WCS (ABPTS) - Women's Health Clinical Specialist

The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) offers certification in Women’s Health Physical Therapy (WCS), a specialized credential for physical therapists focusing on women's health issues. This certification recognizes advanced clinical knowledge, experience, and skills in treating conditions affecting women throughout their lifespan, including pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, and other gender-specific health issues.

Completion Time: 7 hours broken into four 1.5 hour test periods, breaks after each section and a post-test survey

Cost:

Application fee: $550 for APTA members ($650 after July 1) and $895 for non-members ($995 after July 1)

Exam fee: $810 for APTA members and $1535 for non-members. APTA also offers a partial payment option to all applicants.

Reapplication Review (Deadline Aug 31): $190

Exam Format

The computerized exam includes 200 questions covering a broad range of topics relevant to women’s health, including obstetrics, gynecology, pelvic floor dysfunction, lymphedema, and osteoporosis.

It assesses the ability to evaluate, diagnose, and provide interventions for various conditions specific to women's health.

A passing score is determined by the ABPTS’ standard-setting committee.

A current, active license to practice physical therapy.

A minimum of 2,000 hours of direct patient care in women’s health physical therapy, including 500 hours in the last 3 years.

This certification requires renewal every 10 years.

Renewal involves demonstrating continued competence in women’s health physical therapy through professional development and continuing education.

Renewal Fees:

MOSC Fees and Deadline for renewal include:

• APTA Members: $760 total

  • Three installments of $220 with each MOSC cycle submission, plus a $100 at-cost exam fee in year 10

• Nonmembers: $1,400 total

  • Three installments of $400 with each MOSC cycle submission, plus a $200 exam fee in year 10

Continuing education typically includes courses related to women’s health, pelvic floor rehabilitation, obstetrics, and gynecology.

Detailed records of these activities must be maintained and submitted during the renewal process.

For authoritative and detailed information on ABPTS Women’s Health Physical Therapy certification, including application guidelines, exam preparation materials, and renewal processes, it is recommended to consult the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the ABPTS website. They provide comprehensive resources and guidance for physical therapists seeking specialization in women’s health.

Study materials may include clinical practice guidelines, textbooks, and online courses focused on women’s health physical therapy.

Additional resources might include workshops, seminars, and clinical mentorship programs.

Career Opportunities

Certified specialists work in various settings, including hospitals, private practices, and women’s health clinics.

They play a vital role in managing and treating conditions unique to women’s health.

The ABPTS also offers the following certifications:

• Board-Certified Electrophysiologic Clinical Specialist (ECS)

• Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS)

• Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS)

• Board-Certified Oncologic Clinical Specialist (Oncology)

• Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS)

• Board-Certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist (CCS)

• Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS)

• Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS)

• Board-Certified Wound Management Clinical Specialist (Wound)