Oncology Clinical Specialist
ABPTS OncPT board certification. Growing field with emerging evidence. No comparative outcome studies yet between certified and non-certified oncology PT.
Each lens uses its own dimensions and default weights. Scores answer different questions across paths — they aren’t apples-to-apples. How scoring works →
Oncology rehab is a growing field with positive evidence; OncPT certification-specific outcomes not yet published.
Applicable in oncology rehabilitation and cancer survivorship programs; limited outside these specialty settings.
Oncology rehab billed under standard PT codes; OncPT does not unlock new billing codes.
ABPTS OncPT certification; experience requirements plus exam; moderate to significant investment.
Growing demand as oncology rehab becomes established; limited current employer base but strong trajectory.
Cancer patients value specialized PT who understands treatment side effects.
Oncology rehab is largely insurance/hospital-based; cash-pay survivorship niches exist but are small.
Rare credential supports some premium, but payer mix dampens realized pricing.
Very few PTs hold this — strong differentiation if you build a survivorship/lymphedema-adjacent niche.
Hard to scale through other clinicians without each holding the cert or extensive mentoring.
Limited direct-to-consumer awareness; referrals come through oncologists, not patient search.
ABPTS board cert is expensive, exam-heavy, with substantial clinical-hour prerequisites.
ABPTS board specialty — gold-standard credential for faculty hiring, promotion, and tenure files.
Holders are typically publishing in survivorship, exercise oncology, and lymphedema literatures.
Strengthens medical/oncology content in DPT curricula and supports residency development.
Exercise oncology has a robust and growing RCT base (ACSM roundtable, survivorship guidelines).
Programs increasingly want oncology coverage; preferred when listed but not universally required.
High time/cost burden relative to a generalist faculty hire.
- 01Preoperative Short-Term Nutrition and Exercise Trial Program for Patients with Esophageal Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial: Thoracic OncologyS. Kawata; Y. Hiramatsu; J. Honke; S. Takashima; Y. Shirai; Y. Shibata; Y. Sakai; R. Haneda; W. Soneda; T. Murakami; E. Booka; T. Matsumoto; Y. Morita; H. Kikuchi; K. Yamauchi; H. Takeuchi · Ann Surg Oncol2026RCTdoi:10.1245/s10434-025-18804-6
- 02Using a Discrete Choice Experiment to Elicit Patient Preferences for Physical Therapist Services After Surgery for Breast CancerH. McTaggart-Cowan; K. Zadravec; B. S. Rafn; A. J. N. Raymakers; D. A. Regier; K. L. Campbell · Phys Ther2025Otherdoi:10.1093/ptj/pzaf077
- 03Feasibility and effects of the telerehabilitation program during hematopoietic stem cell transplantationD. Y. Kim; J. Choi; C. R. Kim; Y. Lee; Y. Kim; J. C. Jo · Medicine (Baltimore)2025Pilot/feasibilitydoi:10.1097/md.0000000000041591
- 04Effect of a 12-week exercise program on phase angle in women with breast cancerA. Escriche-Escuder; J. M. García-Almeida; I. M. Vegas-Aguilar; B. Pajares; E. Alba; M. Trinidad-Fernández; C. Roldán-Jiménez; A. I. Cuesta-Vargas · Support Care Cancer2025Otherdoi:10.1007/s00520-025-09443-4
- 05Explaining needs for rehabilitation in patients with bone sarcoma and a megaprosthesis: a qualitative, grounded theory studyJ. J. Denissen; I. C. van der Geest; G. van Hinte; I. M. Desar; P. J. van der Wees; N. Koenders · Disabil Rehabil2025Qualitativedoi:10.1080/09638288.2024.2393440
- 06Methodological description of knowledge translation: Implementation of clinical practice guidelines into clinical practiceE. Campione; M. Wampler; A. Newell · