SCS Prep Program
This self-guided SCS 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 SCS 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 sports therapy. With over 500 practice questions, this 16-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 sports therapy.
Identify Their Strengths
Analyze your strengths & weaknesses with scores for practice areas.
Personalize Their Plan
Customize the program to meet your needs. Study in groups or on your own.
Advance Their Career
Prepare for the test and earn CEUs—all included in the annual subscription.
Explore SCS Prep Courses
The Hip: Assessment of Hip Injuries in Athletes
Presented by Ashley Campbell, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS and Mike Voight, PT, DHSc, SCS, OCS, ATC, FAPTA
The Hip: Assessment of Hip Injuries in Athletes
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recognized industry experts.
The multilayered anatomy of the hip, as well as its close proximity to complex regions such as the lumbar spine and SI joint, can create a challenge for the orthopedic and sports clinician when assessing and diagnosing hip related pathologies. This course will break down the anatomy of the hip layer by layer with a focus on the critical structures relevant to physical therapy. We will then guide you through an organized examination of the hip and finally review radiographic and other advanced diagnostic imaging utilized in the evaluation of hip pathologies. Upon completion of this course, the participant should feel confident in their foundational knowledge of the hip anatomy, be able to perform a well organized exam of the hip, and understand the common findings and terminology associated with imaging of the hip.
Pharmacology in Sport Part 1: NSAIDs and Pain Medications
Presented by Todd Arnold, MD
Pharmacology in Sport Part 1: NSAIDs and Pain Medications
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Video Runtime: 35 Minutes, Learning Assessments: 24 Minutes
How can the sports therapist effectively and safely manage sports medicine? This course by Dr. Todd Arnold provides a detailed overview of the body's response to medication. Dr. Arnold first introduces the intimate relationship of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to athletic medicines and then explores how a drug interacts and passes through the athlete. Common athletic medicines are then explored in depth, including appropriate usage and management. Through this in-depth course, Dr. Arnold will prepare the sports physical therapist to approach the effective management and understanding of athletic medicines through detailed course materials, dynamic graphics, and a question-and-answer session with physical therapist Dr. Katie Whetstone. This is the first course in a two-part series and should be viewed in sequential order.
How can the sports therapist effectively and safely manage sports medicine? This course by Dr. Todd Arnold provides a detailed overview of the body's response to medication. Dr. Arnold first introduces the intimate relationship of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to athletic medicines and then explores how a drug interacts and passes through the athlete. Common athletic medicines are then explored in depth, including appropriate usage and management. Through this in-depth course, Dr. Arnold will prepare the sports physical therapist to approach the effective management and understanding of athletic medicines through detailed course materials, dynamic graphics, and a question-and-answer session with physical therapist Dr. Katie Whetstone. This is the first course in a two-part series and should be viewed in sequential order.
The Female Athlete Triad
Presented by Barbara Hoogenboom, EdD, PT, SCS, ATC
Concussion in Sport: Practical Case Studies
Presented by Todd Arnold, MD
Concussion in Sport: Practical Case Studies
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recognized industry experts.
Video Runtime: 32 Minutes, Learning Assessments: 24 Minutes
In this course, Dr. Arnold walks through four case studies dealing with concussion. In the case studies, Dr. Arnold demonstrates how to gather pertinent information from the athlete, identifies which assessments are appropriate to use in the clinic and on the sidelines, and emphasizes the clinical reasoning behind his treatment approach. Each case will cover a variety of issues that will enhance the learning from the lecture-style courses covering the concussed athlete, offering a deeper understanding of situations that arise and a platform for generating one's own style for communicating to those injured, as well as their parents and coaches. This updated case-based course is aimed at preparing physical therapists for the Sports Certified Specialist advanced certification exam but is appropriate for any therapist looking to expand their knowledge of concussion in sport.
In this course, Dr. Arnold walks through four case studies dealing with concussion. In the case studies, Dr. Arnold demonstrates how to gather pertinent information from the athlete, identifies which assessments are appropriate to use in the clinic and on the sidelines, and emphasizes the clinical reasoning behind his treatment approach. Each case will cover a variety of issues that will enhance the learning from the lecture-style courses covering the concussed athlete, offering a deeper understanding of situations that arise and a platform for generating one's own style for communicating to those injured, as well as their parents and coaches. This updated case-based course is aimed at preparing physical therapists for the Sports Certified Specialist advanced certification exam but is appropriate for any therapist looking to expand their knowledge of concussion in sport.
