-
NPTE Prep Course
TherapyEd’s two-day Prep Class creates a social learning atmosphere that is individual, responsive, immediate and dynamic. Our expert instructors motivate students to prepare for the NPTE and provide the best tools and resources to implement an efficient and successful study plan.
TherapyEd’s Physical Therapy Licensure Exam Preparation Course
The Prep Class, NPTE Review & Study Guide, class manual, and Online Resources are all updated every year to be current for the exam. With over 30 years of experience, TherapyEd is the company with the knowledge, experience, and expertise to prepare students to pass the NPTE the first time.
Dates & Locations
Course Agenda
Instructors & Authors
Review & Study Guide
PT Prep Course
$350.00
Click on Course below to Register
First Day
- 8:00-8:15 Sign In
- 8:15-9:25 Introduction/Expectations/NPTE Content, Format & Grading/ Keys to Reading Multiple-Choice Questions
- 9:25-10:10 Musculoskeletal System – Part I
- 10:10-10:20 Break
- 10:20-11:05 Musculoskeletal System – Part II
- 11:05-12:00 Musculoskeletal System – Part III
- Noon-1:00 Lunch Break
- 1:00-1:20 Critical Reasoning / Test Taking Errors/Psychology Part I
- 1:20-2:40 Cardiopulmonary & Lymphatic Systems
- 2:40-2:50 Break
- 2:50-3:30 Equipment/Devices/Modalities
- 3:30-4:00 Integumentary System
- 4:00-4:10 Break
- 4:10-4:45 Metabolic/Endocrine Systems
Second Day
- 8:00-9:00 How to Design and Implement a Study Plan
- 9:00-10:00 Neuromuscular System – Part I
- 10:00-10:10 Break
- 10:10-11:10 Neuromuscular System – Part II
- 11:10-Noon Gastrointestinal / Genitourinary
- Noon-1:00 Lunch
- 1:00-1:30 Research/Evidence-Based Practice
- 1:30-2:15 System Interactions
- 2:15-3:15 Safety/Professional Roles
- 3:15-3:30 Test Taking Errors/Psychology Part I/Final Words/Evaluations
The schedule may vary depending on the course and the questions asked. We are committed to helping all students succeed on the exam and answering all questions may take longer than outlined on the schedule.
Angelique Dirkes PT, DPT, MS

Dr. Dirkes is a Senior Instructor for TherapyEd and received her degree in Physical Therapy at the Haarlemse Academie voor Fysiotherapie, in The Netherlands. After graduating in 1983, she worked in rehabilitation, private practice and sports medicine, and instructed nursing students in the areas of anatomy and physical therapy. Angelique also served as the physical therapist for the Spanish National Field Hockey Team in Barcelona, Spain. She received her Masters Degree in 1993 and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2004 at the Massachusetts General Insitute of Health Professions in Boston. Since coming to the United States in 1988, Angelique Dirkes has worked as a physical therapist in the areas of pediatrics, rehabilitation and Home Care. She is currently a supervising physical therapist at a home care agency in the Boston area and an instructor at MGH.
Suzanne Giuffre PT, EdD

Dr. Giuffre is an Instructor for TherapyEd and is the Director and Associate Professor in Cleveland State University’s DPT Program. She earned her B.S. in Physical Therapy from Daemen College, her Advanced Masters of Science in Neurological Physical Therapy from Temple University with an emphasis in Pediatrics, and her EdD in Higher Education Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to becoming the Director at Cleveland State University she served as the Director of Clinical Education at Youngstown State University for 16 years. She has been an educator in Physical Therapy since 1999. Dr. Giuffre currently published in the area of Population Health of the impact of PT.
Judith Hershberg PT, DPT, MS

Dr. Hershberg is a Senior Instructor with TherapyEd. She received her physical therapy education at Boston University. She was Director of Physical Therapy at the Boston University Medical Center for many years and is currently the owner of the Boston Center for P.T. & Sports Medicine, a private practice. She has been actively involved in the APTA serving in many capacities and is currently the Chair of the Massachusetts Chapter Political Action Committee. Dr. Hershberg’s current interests include sports medicine and occupational health. She is an adjunct professor at the Boston University School of Medicine.
Edward Kane PT, PhD, ATC

Dr. Kane is a Senior Instructor for TherapyEd and a Professor for the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences at San Diego, CA. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (Zoology), a Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Duke University, a Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy and Diploma of Clinical Specialization in Musculoskeletal Disorders from the University of Southern California, and his PhD in Education/Sports Medicine from the University of Virginia. He is a retired Captain from the United States Navy. One of his assignments was as Associate Professor of the U.S. Army Baylor University Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy and adjunct professor for the US Army Orthopaedic & Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship from Aug 2001 through Aug 2005. He is also an active member of the U.S. Olympic Sports Medicine Committee and has had numerous USA team assignments. In addition he serves as a manuscript reviewer for the American Journal of Sports Medicine, the Journal of Athletic Training and the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics.
Cathy Lane PT, DPT, MS

