NPTE-PT
Physical Therapy Essentials Book
Transform challenging PT concepts into clear, memorable knowledge with 400+ pages of illustrations, quick-reference tools and study strategies built for physical therapy students and NPTE success.
- 400+ full-color pages across 14 subject areas
- Can be used for NPTE and PT school prep
- Illustrations, comparison tables and mnemonics
- Know This boxes, Quick Tips and NPTE Tips throughout
- Spiral bound with divider tabs so it lays flat
- Includes a weekly planner and clinical evaluation reference notepad




Physical Therapy Essentials Book
PASS THE NPTE FIRST TIME
Table of Contents
400+ pages across 14 subjects.
Subjects
Musculoskeletal
52 topics- Orthopedic Examination
- Subjective History
- Additional Screening Questions
- Additional Screening Tests
- Pain
- Initial Observation
- Range of Motion/MMT
- Palpation
- Neurological Screening
- Shoulder Joint Special Tests
- Shoulder & Elbow Joint Special Tests
- Elbow Special Tests
- Wrist Special Tests
- Hip Special Tests
- Knee Special Test
- Ankle Special Tests
- Sacroiliac (SI) Special Tests
- Cervical Spine Tests
- Lumbar Spine Tests
- Joint play/Joint mobilization
- Convex/concave Tips & Tricks
- Temporomandibular Joint Anatomy
- Spine Anatomy
- Shoulder Joint Anatomy
- Scapular Winging
- Elbow Joint Anatomy
- Hand and Wrist Joint Anatomy
- Hand Deformities
- Hip Joint Anatomy
- Knee Joint Anatomy
- Ankle Joint Anatomy
- Gait
- Fractures
- Salter-Harris Fracture Classification
- Outcome Measures
- Brachial Plexus
- Cauda Equina vs. Conus Medullaris
- Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Types of Arthritis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Herniated Disc
- Types of Spondys
- Gout
- Osteoporosis
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
- Adhesive Capsulitis
- Shoulder Labrum Tears
- Rotator Cuff Tears
- Scoliosis
- Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA)
- Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)
- ACL/PCL Rehabilitation
Neuromuscular
21 topics- Anatomy of the Brain
- Cranial Nerves
- Circle of Willis
- UMN vs LMN Syndrome
- Basal Ganglia vs. Cerebellum
- Babinski Reflex
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Stroke
- Lateral Medullary Syndrome
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injury Interventions
- Pusher’s Syndrome
- Parkinson’s Disease (PD)
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- Myasthenia GravisBell’s & Bulbar Palsy
- Vestibular System & Vertigo
- Meniere’s Disease vs. Vestibular Neuritis
- Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
- Nerve Glides
Pediatrics
10 topics- Pediatric Milestones
- Pediatric Reflexes
- Congenital Muscular Torticollis (CMT)
- Down Syndrome
- Spinal Muscle Atrophy
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Spina Bifida
- Cerebral Palsy
- Lower Extremity Pathologies
- Erb’s vs. Klumpke’s Palsy
Cardiovascular
28 topics- Anatomy of the Heart
- Important Structures and Blood Flow
- Heart Sounds
- Vital Signs
- Monitoring BP
- Cardiac Equations
- RPE Scale
- METS Scale
- Important Lab Values
- EKG
- Abnormal EKG
- Important Biomarkers
- Cardiac Medications
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
- Angina
- Myocardial Infarction
- Metabolic & Respiratory Alkalosis/Acidosis
- Pulmonary Anatomy
- Lung Auscultation
- Lung sounds
- Pulmonary Medications
- Pulmonary Equations
- Pulmonary Interventions
- Restrictive vs. Obstructive Lung Diseases
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Pneumonia
- Asthma vs Cystic Fibrosis
Integumentary
12 topics- Anatomy
- Burns
- Pressure Ulcers
- Definitions
- Venous, Arterial, & Neuropathic Ulcers
- Wounds
- Pathologies: Psoriasis
- Pathologies: Dermatitis
- Pathologies: Vitiligo
- Pathologies: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Pathologies: Herpes
- Pathologies: Scleroderma
Gastrointestinal
9 topics- Abdominal Quadrants
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Cholecystitis
- Peptic Ulcers
- Ulcerative Colitis vs. Crohn’s Disease
- Types of Hernias
- Hiatal Hernia
- Appendicitis vs. Diverticulitis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Renal
4 topics- Anatomy of the Kidney
