Oncology (ABPTS) - Oncologic Clinical Specialist

The Oncologic Clinical Specialist (Oncology) certification, offered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS), is a professional credential for physical therapists specializing in oncology. This certification endorses a physical therapist's expertise in the treatment and management of individuals with cancer and survivors, addressing the unique needs of this population throughout the continuum of cancer care.

Eligibility

• Must be a physical therapist with a current permanent/unrestricted license to practice physical therapy in the U.S. or any of its possessions or territories

• Must submit evidence of 2,000 hours of direct patient care as a licensed physical therapist in oncologic within the last 10 years, with 500 hours completed within the last 3 years OR completion of an APTA-accredited post-professional clinical residency  within oncologic within the last 10 years

• Must submit one case report demonstrating specialty practice in oncologic physical therapy based on patient/client seen within the last 3 years

Completion Time: Up to 6 hours with four 90-minute blocks and optional breaks in between

Cost:

• Early Bird Application (Deadline July 31): 

  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) member: $535

  • Nonmember: $880

• After July 31 (Deadline Sept 30):

  • APTA member: $635

  • Nonmember: 980

• Exam Fee (Deadline Nov 30): 

  • APTA member: $810

  • Nonmember: $1,535

• Reapplication Review (Deadline Aug 31): $180

Exam Format

The exam consists of 200, with candidates given four 90-minute sessions to complete 50-question blocks in each. Optional breaks are offered between sessions. Topics covered and the percentage of the exam each topic covers are as follows:

• Knowledge Areas

  • Foundation Sciences (5%)

  • Behavioral Sciences (5%)

  • Clinical Sciences (5%)

• Professional Roles, Responsibilities and Values

  • Professional Behavior (2%)

  • Professional Development (2%)

  • Communication (2%)

  • Social Responsibility (2%)

  • Leadership (2%)

  • Education (1%)

  • Advocacy (1%)

  • Administration (1%)

  • Consultation (1%)

  • Evidence-Based Practice (2%)

• Patient & Client Management

  • Examination/Reexamination (23%)

  • Evaluation/Diagnosis/Prognosis (14%)

  • Intervention/Instruction (27%)

  • Outcomes (5%)

Renewal is required every 10 years, but to maintain ECS certification, applicants must submit evidence of continuing competence every 3 years, called a Maintenance of Specialist Certification (MOSC) cycle. By June 30 of their certification's third, sixth and ninth year, ECS certificate holders must submit evidence of the following:

• Current unrestricted licensure as a physical therapist in the U.S. or any of its possessions or territories

• 200 hours of direct patient care acquired in oncologic

• Participation in ongoing professional development or service within oncologic

• Practice performance through clinical care and reasoning through submission of one case reflection portfolio

Completion of an APTA-accredited residency or fellowship program in oncologic physical therapy meets all requirements for one three-year cycle if completed during that three-year MOSC period. 

Once all requirements in each cycle have been completed, candidates are eligible to take the non-proctored recertification examination in year 10. The MOSC exam contains 100 questions.

Renewal Fees

MOSC Fees and Deadline for renewal include:

• APTA Members: $760 total

  • Three installments of $220 with each MOSC cycle submission, plus a $100 at-cost exam fee in year 10

• Nonmembers: $1,400 total

  • Three installments of $400 with each MOSC cycle submission, plus a $200 exam fee in year 10

Part of the renewal process includes professional development equalling 10 MOSC credits, with 30 credits total required by year nine. These credits can be earned within 3 activity categories, with continuing education (CE) as one option in category 2. Candidates earn 1 MOSC credit for every 10 contact hours of CE related to oncologic completed.

Other Resources

• Candidate Guide

• Oncology Exam Outline

• General Resources

• Tips for Exam Day

The ABPTS also offers the following certifications:

• Board-Certified Electrophysiologic Clinical Specialist (ECS)

• Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS)

• Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS)

• Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS)

• Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS)

• Board-Certified Women's Health Clinical Specialist (WCS)

• Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS)

• Board-Certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist (CCS)

• Board-Certified Wound Management Clinical Specialist (Wound)