Dr. Lane is a Senior Instructor for TherapyEd and a clinically based Physical Therapist with hospital, private practice, and home care experience. She graduated from Simmons College and received her Masters in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University in 1982. She has worked at teaching hospitals in the U.S. and England, and has been in supervisory and training positions working with acute care and outpatient orthopedic patients. Currently, Dr. Lane is working in a Sports Medicine Clinic and consulting for the VNA. She is an active member of the APTA, serving as the Massachusetts Chapter President, and served on the Legislative Committee and Political Action Committee.
Vince Lepak PT, DPT, MPH

Dr. Lepak is a Senior Instructor for TherapyEd and an Assistant Professor in the Division of Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. He has been teaching for the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center since 1993 and working with International Educational Resources since 2001. In 1989, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy and in 1994 a Master of Public Health. Dr. Lepak completed his DPT at Massachusetts General Hospital Institutes of Health Professions in 2004. Clinical experiences include working in acute care, home health, long-term care, geriatric assessment, outpatient orthopedics and wound care. He is a certified wound care specialist through the American Academy of Wound Management. Clinical and teaching expertise includes wound care, manual therapy (peripheral & spine), modalities, geriatric assessment, physical therapy licensure preparation and webpage development. Dr. Lepak served for six years on the Oklahoma State Licensure Committee; Chair for 2 years. Nationally he worked for the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy and was a Delegate to the American Physical Therapy Association for the State of Oklahoma. He has a wife, daughter and a dog. An avid soccer player and his favorite web site is http://www.quackwatch.org/.
Susan O’Sullivan PT, EdD

Susan O’Sullivan, PT, EdD is Professor Emerita at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell and co-author of the foundational text, Physical Rehabilitation. She was an Instructor and Assistant Professor at Boston University and then an Associate Professor and Professor at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, serving as department chair from 2002-2008. She received her B.S. and M.S. in Physical Therapy degrees, as well as her Ed.D. in Human Development (with a specialization in psychomotor development and motor learning), from Boston University.
She has co-authored several textbooks, most notably “Physical Rehabilitation,” which is the most widely used textbook by DPT programs and has been translated into five languages for world-wide distribution (Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese). She has also co-authored “Improving Functional Outcomes in Physical Rehabilitation” and the National Physical Therapy Examination Review and Study Guide. While at UMass Lowell, Dr. O’Sullivan taught neurological and geriatric physical therapy courses, receiving awards for her instructional abilities. Most notably, she was the 2012 recipient of the Excellence in Neurologic Education award from the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy.
Scott W. Shaffer PT, PhD, ECS

Dr. Shaffer is an Instructor for TherapyEd and serves as a Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Texas State University. He is a retired Colonel from the US Army, serving in a variety of roles, including Chief of Army Physical Therapy, Dean of the Graduate Programs at the U.S. Army Medical Department Center & School, and former director and professor at the US Army Baylor University Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy. Dr. Shaffer completed his PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences with a focus in adult neurological disorders from the University of Kentucky in 2007 and has served as the director of physical therapy in various assignments, including deployments to Bosnia and Iraq. He is an author on numerous peer reviewed publications and has lectured extensively on neurologic and orthopaedic assessment. He is also an investigator on various research projects to include studies examining injury risk screening, and the influence of neuromusculoskeletal injury on postural stability and physical performance.
Raymond Siegelman PT, DPT, MS

Dr. Siegelman is President Emeritus of TherapyEd and served as President since the company’s founding in 1988. With Dr. Susan O’Sullivan, he is co-author of the National Physical Therapy Examination Review & Study Guide. Dr. Siegelman received his physical therapy education at Columbia University, College of Physicians & Surgeons in New York City, Boston University and the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions. He was a member of the faculty in the physical therapy programs at Boston University and then at Northeastern University for ten years. Between 1977 and 1988 he also practiced in the area of sports physical therapy. From 1982-1987, Dr. Siegelman was the Executive Director of the APTA of Massachusetts. He has also held the position of Chief Delegate, Delegate and Chairman of the Eastern District of the Massachusetts Chapter of the APTA. He has served on and chaired many committees at the district, chapter and national levels of the American Physical Therapy Association. In 2005, Dr. Siegelman received the Kessler Memorial Award from the APTA of Massachusetts.
Laura Smith PT, DPT, MTC, FAAOMPT

Dr. Smith is an Instructor for TherapyEd and an Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Orthopedic Post Professional Certificate Program at the University of Michigan-Flint. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Trinity Christian College and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. She has earned her manual therapy certification and is a Fellow in the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists. Dr. Smith has extensive teaching experience in entry-level, post-professional and continuing professional education. She continues to practice in the clinic to supplement her teaching, privately servicing a wide range of clients including collegiate and professional athletes. Additionally, she is pursuing her PhD in Adult Education with research interests in interprofessional education and orthopedic manual therapy. Dr. Smith is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists serving on several task forces and committees.
Thomas G. Sutlive PT, PhD