- Acute vs. Chronic Kidney Disease
- Types of Incontinence
- Urinary Tract Infection
Lymphatics
2 topics- Lymphatic System
- Lymphedema
Endocrine
6 topics- Endocrine System
- Hormones
- Addison’s Disease vs. Cushing’s Disease
- Hyper vs. Hypothyroidism
- Hyper vs. Hypoparathyroidism
- Diabetes
Genitourinary
4 topics- Pregnancy
- Diastasis Recti
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- HIV/AIDS
Assistive Devices
12 topics- K Levels
- Prosthetics
- Common Types of Assistive Devices
- Walkers
- Crutches
- Cane
- Assistive Device Ambulation Patterns
- ADA Requirements
- Above the Knee Amputations (AKAs)
- Below the Knee Amputations (BKAs)
- Orthosis
- Transfemoral and Transtibial Amputation
Modalities
6 topics- Thermotherapy
- Cryotherapy
- Stimulation
- Ultrasound
- Iontophoresis
- Cervical & Lumbar Distraction
Safety
1 topics- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Research
17 topics- Hierarchy of Evidence
- Systematic vs. Meta-Analysis Trials
- Qualitative vs. Quantitative
- Types of Quantitative Studies
- Key Definitions and Concepts
- Descriptive Statistics
- Distribution Curves
- Reliability vs. Validity
- Internal vs. External Validity
- Scales of Measurement
- Common Statistical Tests
- Sampling Methods
- Effect Size and Clinical Significance
- Generalizability
- Sensitivity vs. Specificity of Diagnostic Tests
- Correlation: Positive vs. Negative
- Common Types of Graphs
Master Complex Concepts with Our Physical Therapy Essentials Book
Transform challenging PT concepts into clear, memorable knowledge with 400+ pages of beautiful illustrations, quick-reference tools, and proven study strategies designed specifically for physical therapy students and NPTE success.
400+ Pages of Comprehensive Content
Extensively detailed material covering major NPTE and PT school topics with in-depth explanations
Dual-Purpose Resource
Perfect for PT school coursework, clinical rotations, and preparing for your NPTE
Beautiful Visual Illustrations
Complex physical therapy concepts made simple through clear, colorful diagrams and anatomical illustrations
Quick Tips, Mnemonics, and Know This
Strategic study shortcuts and essential points highlighted throughout each section
Weekly Planner
Stay organized throughout PT school and clinical rotations with a scheduling system designed for busy physical therapy students
Notebook + Clinical Evaluation Reference Guide
Quick-access notebook with all the essentials needed for a successful initial physical examination
Details
Find answers to common questions about our product.
Product Specification
Size: 8.5″ x 11″ (A4) — Spiral Bound Softcover
Format: High-quality, durable study book designed for daily use
This physical copy is designed for convenience and durability, featuring a sturdy spiral binding for easy page-turning and a premium matte-coated cover for extra protection. The interior is printed in full color on high-quality paper, ideal for highlighting, note-taking, and long-term reference. Divider tabs help keep sections organized.
Also included separately in the package:
- A weekly planner to help you stay organized
- A combined notepad with clinical reference sheet for quick notes and essential information at your fingertips
Details:
- Durable spiral-bound softcover
- Premium matte-coated finish
- Full-color, high-quality printing
- Easy-to-use divider tabs
- Weekly planner and notepad with clinical reference sheet included separately
- Individually packaged for protection
Please note: This product is a physical copy only. Digital versions are not included.
Shipping Information
We offer two shipping options at checkout:
- Free Standard Shipping — Estimated delivery in 5–7 business days
- Fast Shipping ($10) — Estimated delivery in 2–3 business days
Business days do not include weekends or holidays. Tracking information will be provided via email once your order ships.
Please Note: Once your order is placed, we are unable to change the shipping address, so please double-check your details before completing your purchase.
Ask A Question
Real Students, Real Reviews
Watch Students Talk About the Book
PT students share their honest take on the Physical Therapy Essentials Book.