Emergency Management of Skeletal Injuries
Presented by Katie Whetstone, PT, DPT, SCS
Emergency Management of Skeletal Injuries
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Video Runtime: 71 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 39 Minutes
As physical therapists, we are often comfortable taking care of musculoskeletal injuries such as fractures and dislocations subacutely, but rarely do we witness and treat those injuries acutely. The sports physical therapist, on the other hand, must be ready at all times to skillfully and safely assess and manage these injuries when they happen during training or competition. In this course, the sports medicine team of Katie Whetstone (sports physical therapist) and Todd Arnold (sports medicine physician) will guide you through the practice of assessing, immobilizing, and otherwise treating acute musculoskeletal injuries through instruction and lab demonstration. Additionally, we will help you to monitor for signs of life-threatening injuries that are often associated with skeletal injuries and discuss return-to-play guidelines following skeletal injuries.
As physical therapists, we are often comfortable taking care of musculoskeletal injuries such as fractures and dislocations subacutely, but rarely do we witness and treat those injuries acutely. The sports physical therapist, on the other hand, must be ready at all times to skillfully and safely assess and manage these injuries when they happen during training or competition. In this course, the sports medicine team of Katie Whetstone (sports physical therapist) and Todd Arnold (sports medicine physician) will guide you through the practice of assessing, immobilizing, and otherwise treating acute musculoskeletal injuries through instruction and lab demonstration. Additionally, we will help you to monitor for signs of life-threatening injuries that are often associated with skeletal injuries and discuss return-to-play guidelines following skeletal injuries.
Environmental Considerations for the Athlete
Presented by Katie Whetstone, PT, DPT, SCS
Environmental Considerations for the Athlete
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Video Runtime: 119 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 47 Minutes
Athletes compete in all types of environments, and the weather at sporting events can be quite unpredictable. But no matter the weather, the sports physical therapist needs to be ready to both prevent and treat weather-related injuries. The sports physical therapist plays a vital role in the safety of not only the athletes, but also the coaches, officials, and spectators of various athletic events occurring in all types of climates and conditions. In this course on environmental considerations for the athlete, Katie Whetstone (sports physical therapist) and Todd Arnold (sports medicine physician) will address the prevention and treatment of common weather-related injuries, such as heat illness, hypothermia, dehydration, and altitude sickness, and give tips for lightning safety during outdoor events. Katie and Todd will share their real-life experiences while answering your frequently asked questions regarding environmental safety.
Athletes compete in all types of environments, and the weather at sporting events can be quite unpredictable. But no matter the weather, the sports physical therapist needs to be ready to both prevent and treat weather-related injuries. The sports physical therapist plays a vital role in the safety of not only the athletes, but also the coaches, officials, and spectators of various athletic events occurring in all types of climates and conditions. In this course on environmental considerations for the athlete, Katie Whetstone (sports physical therapist) and Todd Arnold (sports medicine physician) will address the prevention and treatment of common weather-related injuries, such as heat illness, hypothermia, dehydration, and altitude sickness, and give tips for lightning safety during outdoor events. Katie and Todd will share their real-life experiences while answering your frequently asked questions regarding environmental safety.
Compliance
Compliance
Track Your Strength
The SCS Prep Program is based on both practice areas and body regions in alignment with the Sports Description of Specialty Practice. Over 500 test questions are mapped to these two matrices so participants can track their strengths and weaknesses to prepare for the exam.
See your strength in over 20 categories! Begin the SCS program today.
Practice Exam
Get ahead of the game - try one of our practice questions below.
Case Excerpt:
Your athlete is a 17-year-old male hockey player who went to the ER last night due to a head laceration. He had no other examination and would like to be cleared to play today. The patient reports a little headache around the area of sutures, but otherwise, reports feeling normal. While performing the concussion assessment in the training room prior to the game, you note that during his Romberg test there is significant sway consistently to the right with both double leg and tandem standing.Question:
As the clinician, how would you continue in the assessment?
Correct!
Incorrect!
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The correct answer is "Note the positive test and continue your examination."
While a positive test should be noted, there may be other reasons for a positive Romberg test besides concussion, such as an old ankle sprain or knee injury. The positive test could help in diagnosing concussion, but should not be used as the only finding to diagnose concussion, and should not stop the exam.Meet Our Instructors
Terry Malone, PT, EdD, AT-Ret
Dr. Terry Malone received his EdD and MSPT from Duke University in North Carolina and his BA from Bluffton College in Ohio. At Duke, he served as the initial Sports Physical Therapist and was the coordinator of the Sports Medicine Clinic.
