The Nebraska Physical Agent Modalities Testing Service was authorized
by the Nebraska State Board of Occupational Therapy to develop tests for
occupational therapy practitioners licensed in Nebraska. After July
2006, all occupational therapy practitioners who wish to use physical agent
modalities as part of their practice must demonstrate they have knowledge
of the use of these modalities. There are two ways that this can
be done. If you have over 5 years of experience in the use of physical
agent modalities and can verify this to the Nebraska State Board of Occupational
Therapy (NSBOT), you can complete the necessary requirements by taking
a test offered by NPAMTS. If you have less than 5 years of experience
in the use of PAMs, you must take a course that is approved by the NSBOT. The
following link will provide you with information on an approved PAMs course
offered by the Physical Agent Modality Credentialing Agency approved by
the NSBOT. Applicants are instructed to contact the NSBOT for other
approved providers of clinical education in Nebraska. (www.pampca.org).
2. Which test should I take?
There are five test variations of physical agent modalities use that
the state has approved. These are: superficial thermal agents only, deep
thermal agents only, combined superficial and deep thermal agents only,
eletrotherapeutic agents only, and a comprehensive test covering the
use of all physical agent modalities (superficial, deep and electrotherapeutic
modalities). Tests are developed for each of these five variations. The
one that is right for you will depend upon your practice needs.
The Nebraska
licensing law stipulates that OTA’s can only be approved
to use superficial thermal agent modalities. OTA’s, therefore,
are eligible to take only the superficial thermal agents test. The
OTR is eligible to take any combination of tests offered.
3. Do OTRs and OTAs take the same tests?
Both OTRs and OTAs will take the same test on superficial thermal agent
modalities. The remaining tests are only for the OTR.
4. When are these tests offered?
Once the final rules and regulations have been approved and signed by
the governor’s office, the tests will become available. These
tests will be taken on line and are available 7 days per week, 24 hours
per day.
5. How do I sign up for the test that is appropriate
for me?
In order to register for a test, you will need to go to the following
site at Saginaw
Valley State University’s Office of Continuing Education.
6. How much does it cost to take the test?
There are five (5) variations of the test. You only have to
take one test that matches your need for physical agent modalities use. The
test and cost are listed below:
Superficial Thermal Agents Test: $125.00
Deep Thermal Agents Test: $125.00
Combined Superficial and Deep Thermal Agents Test: $175.00
The cost covers a second testing opportunity should you fail to pass
on the first attempt. Passing score is 75%. (note:
cost of taking the test is subject to change without advanced notice).
7. Can I take only the superficial and deep thermal
modalities test now and the electrotherapy test later?
Yes. You only need to sign up for the test that reflects the type
of practice and needs that you currently have. For example, if you
work in a nursing home and only use superficial and deep thermal agents,
then you should take just the test for both of those specific modalities. If
at a future date you begin to work part time in outpatient rehabilitation,
and you have the required 5 years of experience, you could sign up
for the electrotherapy agents test at that time.
8. What happens if I do not pass this test?
Passing the test is required for the Nebraska State Board of Occupational
Therapy to recognize you as a practitioner eligible to use physical agent
modalities. In the event that you do not pass the exam, you will
receive a letter indicating the content areas you need to improve and given
instructions for a second attempt, using an alternative test. If
you fail to pass the test a second time, you will be required to take one
of the courses pre-approved by the Nebraska State Board of Occupational
Therapy.
9. How can I prepare for this test?
You will find the objectives for each of the tests listed on the home
page of the NPAMTS website. You should be comfortable with the materials
associated with each of these objectives since the test questions were
drawn from them. We recommend the following text books: Bracciano
AG (2001). Physical Agent Modalities:Theory
and Application for the Occupational Therapist. Slack,
Inc.: Thorofare, NJ, Behrens, S (2005) Physical Agents, Theory
and Practice. Davis: Philadelphia; Prentice W (2005) Therapeutic
Modalities in Rehabilitation, McGraw Hill; Cameron, M. (2005)
Physical Agent in Rehabilitation, Saunders, Philadelphia. There are
a variety of other texts available for the clinician.
10. I have a concern about the testing procedures
and wish to discuss this directly with someone. Who should I contact?
If your questions concern the changes in rules and regulations of occupational
therapy practice relative to physical agent modalities use, contact the
Nebraska State Board of Occupational Therapy. However, if you have
questions about the test, preparing to take the test, or need special accommodations
contact the NPAMTS by email (info@pampca.org)
or by phone (866-341-4106).
