CPMA Physical Therapy (PT) Practice Test 2026 - Free PT Practice Questions and Study Guide

The first step involves gathering essential information about the patient through a thorough examination. This means taking the medical history, performing a systems review, and carrying out initial tests and measures to understand impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. This information establishes the need for therapy, helps form a problem list or diagnosis, and guides all subsequent decisions in the care plan.

The other steps come later in the process: a treatment plan is built after the initial examination and evaluation; outcome assessment occurs after interventions to gauge progress; discharge planning is addressed when goals are met or care ends.