Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Exam Prep

Coming Soon

Prepare with Confidence for the Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) Exam

Advance your career in physical therapy and deepen your expertise in orthopedic care with UNE Online’s Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) Exam Prep Course. Designed for practicing physical therapists and recent graduates, this flexible online program provides the structure, expert guidance, and resources you need to prepare for board certification with confidence.

The OCS credential, which is awarded by the American Physical Therapy Association, recognizes advanced clinical skill and evidence-based proficiency in orthopedic physical therapy. To sit for the exam, candidates must complete either 2,000 hours of clinical practice in orthopedics or an accredited orthopedic residency. The exam itself is a rigorous 200-question assessment, offered once annually in March, with registration closing each year on September 30.

UNE’s OCS Prep Course takes the guesswork out of studying. Through a dynamic mix of pre-recorded lectures, case-based learning, practice exams, and live mentoring sessions, you’ll build a comprehensive understanding of key concepts while developing effective study strategies tailored to your timeline. Each of the 12 modules offered within the prep course will cover major joint systems and integrate clinical practice guidelines, real-world case applications, and exam-style questions to reinforce learning.

Students will be granted year-long access to all course materials and can prepare at their own pace. Additional features such as monthly office hours with faculty, guided review sessions, and competency checks provide ongoing support throughout your preparation journey.

Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced clinician ready to advance your credentials, UNE Online’s OCS Prep Course offers a clear, supportive path to exam success and help you advance to the next level of your professional practice.

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Notify Me When Registration Opens

Why Choose the University of New England Online?

Fully Online

Fully Online

The OCS prep course is delivered fully online, allowing the flexibility to study on your terms, and your schedule.

Affordable

Affordable

UNE Online offers competitive tuition for the OCS prep course, allowing you to obtain a supportive path to exam success.

Comprehensive Content

Comprehensive Content

Modules cover major joint systems and integrate clinical practice guidelines, real-world case applications, and exam-style questions.

Supportive

Supportive

Access ongoing support throughout your course with monthly faculty office hours, guided review sessions, and competency checks along the way.

The UNE Online Experience

"I would recommend UNE Online's Continuing Education training programs to anyone. Through the training, we created such a tight group and worked/talked through so many of the issues that challenge us in our field. I was always looking forward to the trainings and feel it put new life and energy into my work.”

Stacey Simpson, LSW Director of Behavioral Health Services Mobius INC.

Registration

Registration for the online Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) Exam Prep Course will open soon. The course is expected to launch in Spring 2026, with full access to the course available by January 2026 to support preparation for the March exam.

At this time, interested participants can complete the form above to receive updates and be notified as soon as registration becomes available. There is no application required. At this time, simply sign up to stay informed about key dates, course details, and early registration opportunities. Space will be limited, so we encourage those interested to join the notification list early to ensure first access once enrollment opens.

For additional information or if you need assistance with the registration process, please contact an Enrollment Services representative at ceonline@une.edu, 855-751-4446.

 

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OCS Prep Course Modules

The OCS Exam Prep Course is organized into 12 focused modules, each designed to mirror the depth and variety of topics covered on the Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Exam. Learners move through content by body region, with each module blending recorded lectures, case-based learning, recommended readings, and interactive assessments to strengthen both clinical reasoning and test-taking skills. The learning modules include opportunities to apply knowledge through real-world case examples, review key clinical practice guidelines, and assess mastery with competency checks and exam-style questions.

Below is an example of one of the course modules which demonstrates the depth, variety, and applied focus learners can expect throughout the program.

Sample Module: The Shoulder

  • Recorded Lectures (12 – 18 hours)
    • Anatomy and Biomechanics Review (30 minutes)
    • Outcome Measures (30 minutes)
    •  Differential Diagnosis of the Shoulder (1 hour)
    • Examination Utilizing the Star Shoulder Model (2 hours)
    • Imaging (1 hour)
    • Fracture Management (1-2 hours)
    • Non-operative Management of Select Shoulder Conditions (2-4 hours)
    • Operative Management of Select Shoulder Conditions (2-4 hours)
    • Clinical Practice Guideline Review – Adhesive Capsulitis (1 hour)
  • Recommended Reading Materials
    • Clinical Practice Guidelines – Adhesive Capsulitis
    • The Start Shoulder Approach
    • Dutton Orthopedics – The Shoulder Complex
  • Online Learning Activity
    • Case Study Scenario
  • Additional Examination and Intervention Technique Videos
  • CEU Competency Check/Exam Prep Questions (10 questions) must get an 80% to pass.

Tuition and Fees

The Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) Exam Prep Course is anticipated to be priced at approximately $750 for full access to all 12 modules, learning materials, and live faculty support. Participants will enjoy one year of course access, allowing ample time to review content and prepare at their own pace. Discounts may be available for UNE alumni, making this a valuable and affordable investment in advancing your professional credentials. Contact ceonline@une.edu for more information. 

Tuition:
$750

FAQ

This course is open to physical therapists and recent graduates (within 5 years) who are preparing to sit for the Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) exam. No formal application is required. At this time, we recommend you fill out the form to join the notification list to receive registration details when they become available.

Registration is expected to open in late 2025, with full course access launching in Spring 2026. Materials will be available well in advance of the March OCS exam to give you ample study time.

The anticipated cost for full access is approximately $750. UNE alumni and other groups may be eligible for a discounted rate (subject to final approval).

Full access includes all lectures, case-based learning, practice questions, module resources, and live mentoring sessions. You’ll have access for one full year, giving you flexibility and time to revisit content as needed.

While this course is designed to prepare you thoroughly, passing the OCS exam depends on your own study effort, prior clinical experience, and mastery of the material. The course provides tools and support, but cannot guarantee results.

Yes. We intend to offer CEUs for eligible participants in conjunction with the course. Final CEU hours and accreditation details are pending and will be shared prior to registration.

Live sessions will be recorded (when feasible) so that you can view them later. You’ll still have full access to all recorded lectures, module content, and practice resources.

Within each module, competency checks or exam-style question sets are built in (e.g. typically 10 questions, with a minimum threshold, for example. 80%, to pass). These help you track your understanding before moving forward.