Welcome to the OPTIM OCS Prep Course! 

To pass the Orthopedic Clinical Speciality Examination it is important to understand clinical prediction rules, clinical practice guidelines, and recent research. OPTIM has comprised over 100 of these study guides to ensure that candidates are prepared for the OCS examination.

First time Pass rate

At OPTIM, our teachers are proud of their statistics. Over 95% of participants pass the examination on their first examination. ​

Virtual Q&A's 

We use technology to our advantage. Through live zoom discussion lectures, a private Facebook Group  and virtual question and answer sessions, the OPTIM instructors are always available.

Test OPTIMization

With 2 practice examinations, over 20 weekly study quizzes, 100+ study graphics, recorded lectures, study guides, and more, OPTIM works for all types of learning styles! 

READY TO Get STARTED?

Course Curriculum
  • Online lectures covering each body region
    • Information gathered from Current Concepts, Clinical Practice Guidelines, APTA Monographs, and more
  • Practice examination with 200+ questions
    • Examination will be graded and participants will receive specific feedback on areas of improvement
  • Weekly newsletters with pertinent tips and advice
    • Research breakdowns of top journal articles
  • Online question and answer sessions with OCS clinicians
    • Includes didactic material, test strategies, and more
  • Access to 100+ OCS study sheets and infographics

Need Some guidance studying for the OCS Examination?

Start by receiving high yield information directly to your inbox! 
Weekly Infographics and Study Guide Examples
UE Nerve Pathology OPTIM Study Guide.pdf
File Size: 261 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Well's DVT Criteria OPTIM Study Guide.pdf
File Size: 336 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

OPTIM OCS Course Playbook

Areas of Focus
  • Self-study
  • Online curriculum
  • Web based conferencing with instructors
  • Online examination (mimic OCS test format)
  • Online forum to post questions and comments for peer discussion
  • APTA Current Concepts and Monographs
  • Clinical Practice Guidelines
  • Clinical Prediction Rules
  • Last 5 years of JOSPT
  • Orthopedic Secrets Book

Testimonials

"I thoroughly enjoyed working with the faculty of the Optim OCS Prep course. They are truly experts in the field of orthopedics and will guide you step-by-step on the material required for successful completion of the OCS exam. This course is worth the financial investment because it provides a structure and best practice for studying that you would otherwise not be able to produce on your own. It is tailored to maximize efficiency based off of how much weight is given to each category of questions. It also keeps you on a path of consistency that helps to avoid procrastination and cramming at the last minute."

-Caitlin Mancuso PT, DPT, OCS 
"The OPTIM OCS prep course was an integral part in helping me pass the OCS exam. I liked that it came with an established study plan divided up by body region. This plan was prioritized based on how the OCS exam weighs each region. The plan also has a set time line that helped me stay on track during my studies. Prior to signing up to starting OPTIM OCS prep, I had set my own study plan, but once I started using OPTIM's study material I found it so much easier to follow the plan they had outlined.   

I really benefited from the power points that had an instructor presenting them on video. It was very  helpful to have video presentation, particularly when you are doing so much extensive reading to prepare for this exam. I also like how accessible the program was, I could study from anywhere or any device that had internet access. 

The financial investment in this prep course was less than or comparable to other study courses. It was definitely worth the price,  I passed the exam on the first try!"

​-Antoinette Avery PT, DPT, OCS 
"This course was an excellent program that helped equip me to tackle the OCS. I found the lecture videos were great in highlighting and condensing essential information, the material was well organized, and I really appreciated that the instructors were easily accessible and willing to answer questions. The high yield quick study sheets and infographics were a great advantage that emphasized valuable information and made reviewing key points easily available, even during travel. Overall, using the OPTIM OCS prep course along with reviewing CPGs and combining it with the recommended current concepts material was the perfect way to study and prepare for the board exam. I really felt as if the instructors were invested in our success and helped us to further develop our knowledge in order to pass the test and attain the overall goal of improving our profession. I definitely recommend this course; it is well worth the investment."

-Adrienne Asumbrado PT, DPT, OCS

Sign-up Today!

Your OCS Prep Team
Passing the OCS does not have to feel isolating! Surround yourself with success.

Dana Tew

PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT

Jim Heafner

PT, DPT, OCS

Jennifer Frerich

PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT

Jarod Hall

PT, DPT, OCS

Frequently Asked Questions
When do I receive access to OCS prep course materials?
  •  You will receive access to preliminary study materials, reading lists, and the first several weeks of the program beginning October 1. You will have access to the full program including practice exams within 25 weeks of the OCS exam testing period.
Will I receive CEU's for the prep course?
  • No, but you will receive CEU's upon passing the OCS. If you don't pass, send us your results and you can take the course for free the next time.
Am I a good candidate for this course?
  • If you have practiced in a setting treating primarily orthopedic MSK disorders and have at least 2,000 documented hours treating patients in this category you are a perfect candidate for the OCS exam and the OPTIM prep.
What is your cancellation/ refund policy?
  • If you decide that you would like to remove yourself from the program before the full program becomes available 25 weeks prior to the OCS testing date range, you will receive a full refund. 
Why take the OPTIM OCS prep course compared to the other programs?
  • The OPTIM OCS prep course provides excellent and in depth study material to prepare you for the OCS exam without inundating you with excessive and unnecessary information. This program meets you where you are; an experienced AND busy clinician who wishes to take their clinical expertise to the next level. There aren't endless powerpoints to sit through, and OPTIM provides a variety of study resources, weekly email reminders, and interactive study sessions leading up to the exam to hone in your knowledge.
How long do I have access to the test course materials?
  • All participants will have access to the OCS prep course materials for 1 testing cycle.
  • If you happen to fail the examination, you will receive free access for 1 additional year.

Why Board Certification?
Career advancement
  • The Physical Therapy profession has become increasingly demanding. Job opportunities in the Orthopedic setting are difficult to obtain. Earning your OCS will set you apart from your peers

Personal achievement
  • There are only a few times in the professional workplace to truly identify yourself as an expert. As healthcare professionals we have a duty to provide the highest quality care. Studying for the OCS will elevate both your clinical practice and your fellow clinicians