He served as the initial chairperson of the Sports Specialization Council of the APTA and has been liaison to the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports. Dr. Malone was the initial chair and dean of the Krannert School of Physical Therapy at the University of Indianapolis and served as the Physical Therapy program director at the University of Kentucky from 1993 to 2006. Terry is now a full-time professor at the University of Kentucky, and he enjoys most sports, with a particular love for golf.
Phil Plisky, PT, DSc, OCS, ATC, CSCS
Phil Plisky is a professor in the University of Evansville's Doctor of Physical Therapy program and the cofounder of Professional Rebellion, a community dedicated to helping rehabilitation providers create the careers of their dreams. His mission is to advance rehabilitation by inspiring those with the power to change it. He does this as a faculty member, director of residency programs, researcher, codeveloper in Functional Movement Systems, and consultant in collegiate and professional sports.
Dr. Plisky received his Master of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Evansville and his Doctor of Science degree in orthopedic physical therapy from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. Dr. Plisky is a board-certified orthopedic specialist through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. He is a NATA board-certified athletic trainer and a certified strength and conditioning specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Dr. Plisky specializes in sport and orthopedic rehabilitation, with an emphasis on performance and durability in athletes. His research focuses on comprehensive movement testing and injury prevention among athletes, military personnel, and school-aged children. Dr. Plisky's fieldwork has garnered research grants in collaboration with multiple universities, totaling over $3 million. His peer-reviewed articles have appeared in numerous scientific journals, several of which he serves as a manuscript reviewer for. Additionally, he is a performance consultant for collegiate and professional teams and the military. Dr. Plisky also presents internationally on the subjects of performance, return-to-sport testing, injury prevention, and field-expedient movement testing.
More info about Phil Connect with Phil on LinkedIn
Robert Donatelli, PhD, PT
From March of 2004 to August of 2004 Dr. Donatelli worked as a physical therapist on the PGA tour helping treat injuries sustained by the golf professionals.
In addition, he has served as a Physical Therapy Consultant to the Montreal Expos, Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Teams. Donatelli has lectured throughout the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland, and Australia, and at the Swedish Foot and Ankle Society.
Dr. Donatelli is now running his own private practice, Las Vegas Physical Therapy & Sports, in Las Vegas, NV.
Todd Arnold, MD
Dr. Todd Arnold is a sports medicine physician with more than two decades of experience caring for athletes of all levels. He has been on the sidelines caring for those competing in high school sports, multiple levels of collegiate sports, NCAA Championships, and World Championships. He serves as the medical officer for elite athlete healthcare for USA Track & Field. He has extensive training and experience in human movement and how it applies to athletic performance and injury prevention and management.
Dr. Arnold is a board-certified sports medicine specialist. He completed his sports medicine fellowship through Indiana University after completing his residency at UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital and graduating medical school from the University of Colorado.
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Susan Falsone, PT, MS, SCS, ATC, CSCS, COMT, RYT®
Susan Falsone is currently the owner of Dr. Ma's Systemic Dry Needling and S&F: Structure and Function. Sue worked as the Head of Athletic Training and Sport Performance with US Soccer's Men's National Team. Sue worked at Athletes' Performance for 13 years, last serving as the Vice President of Performance Physical Therapy and Team Sport. She worked with the Los Angeles Dodgers for 6 years, last serving as head athletic trainer and physical therapist. She holds the distinction of being the first female head athletic trainer in any of the four major sports in the United States (MLB, NFL, NHL, NBA). She's a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy (SCS), a certified athletic trainer (ATC), certified orthopedic manual therapist for the spine (COMT) and a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Born in Buffalo, NY, Sue received a bachelor's degree in physical therapy from Daemen College in Amherst, New York. She continued her education by earning a master's degree in human movement science, with a concentration in sports medicine, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She was named a Distinguished Alumni at Daemen College and has been inducted into her high school's Athletic Hall of Fame (Kenmore West). Sue has presented at state, national and international level conferences in areas focusing on pillar strength, integration of physical therapy and performance training, and comprehensive kinetic chain assessment and rehabilitation. Her philosophy includes looking at the athlete as a whole person, working with the entire body to create an optimal environment for healing and performance training.
Stephen Graef, PhD
Steve Graef, PhD is a licensed counseling psychologist in Ohio specializing in sport and performance, as well as common psychological illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and adjustment. He received his Bachelors in Psychology at The Ohio State University and completed both his masters and doctoral degrees in Counseling Psychology at the University of Akron.
