NPTE-PTA Therapeutic Modalities Practice Questions
One area of FSBPT’s content outline · 5–7 of the 140 scored questions
180 questions across the whole content outline in 4 hours, with a score for Therapeutic Modalities so you know where you stand.
Free Therapeutic Modalities drillWhich is a contraindication to applying superficial heat to an area?
Therapeutic Modalities on the NPTE-PTA
Therapeutic modalities carry 5–7 of the 140 scored questions on the NPTE-PTA. The outline lists thermal agents, iontophoresis, electrotherapy, ultrasound, mechanical modalities such as traction, biofeedback and intermittent pneumatic compression, and every one is tested on applications, indications, contraindications and precautions.
- Share of the exam
- Therapeutic Modalities 5–7 of the 140 scored questions (FSBPT outline, effective January 2024)
- On our mock exam
- 6 scored questions, inside FSBPT’s range
- Our drill
- 10 questions from 32 therapeutic modalities questions, untimed, an explanation after every answer; one free attempt, unlimited with a pass
What Therapeutic Modalities questions test
- Thermal agents: hot packs, paraffin, fluidotherapy, cold packs, ice massage and contrast baths, with their depths and precautions
- Ultrasound: frequency and depth, duty cycle and thermal versus nonthermal effects, and contraindications
- Electrotherapy: TENS settings for pain, NMES settings for strengthening, FES, interferential and high-voltage pulsed current
- Iontophoresis: polarity, dose and common medicines
- Mechanical: cervical and lumbar traction forces, continuous passive motion, and intermittent pneumatic compression
Sit the full exam under the real clock
180 questions across the whole content outline in 4 hours, with a score for Therapeutic Modalities so you know where you stand.
Free Therapeutic Modalities drillHow to study it
- Learn one contraindication list well (pacemaker, pregnancy over the abdomen, malignancy, active bleeding, impaired sensation for thermal agents) and the exceptions for each modality.
- Remember ultrasound frequency: 1 MHz for deeper tissue, 3 MHz for superficial tissue.
- Match electrical stimulation settings to goals: high-rate short-pulse TENS for comfort, low-rate TENS for endogenous opioid release, NMES with on-off cycles for strengthening.
- Take the modalities drill until you score 90% or better.
Common questions
How many modalities questions are on the NPTE-PTA?
FSBPT’s outline assigns 5–7 of the 140 scored questions to therapeutic modalities.
Is iontophoresis on the PTA exam?
Yes. The outline lists iontophoresis on its own line, separate from other electrotherapy modalities.
180 questions across the whole content outline in 4 hours, with a score for Therapeutic Modalities so you know where you stand.
Free Therapeutic Modalities drillThe other NPTE-PTA content areas
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Systems
- Musculoskeletal System
- Neuromuscular and Nervous Systems
- Integumentary System
- Other Systems and System Interactions
- Equipment, Devices and Technologies
- Safety and Protection
- Professional Responsibilities and Research
- Vital signs and lab values drill
- NPTE-PTA practice exam (180 questions, 4 hours)
Sources
- FSBPT: NPTE Candidate Handbook (version 2025.02): format, timing, scoring, fees, testing limits, results
- FSBPT: NPTE-PTA Test Content Outline, effective January 2024
- FSBPT: NPTE Content (outlines in effect since January 2024)
- FSBPT: 2026 NPTE dates and deadlines
- FSBPT: Retake Exam
- FSBPT: Practice Exam and Assessment Tool (PEAT)
Original practice questions for exam preparation, written to the NPTE-PTA Test Content Outline (effective January 2024). They are not NPTE questions or recalled questions. Independent practice, not affiliated with or endorsed by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) or Prometric. NPTE is a registered trademark of FSBPT.