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OCS Certification

 
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OCS Certification - May 23, 2008 1:42:42 PM   
V Can

 

Posts: 6
Joined: May 6, 2008
Status: offline
Hi,

I have been a silent reader of this forum for a while now and decided to come out of my cave to seek help with my OCS preparation.
I have been practising PT for 5 years in several different settings but have concentarted only in out patient Orthopedics for the past 1 yr. I wasn't sure whether I have to wait a couple of years to gain experience in Ortho to face OCS but thought I could give a try so that I can atleast streamline PT implementations thru the knowledge gained. I am not afraid of hard work and wanted to hear from successful PTs regarding their OCS preparation.
Inputs are appreciated on preparation experiences and approaches toward the exam and ofcourse referrences. Thanks for your time.
Post #: 1
RE: OCS Certification - May 27, 2008 9:10:52 PM   
RPT Boss

 

Posts: 7
Joined: May 19, 2008
Status: offline
Hi V Can.
I was awarded OCS in 2004.  I'm sure the test has changed by now.  It was a 6-hour exam (2 3-hour periods) on a computer that had multiple choice answers to single questions, or a series of multiple choice questions that go along with a particular vignette.   It was challenging, though I did pass the minimum score to win the award. 

I studied several days per week over 7-8 months (30 mins in the a.m. 30-60 mins in the p.m.) never letting more than 5 days go without picking something up.  I read PT Journal, JOSPT (definitely read this journal), articles from other journals from "big name" researchers, and I had a review text that was published by Elsavier (I believe) that was the crux of my studies.   Also, use the APTAs Guide to PT Practice.  (No brainer)

My suggestions:  find out who is on the board for writing the OCS exam, and read whatever they have published.  Read also who they read because you want to know who they are influenced by.   You can find out by looking in the reference section of the articles they publish.   Also, be smart.  Think about what the latest trends are in our profession.  E.g.  know Sackett's EBM principles (i.e. know that a cohort study is typically valued higher than a case series study, and what value each type brings), know what Clinical Prediction Rules are, know about treatment-based classification groups of LBP and other diagnoses.  Know your fundamentals too.  The vignettes are sometimes vague enough where a few answers look good, so your fundamentals will get you through.  Also, if there is a PT school in your locale and they have an OCS on staff, go meet that person and talk with him/her about the experience and for recommendations.   PT school staff are a little closer to the academia circles than us worker bees.    And most of them are very gracious with their time when it comes to helping all of us.   We have a very noble profession.   Truly.

If you need any other data or want to chat, PM me.

Best,



_____________________________

Michael Rinaldi, PT, OCS
Avail Consulting, Inc.
Rinaldi Physical Therapy

(in reply to V Can)
Post #: 2
RE: OCS Certification - May 30, 2008 11:09:54 AM   
V Can

 

Posts: 6
Joined: May 6, 2008
Status: offline
Wow, I truly appreciate you taking time to reply back RPT Boss. That definitely helps me streamline my prep. I would definitely try to meet with a staff in Maymount University where they have a DPT program. Fortunately my current work place has JOSPT journals and we are reviewing topics as and when we can. Thanks again for extending help.

(in reply to RPT Boss)
Post #: 3
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