A former student-athlete himself, Steve recognizes the important role that psychology has in sport and performance, as well as in mental and physical well-being.
Ashley Campbell, PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS
Dr. Campbell has spent her clinical career rehabilitating athletes at all levels from youth to professional, as well as individuals in the general population. Currently, she works at Belmont University School of Physical Therapy. She also specializes in the assessment and treatment of hip pathology at Nashville Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center.
Dr. Campbell's passion has always been in sports medicine and more specifically in the injury prevention. She feels that many of the sports-related, often season-ending injuries could be prevented with proper screenings and interventions and enjoys educating students as well as other medical professionals on these topics.
Kyle Kiesel, PT, PhD
Dr. Kiesel is a professor of physical therapy at the University of Evansville and a cofounder of the Functional Movement System. During his 20 years in academics, he has spent nine years directing programs in athletic training and physical therapy. His areas of research include motor control of the core, breathing, and functional movement testing and training. Because of his long-standing interest in athletic performance, injury prediction, and recovery, his research has also led to significant work related to functional movement screening, testing, and assessment for athletes. He has authored more than 40 peer-reviewed publications and regularly presents his work nationally and internationally, in addition to reviewing manuscripts for a variety of journals. He serves as a consultant for professional and college sports teams as well as the military, where he assists with injury prevention and implementation of the Functional Movement System model. He has extensive experience teaching lecture and lab courses emphasizing core training and functional movement assessment and intervention, including both the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), and he has taught in approximately 20 different countries.
Robert Boyles, PT, DSc, OCS, FAAOMPT
Dr. Boyles is a clinical professor and former program director of the University of Puget Sound's Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Tacoma, Washington. Previously, he was on faculty as associate professor and director of clinical education of the U.S. Army-Baylor University DPT program. His primary areas of instruction are in orthopedics, which includes evaluation and intervention, manual therapy treatment techniques for the spine and extremities, and musculoskeletal imaging. Dr. Boyles is a Fellow in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists and is a certified orthopaedic clinical specialist. He received his entry-level MPT degree in physical therapy in 1991 and completed his orthopaedic and manual physical therapy residency and doctoral degree in 2002 at U.S. Army-Baylor University. Additionally, he has taught online imaging courses for the University of the Incarnate Word tDPT program, MedBridge, and Fisioterapia Interattiva (Italy). He has also taught multiple continuing education courses in manual therapy and imaging for physical therapists for the Department of Defense, APTA, PTWA, Evidence in Motion, and privately, throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Asia. He is actively involved in research, with publications in the fields of manual physical therapy of the spine and extremities, and musculoskeletal imaging. He is a two-time recipient of the Rose Award for Excellence in Research awarded by the Orthopaedic Section of the APTA. He received the 2017 Award for Clinical Excellence from the Washington State Physical Therapy Association (PTWA).
Jay Dicharry, MPT, SCS
Jay Dicharry built his international reputation as an expert in biomechanical analysis as Director of the SPEED Clinic at the University of Virginia. Through this innovative venture, Jay was able to blend the fields of clinical practice and engineering to better understand and eliminate the cause of overuse injuries in endurance athletes. His unique approach goes outside the traditional model of therapy and aims to correct imbalances before they affect your performance. Jay wrote a book on running gait assessments: he is author of "Anatomy for Runners", writes columns for numerous magazines, and has published over 30 peer-reviewed journal articles. Having taught in the Sports Medicine program at UVA, he brings a strong bias towards patient education, and continues to teach nationally to elevate the standard of care for Therapists, Physicians, and Coaches working with endurance athletes.
Originally from New Orleans LA, Jay completed the Masters of Physical Therapy degree at Louisiana State University Medical Center and is a Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialist. Jay has had an active research career, and consults for numerous footwear companies, the US Air Force and USA Track and Field. His research focus on footwear and the causative factors driving overuse injury continues at Rebound, and provides his patients with an unmatched level of innovation and success.
In addition to his clinical distinction, Jay is a certified coach through both the United States Track and Field Association and the United States Cycling Federation, and certified Golf Fitness Instructor through Titleist Performance Institute. He has a competitive history in swimming, triathlon, cycling, and running events on both the local and national level, and has coached athletes from local standouts to national medalists.
