Who is this course for?   The participant level for this course is advanced for PCS applicants in the final stages of preparation for the PCS Exam. 

What is the course content?  In preparation for the PCS exam, participants will have opportunities to expand their knowledge-base and clinical reasoning skills. Case study questions are presented through multiple pediatric practice settings and patient populations, including adults with disabilities. Research supports testing boosts memory retention better than continual re-studying. Participants will have the opportunity to test their memory and clinical reasoning skills to gain confidence in taking multiple choice question tests designed to be comparable with the format of the PCS exam. Learners will have the opportunity to analyze questions in small groups and from other content experts in a large group to further solidify their knowledge and skills required to successfully pass the PCS exam. Course activities will help participants identify and access resources to prioritize final preparation for the PCS exam. 

How does the course work?  This online course is a 4-week hybrid-model course. Modules are one week in length and include one live Zoom session (2 hours).  Students will be sent pre-test questions before the Zoom session for all modules.  The classes will not be recorded. Students are assigned to groups before the first session and will work together throughout the entire course. 

Who are the course faculty?  Michele Courtney, PT, PhD, MBA, APTA Pediatrics PCS Prep Committee Chair Kara Arps, PT, DPT APTA Pediatrics PCS Prep Committee Vice Chair

APTA Pediatrics PCS Prep Committee Members: 

Emily Gaylord, PT, DPT 

 Shelia Madden, PT, DPT 

 Sara Tenenholtz, PT, DPT

Jodi Thomas, PT, DPT, DHSc

Kristen Gary, PT, DPT

All committee members are Board Certified Clinical Specialists in Pediatric Physical Therapy

Does the course provide CEUs?  This course will provide 10 contact hours. Although APTA Pediatrics will not be submitting for CEUs for this course, individual participants are welcome to apply for CEUs themselves through their state chapters.  A course certificate for those completing all course requirements will be awarded. 

What is the Refund Policy?  APTA Pediatrics reserves the right to cancel this event, in which case all monies paid will be reimbursed. If you need to cancel your registration before taking any part of the course by email info@pediatricapta.org (minus a $50 processing fee).   

Is there a guarantee of passing the PCS exam? This course does not guarantee a passing score on the PCS exam. This course is not associated with the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS).  The course faculty and the PCS Prep Committee are volunteers who helped develop the practice questions, but do not have access to the PCS exam and uphold all policies and procedures established by the ABPTS to maintain the confidentiality of the exam. 

When does registration close?

December 22, 2023, 11:59PM EST

Course Schedule Overview

Limit yourself to 30 minutes for the pre-test quizzes.

Due dates are by midnight of your time zone.