NCS Prep Program
This self-guided NCS Prep Program is designed to give you the tools you need to pass the test, gain expertise, and elevate the profession — all while earning CEUs.
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93%
of subscribers that studied with the MedBridge Certification Prep Programs successfully passed their board specialization test!
Prepare to take the next step in your career.
Our NCS Prep Program provides all of the tools you'll need to pass the board specialization test, develop your clinical skill set, and elevate your career - all while earning CEUs. With advanced certification, you'll set yourself apart as a distinguished professional equipped to provide an advanced level of care.
We can help you get there faster.
In this program you will study advanced topics taught by the best instructors in neurologic therapy. With over 300 practice questions, this 20-week program will have you well-prepared for success on test day.
Learn from the Best
Study advanced topics taught by the top instructors in neurologic therapy.
Identify Strengths
Analyze your strengths & weaknesses with scores for practice areas.
Personalize Your Plan
Customize the program to meet your needs. Study in groups or on your own.
Advance Your Career
Prepare for the test and earn CEUs—all included in the annual subscription.
Explore NCS Prep Courses
Acute Brain Injury and Disorders of Consciousness: Assessment and Intervention
Presented by Mary Beth Osborne, PT, DPT, NCS
Acute Brain Injury and Disorders of Consciousness: Assessment and Intervention
This course covers physical therapy patient management at the early stages following brain injury and for people in the disorders of consciousness phase of recovery. Common complications, outcome measures and interventions will be explored. Case studies will provide examples of real life manifestation of many of the common issues experienced during this phase.
Cognitive Impairments: Executive Function
Presented by Karen L. McCulloch, PhD, PT, MS, NCS(E), FAPTA
Cognitive Impairments: Executive Function
Part of a multiple-part series of courses on cognitive impairments seen in neurologic conditions, the purpose of this course is to review issues relevant to physical therapists related to executive function and self-awareness. Although these cognitive functions are not the direct focus of physical rehabilitation, therapists should be knowledgeable about the effects of executive dysfunction and impaired self-awareness as they relate to safety and prognosis.
Neuroimaging and Stimulation for Rehabilitation Part 1: Brain Imaging
Presented by Michael Borich, DPT, PhD
Neuroimaging and Stimulation for Rehabilitation Part 1: Brain Imaging
This course will highlight our current understanding of how advanced brain imaging methods are changing our understanding of how the brain works in both heath and disease. The course will first provide an introduction into current brain imaging methods used both clinically and in research. Next, the ability to characterize brain structure and function will be discussed. Finally, how these techniques are used to evaluate neuroplastic capacity of the brain will be summarized and the relevance to rehabilitation will be highlighted.
Central Vestibular System: Normal Anatomy and Physiology
Presented by Laura Morris, PT, NCS
Central Vestibular System: Normal Anatomy and Physiology
Vestibular disorders are a unique diagnostic category, often associated with pathology that affects the peripheral vestibular system. This course highlights the central portion of the vestibular system, including anatomy and normal physiology, as a basis for understanding pathology and management central vestibular disorders.
Advanced Physical Therapy Examination of Clients with Huntington's Disease
Presented by Anne Kloos, PT, PhD, NCS
Advanced Physical Therapy Examination of Clients with Huntington's Disease
Huntington's disease is a genetic disorder resulting in complex issues impacting health, function, and participation. Therapists must be equipped to provide care in an ever-changing health care environment. This course provides the therapist with advanced knowledge in examination of the client across all stages of Huntington's disease. Information is presented using a case study example interwoven with evidence-based information. On completion of this course, the therapist will be able to use evidence-based tests and measures for the examination of clients with Huntington's across the full spectrum of the disease.
Considerations of Cognition: Mobility and Relation of Exercise to Cognitive Function
Presented by Deb Kegelmeyer, PT, DPT, MS, GCS
Considerations of Cognition: Mobility and Relation of Exercise to Cognitive Function
Mobility is a complex and high-level activity involving both motor and cognitive skills. This course describes the interrelationship of cognition, mobility and exercise. Cognition plays a role in overground walking and in complex walking environments. This course reviews the current evidence regarding the role of different cognitive domains and mobility. The course then examines the assessment and treatment of mobility issues, incorporating cognitive interventions such as dual-task training. Finally the course examines the current evidence for the use of exercise to improve cognition and describes evidence-based interventions to improve cognition in healthy older adults and those with pathologic conditions such as dementia.