More Info About Jay
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Barbara Hoogenboom, EdD, PT, SCS, ATC
Barbara Hoogenboom, EdD, PT, SCS, ATC was the first Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist in West Michigan, and has been a Certified Athletic Trainer since 1988. She is a professor at the Grand Valley State University Physical Therapy program, and has a certification in physical therapy from Cleveland State University, a Masters Degree in Health Science from Grand Valley State University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University.
Barbara has been certified three times by the ABPTS as a Sports Certified Specialist. In addition, she is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and a member of the Sports Section. She formerly served as Sports Section program chair for educational programming for The Combined Section Meeting of the APTA, and is a member of the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine.
Barbara has authored many articles on the female athlete, nutrition, and sports physical therapy topics, and has contributed to 8 textbooks. She is the editor of the therapeutic exercise textbook entitled "Therapeutic Exercise: Techniques for Intervention." She is also the Senior Associate Editor for the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy.
Katie Whetstone, PT, DPT, SCS
Dr. Katie Whetstone is a board-certified clinical specialist in the area of sports physical therapy and a full-time faculty member at the University of Evansville in Evansville, Indiana. Katie has a Bachelor of Science degree in the area of exercise science as well as a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. She also completed formal sports physical therapy training through the ProRehab/University of Evansville Sports Residency Program. At the University of Evansville, she teaches musculoskeletal content in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, including courses such as Gross Anatomy, Kinesiology, Musculoskeletal Patient Management, and Advanced Integrated Musculoskeletal Patient Management. Clinically, she treats individuals with general orthopedic diagnoses in an outpatient clinic in Newburgh, Indiana, and works with Division I athletes at the University of Evansville. Her special interests include the adolescent female athlete, the postpartum female athlete, and sports injury prevention.
Mike Voight, PT, DHSc, SCS, OCS, ATC, FAPTA
Dr. Michael Voight has had a distinguished career as both an educator and clinical physical therapist for over 25 years. Throughout his career he has not only become one of the leading authorities in the rehabilitation of orthopedic and sports injuries, he has worked tirelessly to advance the knowledge of others as a clinician and educator by making significant contributions to the literature.
Presently, Dr. Voight is a tenured professor with Belmont University's School of Physical Therapy in Nashville TN. In addition to working in academia, Dr. Voight is also recognized as a clinician of the highest caliber, and has worked with a number of high-profile athletic organizations. Throughout his career, Dr. Voight has served as a Team Physical Therapist in the NFL and NBA. In addition, Dr. Voight has consulted with various teams in MLB, NHL, and the MLS. Early in his career he became active within the United States Olympic Committee's Sports Medicine Division. He has worked at the Olympic Training Center, Olympic Festivals, Pan Am Games, Olympic Games, and has had the opportunity to travel to almost all of the different continents with various Olympic and national teams. Most recently, Dr. Voight works with the Professional Golf Association. His role with the advisory board of the Titleist Performance Institute allows him to consult on the prevention, evaluation, and treatment of golf injuries with many noted golf professionals.
Dr. Voight has lectured extensively at various conferences, symposiums, and congresses both nationally and internationally having given over 700 professional presentations on a variety of orthopedic and sports medicine topics. Dr. Voight is a principle reviewer for the prestigious American Journal of Sports Medicine and actively resides on the editorial boards of several different journals. He played an instrumental role in the development of the North American Journal of Sports Physical Therapy and is currently the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. He has authored over 75 papers, textbook chapters on various topics, and has written three textbooks on functional exercise. In 1996, 2000, and 2009 he received the Distinguished Educator Award from the Sports Physical Therapy Section making him the only person to have received this award multiple times. Dr. Voight was honored again in 2010, when he was presented the inaugural SPTS "Lifetime Excellence in Education" award.
Dr. Voight is a clinician, educator, and researcher who is regarded by his peers as one of the leading musculoskeletal physical therapists in the world. In 1997, he was presented the SPTS distinguished service award for his dedication to service. In 2008, he was presented the President's award for his career of service to the SPTS and was also presented the prestigious Ron Peyton award for career achievement. In 2010, Dr. Voight was elected into the SPTS Hall of Fame for a lifetime of excellence in sports physical therapy. His many accomplishments were again validated in 2011 when the American Physical Therapy Association presented Dr. Voight with their highest honor, naming him a Fellow of the APTA. He remains extremely active in patient care, education, and research activities and his lectures are both well attended and receive excellent reviews based upon his innovative presentation of the scientific evidence and the interactive, fun approach to teaching.
What's Included in the Program
Advanced Courses
Choose from over 40 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 16-week program designed specifically for the SCS exam