Dr. Sutlive is an Instructor for TherapyEd and Professor for the U.S. Army-Baylor University Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy in San Antonio, Texas. Additionally, he is an adjunct professor for the U.S. Army-Baylor University Doctoral Fellowship in Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy. He earned his B.A. in Physical Education and Religion from the College of William and Mary, his Masters of Physical Therapy from the U.S. Army-Baylor University Graduate Program, and his Ph.D in Anatomy/Physical Therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Sutlive is a retired Colonel from the U.S. Army, having served 23 years on active duty. He is an author of numerous peer reviewed publications and is actively engaged in research, which focuses on examination and intervention strategies for a variety of neuromusculoskeletal disorders.
Included with the course:
TherapyEd’s NPTE Review & Study Guide
by O’SULLIVAN, SIEGELMAN, SHAFFER, & SUTLIVE
The 26th edition NPTE Review & Study Guide for 2023 is now available! Up-to-date for the current exam blueprint and with a new design for better comprehension and improved studying, the 2023 Review & Study Guide provides a comprehensive content review, 3 complete online practice exams, and personalized feedback to determine individual strengths and weaknesses.
US $90.00
Testimonials
-
“The instructor did a great job of presenting the material in a way that was easy to remember, had great background knowledge on the subject matter, and used real-life and clinical examples to convey meaning. This course does a good job of reviewing all the concepts that will be on the exam, how to set-up a study plan, and what to expect during the exam.”– Christina S., Touro University Nevada
-
“The instructor explained each question and the answers very well to my understanding. I think this course should be recommended for all physical therapy students preparing for the exam.”– Butali O., University of Missouri
-
“Hardin-Simmons University’s Department of Physical Therapy has been recommending the TherapyEd NPTE Review and Study Guide and prep course to our students for nearly 10 years. The topics are presented concisely, yet thoroughly so students can easily identify gaps in their knowledge to focus on in their comprehensive study plan. Tables, charts, pictures and diagrams clearly present key elements of information. Every student studying for the NPTE should consider utilizing this review textbook.”– Prof. Janelle K. O’Connell, Hardin-Simmons University
-
“The instructor was very informative and approachable. I had a wonderful time. The course gave me guidelines on where to start my review. I am not lost anymore and am looking forward to studying.”– Elenita F., Touro University Nevada
-
“The instructor was very knowledgeable and helpful, and provided great explanations of answers to questions and tips to remember certain content. He really emphasized important areas, how to study, how to process questions, and was very encouraging and really good at putting information in perspective. This course was VERY helpful in helping me mentally prepare. Overall, a well worth it and great course!”– Katelyn H., University of Central Arkansas
-
“A talented teacher who was very knowledgeable and great with relating test information with clinical knowledge. I feel much more confident going into my studies and feel much more prepared to develop a study plan! This was the perfect pre-NPTE course.”– Sayre U., University of Central Arkansas
-
“The instructor was amazingly knowledgeable and a hero for those of us that English is a second language. It was a wonderful course.”– Vivian O., MGH Institute of Health Professions
-
“The instructor was wonderful at explaining the subject matter and helping the class decipher important and relevant information when answering exam questions. Very knowledgeable and good at teaching! This course is excellent at preparing students in what to expect on testing day, test-taking and anxiety relief strategies, as well as actual question preparation.”– Emily B., Louisiana State University in Shreveport
-
“The course was very helpful, from teaching test format and sample questions to how to study and motivation and relaxation techniques. I feel this course overall has helped me to prepare and build a plan for my exam preparation.”– Beau A., Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans
-
“This course has been extremely helpful. The example questions are much more like the real exam questions versus Scorebuilders’ book practice questions – I did not feel well prepared with Scorebuilders.”– Annie Q., Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans
About the Course
Take the course and follow the TherapyEd Path to Success:
- Create an efficient and effective study plan
- Learn to analyze challenging practice questions
- Assess individual strengths and weaknesses
- Demonstrate improved critical reasoning and confidence on the NPTE
- Audience Response Clickers provide immediate feedback and create an even more dynamic Prep Class
Course participants also receive a second text, the PT Course Manual. This 304 page book contains:
- Extensive study tips and strategies
- NPTE Content Outline
- Chapter by sports psychologist Dr. Ed Chavez “How to Perform Your Best on Exam Day”
- Pharmacology chapter
- Online exam strategies
The cost of the Prep Class, if you have already purchased the NPTE Review & Study Guide, is just $265.00.
If you have not purchased the NPTE Review & Study Guide by O’Sullivan, Siegelman, Shaffer, and Sutlive the course tuition is $350.00 plus shipping and handling. The Review & Study Guide is shipped upon course registration.
The PT Course Manual is handed out on the first day of the course.
TherapyEd Guarantee
Our goal at TherapyEd–our mission–is to help students pass their licensure exam the first time. Unfortunately, although almost everyone who takes our course passes the NPTE the first time, sometimes life intervenes and a student does not pass. We know this is difficult, disappointing, disheartening–and expensive!
If you take our course and do not pass the NPTE, you can take the course again, anywhere, anytime, FOR FREE. Just look at the schedule of upcoming courses, pick one out, contact us, and we will register you for the course at no charge.
With our course guarantee, our Online Office Hours, the best-selling Review & Study Guide, and rigorous practice questions, our commitment is to help students pass the exam and begin their professional careers. We hope all this will give you the confidence of our experience.