Real Reviews from Real Physical Therapists
Written reviews
What students say
“The feature I found most useful was the self generated quizzes where you are able to filter questions by the number you want to complete and by systems. Being able to see statistics on how you are scoring by system showed me where to direct my studies.”
“The Typical Prep questions are more difficult than the ScoreBuilders and Final Frontier questions. Going over the questions and rationale gave me more detailed insight into the information.”
“I’m a visual learner and I like how the book helped me to memorize all the concepts.”
“Having them banked by topic and then filtering them both before and after practice is super useful for studying. The long questions are thorough and challenge your test taking stamina.”
Frequently asked questions
How many pages are in the Physical Therapy Essentials Book?
The book contains over 400 pages of comprehensive content covering every major physical therapy topic area.
What topics does the book cover?
The book covers 15 subject areas: Head-to-Toe Assessment, Musculoskeletal, Neuromuscular, Pediatrics, Cardiovascular, Integumentary, Gastrointestinal, Renal, Lymphatics, Endocrine, Genitourinary, Assistive Devices, Modalities, Safety, and Research.
Can I use this book for PT school coursework and NPTE prep?
Yes. The book is designed as a dual-purpose resource. You can use it alongside your coursework and clinical rotations throughout your program, and it also serves as a comprehensive review guide when preparing for the NPTE-PT or NPTE-PTA.
Is this book for DPT students only, or can PTA students use it too?
Both. The content is relevant for DPT and PTA students alike. Whether you’re using it for coursework, clinicals, or preparing for the NPTE-PT or NPTE-PTA, the material covers the core physical therapy topics you need to know.
What is the format and size of the book?
The book is 8.5″ x 11″ (A4), spiral-bound with a premium matte-coated softcover. The interior is printed in full color on high-quality paper. Divider tabs are included to keep sections organized.
What comes in the package besides the book?
In addition to the book, your package includes a weekly planner to help you stay organized throughout PT school and clinical rotations, a combined notepad with a clinical evaluation reference guide, and a set of decorative motivational stickers.
Is a digital version of the book available?
No. The Physical Therapy Essentials Book is available as a physical copy only. Digital versions are not included.
Is there a free sample I can preview before purchasing?
Yes. You can download a free sample of the book directly from the product page to preview the content, layout, and illustration style before making your purchase.
What kind of illustrations and study tools are included?
The book features full-color visual illustrations, comparison charts, mnemonics, memory tricks, "Know This" boxes highlighting high-yield content, and quick tips throughout each section. These are designed to break down complex physical therapy concepts into clear, memorable content.
Can I write in the book and take notes?
Yes. The spiral binding lays flat for easy note-taking, and the high-quality paper is suitable for highlighting. Each subject section also includes dedicated notes pages.
How much does shipping cost and how long will delivery take?
We offer two shipping options: Free Standard Shipping with estimated delivery in 5–7 business days, and Fast Shipping for $10 with estimated delivery in 2–3 business days. Business days do not include weekends or holidays. Tracking information is provided via email once your order ships.
Can I change my shipping address after placing my order?
No. Once your order is placed, we are unable to change the shipping address. Please double-check your details before completing your purchase.
What is your refund policy?
All sales are final once the packaging has been opened. Because this is a physical product, we are unable to offer refunds or exchanges after the package has been unsealed. We encourage you to review the product details and free sample on this page before purchasing.
Can I bundle the book with other Typical Prep products?
Yes. The PT Essentials Book can be bundled with the NPTE Adaptive Platform and Anatomy Flashcards at a discounted rate. Visit our Bundle & Save page to see available options and pricing.
Do you offer group discounts for PT programs or student cohorts?
Yes. We offer group discounts for students and institutions. Please email us at contact@typicalprep.com for group pricing and availability.
Who created the Physical Therapy Essentials Book?
The book was written and designed by licensed physical therapists and university professors with expertise in physical therapy education and NPTE preparation.
How is this different from other NPTE review books like ScoreBuilders or TherapyEd?
The PT Essentials Book is built around visual learning. Rather than dense paragraphs of text, the content is presented through full-color illustrations, comparison charts, mnemonics, and "Know This" callouts that highlight the most commonly tested material. It is also designed to be used throughout your entire DPT or PTA program, not just during your final board prep period.