patients, Families, and the Care Team

5.1 Foundations of Professional Communication

5.2 Active Listening and Nonverbal Cues

5.3 Communicating with Patients and Families

5.4 Cultural Awareness and Communication Barriers

5.5 Handling Difficult Situations and Escalating Concerns

Chapter 5 Practice

Chapter 5 Practice Set

Chapter 5 Reflect

Chapter 5 Wrap-up

Module 6: Safety, Infection Control, and Emergency Procedures

6.1 Standard Precautions and Infection Control

6.2 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

6.3 Body Mechanics and Injury Prevention

6.4 Workplace and Equipment Safety

6.5 Recognizing and Responding to Emergencies

Chapter 6 Practice

Chapter 6 Practice Set

Chapter 6 Reflect

Chapter 6 Wrap-up

Module 7: Patient Transport, Positioning, and Mobility Assistance

7.1 Principles of Safe Patient Handling

7.2 Wheelchair and Gait Belt Use

7.3 Transfer Techniques

7.4 Positioning Patients for Treatment

7.5 Assisting with Ambulation and Mobility Devices

Chapter 7 Practice

Chapter 7 Practice Set

Chapter 7 Reflect

Chapter 7 Wrap-up

Module 8: Therapeutic Equipment, Modalities, and the Treatment Environment

8.1 Common Physical Therapy Equipment

8.2 Understanding Therapeutic Modalities

8.3 Preparing and Maintaining the Treatment Area

8.4 Equipment Cleaning, Maintenance, and Safety Checks

Chapter 8 Practice

Chapter 8 Practice Set

Chapter 8 Reflect

Chapter 8 Wrap-up

Module 9: Administrative Duties: Documentation, Privacy, Scheduling, and Insurance

9.1 The Purpose of Patient Documentation

9.2 HIPAA and Protecting Patient Privacy

9.3 Scheduling and Front-Office Duties

9.4 Insurance and Billing Basics

9.5 Recordkeeping and Supply Management

Chapter 9 Practice

Chapter 9 Practice Set

Chapter 9 Reflect

Chapter 9 Wrap-up

Module 10: Working with Special Populations

10.1 Working with Pediatric Patients

10.2 Working with Geriatric Patients

10.3 Supporting Orthopedic Patients

10.4 Supporting Neurological Patients

10.5 Adapting Care for Diverse Needs

Chapter 10 Practice

Chapter 10 Practice Set

Chapter 10 Reflect

Chapter 10 Wrap-up

Module 11: Common Conditions and Treatment Plans Aides Will Encounter

11.1 Common Musculoskeletal Conditions

11.2 Common Neurological Conditions

11.3 Common Cardiopulmonary and Post-Surgical Conditions

11.4 Understanding the Treatment Plan

11.5 The Aide’s Role in Supporting Patient Progress

Chapter 11 Practice

Chapter 11 Practice Set

Chapter 11 Reflect

Chapter 11 Wrap-up

Module 12: Career Success: Job Search, Interviews, and Certification Prep

12.1 Building Your Resume and Application

12.2 Interviewing for a PT Aide Position

12.3 Understanding the NCCB Certification Process

12.4 Preparing for and Taking the Certification Exam

12.5 Continuing Your Career Growth

Chapter 12 Practice

Chapter 12 Practice Set

Chapter 12 Reflect

Chapter 12 Wrap-up

CPTA Course Final Exam

Chapter 1 Practice Set

Certified Physical Therapy Aide (CPTA) Exam Prep
Module 1: Introduction to the Physical Therapy Profession and the Aide’s Role
Chapter 1 Practice
Chapter 1 Practice Set

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Question 1 of 20

1. Question

Type the missing word or phrase. Word bank: Scope of Practice • Plan of Care • Direct Supervision • General Supervision • NPTE • Referral • Discharge • Licensure • Certification • Physical Therapy Aide +—————————————————————————————————————————————————————+

The physical therapist creates the BLANK 1 of 1, which lays out the patient’s goals and treatment approach.
The physical therapist creates the Fill in the blank 1 of 1 , which lays out the patient’s goals and treatment approach.

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Incorrect
Question 2 of 20

2. Question

Type the missing word or phrase. Word bank: Scope of Practice • Plan of Care • Direct Supervision • General Supervision • NPTE • Referral • Discharge • Licensure • Certification • Physical Therapy Aide +—————————————————————————————————————————————————————+

Before a patient can begin physical therapy, their physician typically sends a BLANK 1 of 1 to the clinic.
Before a patient can begin physical therapy, their physician typically sends a Fill in the blank 1 of 1 to the clinic.

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Incorrect

Question 3 of 20

3. Question

Drag each meaning to the term it matches.

Sort elements

A health care profession focused on restoring movement, managing pain, and improving function after injury, illness, or surgery.
A licensed health care provider who evaluates patients and designs their plan of care.
A licensed or certified professional who carries out the PT's plan of care under supervision.
A support team member who assists with clinical and administrative tasks; does not require a license.
The specific tasks a role is trained and permitted to perform.
The individualized treatment plan a PT designs for a patient.
Official government permission required to practice certain health care roles.
The point at which a patient formally completes or ends their plan of care.
A request from a physician or other provider for a patient to receive physical therapy services.
A voluntary credential that shows an individual has mastered a body of knowledge.