Treatment Maneuvers for BPPV
Presented by Jeff Walter, DPT, NCS
Treatment Maneuvers for BPPV
The course will review canalith repositioning maneuvers utilized to treat horizontal and posterior canal BPPV. Instruction will emphasize proper performance of the treatment maneuvers. Treatment-related management guidelines will be reviewed. Training in the following treatment maneuvers will be included: modified Epley maneuver, liberatory (Semont) maneuver, Gufoni maneuver, and cupulolith repositioning maneuver. Demonstration of maneuvers and case-based videos will be utilized to reinforce teaching objectives. The course will include a BPPV treatment-related question-and-answer session with neurotologist Michael Teixido, MD. The course is appropriate for audiologists and occupational/physical therapists and assistants.
Identification and Management of Unilateral Vestibular Disorders
Presented by Jeff Walter, DPT, NCS
Identification and Management of Unilateral Vestibular Disorders
The course will review the features of unilateral vestibular dysfunction (excluding BPPV, which is reviewed in detail in other courses). Common pharmacologic agents utilized in the management of vestibular-related symptoms and associated rehabilitative implications will be discussed. Stable and unstable/progressive unilateral disorders will be reviewed along with appropriateness of vestibular rehabilitation. Content will include a detailed discussion of vestibular neuritis, anterior vestibular artery ischemia, labyrinthitis, M?ni?re's disease, vestibular schwannoma, and superior canal dehiscence. The course will also include a question-and-answer session with Michael Teixido, MD. Indications for further medical management/diagnostic investigation will be reviewed. The course is appropriate for audiologists and occupational/physical therapists and assistants.
Track Your Strength
The NCS Prep Program is developed in alignment with the Neurologic Description of Specialty Practice (DSP). Over 300 test questions are mapped to the DSP so participants can track their strengths and weaknesses to prepare for the exam.
See your strength in over 12 categories! Begin the NCS program today.
Practice Exam
Case Excerpt:
A 76-year-old male is admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital 20 days after a left middle cerebral artery ischemic cerebrovascular accident (CVA). He underwent tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) treatment, but his hospital course was complicated by the emergence of shingles on his left flank, and MRSA in his urine. His past medical history includes atrial fibrillation, degenerative joint disease, osteoporosis, coronary artery disease, hypertension, myocardial infarction, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), coronary artery bypass graft x2, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, and a history of smoking 1 pack per day for many years. He currently has a 2-cm unstageable ulcer on his right heel. He lives with his wife in a 2-story home and has 2 sons who live in a neighboring town. He is a retired police officer. Prior to his stroke, he walked with a cane and was able to walk 10-15 minutes before tiring. He enjoys puzzles of any kind—crossword, word search, jigsaw, etc. His wife is 10 years younger than he is, works part-time at a discount store, and is in good health.Question:
An initial examination of this patient’s ambulation reveals the following:- assistance required: minimal
- HR changes: 72–96 bpm after 100'
- distance at which motor components of gait begin to deteriorate: 100'
- walking speed: 0.3 m/s
- qualitative analysis: lack of R push-off and reduced R foot clearance during R swing phase; R hip flexion and mild knee hyperextension during R stance phase; asymmetrical step length R > L
The correct answer is "weak right plantarflexors"
The neurologic clinical specialist is expected to be familiar with common gait deviations and their causes post- stroke, as well as musculoskeletal contributions to slow vs. faster walking speed. Ankle plantarflexors are important for forward propulsion and paretic leg weakness in these muscles is a common occurrence after stroke. This patient exhibits decreased push-off, consistent with such weakness. Further, plantarflexor weakness is associated with slow walking in both healthy individuals and those poststroke. The quadriceps do contribute to forward progression during gait in healthy individuals but these do not appear to be significantly weak in this patient since the knee is stable in stance phase. Muscle tightness represents a passive restriction rather than an active muscle contraction and, therefore, would not be a likely contributor to reduced walking speed.Meet Our Instructors
Karen McCain, PT, DPT, NCS
Jeff Walter, DPT, NCS
Mary Beth Osborne, PT, DPT, NCS
Anne Kloos, PT, PhD, NCS
Herb Karpatkin, PT, DSc, NCS, MSCS
Susan Stralka, PT, DPT, MS
Karen L. McCulloch, PhD, PT, MS, NCS(E), FAPTA
Deb Kegelmeyer, PT, DPT, MS, GCS
What's Included in the Program
Advanced Courses
Choose from over 50+ online, video-based courses taught by the experts
Practice Questions
Study with over 300 practice questions and recommended journal articles
Group Study
Prepare on your own or with others sitting for the exam
Structured Program
Improve your expertise with this 20-week program designed specifically for the NCS exam