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RPT Boss -> RE: OCS Certification (May 27, 2008 9:10:52 PM)
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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,
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