Physical Therapy

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Physical Therapist (PT)

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Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

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Physical Therapy Aide

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Scope of Practice

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Plan of Care

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Licensure

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Discharge

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Referral

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Certification

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Question 4 of 20

4. Question

Type the missing word or phrase. Word bank: Scope of Practice • Plan of Care • Direct Supervision • General Supervision • NPTE • Referral • Discharge • Licensure • Certification • Physical Therapy Aide +—————————————————————————————————————————————————————+

When a supervising PT must be physically present in the building while an aide performs certain tasks, that arrangement is called BLANK 1 of 1.
When a supervising PT must be physically present in the building while an aide performs certain tasks, that arrangement is called Fill in the blank 1 of 1 .

Correct

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Question 5 of 20

5. Question

Type the missing word or phrase. Word bank: Scope of Practice • Plan of Care • Direct Supervision • General Supervision • NPTE • Referral • Discharge • Licensure • Certification • Physical Therapy Aide +—————————————————————————————————————————————————————+

When the supervising PT is available by phone but not on-site, that arrangement is called BLANK 1 of 1.
When the supervising PT is available by phone but not on-site, that arrangement is called Fill in the blank 1 of 1 .

Correct

Incorrect
Question 6 of 20

6. Question

Type the missing word or phrase. Word bank: Scope of Practice • Plan of Care • Direct Supervision • General Supervision • NPTE • Referral • Discharge • Licensure • Certification • Physical Therapy Aide +—————————————————————————————————————————————————————+

To become licensed, physical therapists and physical therapist assistants must pass the BLANK 1 of 1.
To become licensed, physical therapists and physical therapist assistants must pass the Fill in the blank 1 of 1 .

Correct

Incorrect
Question 7 of 20

7. Question

Type the missing word or phrase. Word bank: Scope of Practice • Plan of Care • Direct Supervision • General Supervision • NPTE • Referral • Discharge • Licensure • Certification • Physical Therapy Aide +—————————————————————————————————————————————————————+

A BLANK 1 of 1 is a support team member who helps with clinical and administrative tasks and does not require a state license.
A Fill in the blank 1 of 1 is a support team member who helps with clinical and administrative tasks and does not require a state license.

Correct

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Question 8 of 20

8. Question

Type the missing word or phrase. Word bank: Scope of Practice • Plan of Care • Direct Supervision • General Supervision • NPTE • Referral • Discharge • Licensure • Certification • Physical Therapy Aide +—————————————————————————————————————————————————————+

Knowing your BLANK 1 of 1 means understanding exactly which tasks you are trained and permitted to perform.
Knowing your Fill in the blank 1 of 1 means understanding exactly which tasks you are trained and permitted to perform.

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Question 9 of 20

9. Question

Type the missing word or phrase. Word bank: Scope of Practice • Plan of Care • Direct Supervision • General Supervision • NPTE • Referral • Discharge • Licensure • Certification • Physical Therapy Aide +—————————————————————————————————————————————————————+

Earning a voluntary credential, such as the NCCB Physical Therapy Aide BLANK 1 of 1, can strengthen a job application even though it isn’t legally required.
Earning a voluntary credential, such as the NCCB Physical Therapy Aide Fill in the blank 1 of 1 , can strengthen a job application even though it isn’t legally required.

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Question 10 of 20

10. Question

Type the missing word or phrase. Word bank: Scope of Practice • Plan of Care • Direct Supervision • General Supervision • NPTE • Referral • Discharge • Licensure • Certification • Physical Therapy Aide +—————————————————————————————————————————————————————+

A patient reaches BLANK 1 of 1 once they have formally completed their plan of care.
A patient reaches Fill in the blank 1 of 1 once they have formally completed their plan of care.

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Question 11 of 20

11. Question

Which of the following best defines “scope of practice”?

The hours an employee is allowed to work
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The tasks a role is trained and permitted to perform
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The total number of patients seen in a day
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The physical layout of a clinic
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Question 12 of 20

12. Question

A physical therapist assistant (PTA) is permitted to design a new patient’s plan of care.

True
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False
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Question 13 of 20

13. Question

Which credential is required by law to work as a physical therapist?

Certification
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Licensure
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A high school diploma
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A recommendation letter
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Question 14 of 20

14. Question

Under general supervision, the supervising PT is:

In the room at all times
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Available, such as by phone, without being physically present
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Not required at all
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Replaced by the aide
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Question 15 of 20

15. Question

Which of these is an example of a “referral”?

A patient's home exercise log
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A request from a physician for a patient to receive PT services
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A clinic's cleaning schedule
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A patient's insurance card
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Question 16 of 20

16. Question

A physical therapy aide is required to hold a state license.

True
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False
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Question 17 of 20

17. Question

What point in a patient’s care is called “discharge”?

The first visit
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A missed appointment
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The point where the patient formally completes their plan of care
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A change in insurance
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Question 18 of 20

18. Question

Certification, such as the NCCB Physical Therapy Aide credential, is a legal requirement to work as an aide in every state.

True
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False
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Question 19 of 20

19. Question

Which national exam must PTs and PTAs pass to become licensed?

NCCB Exam
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NPTE
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SAT
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OSHA Exam
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Question 20 of 20

20. Question

A PT aide notices a patient seems unsteady during a transfer. What is the correct first action?

Tell the patient to stop and diagnose the issue
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Ignore it since it is not their job
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Immediately alert the supervising PT or PTA
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Ask the patient to push through it
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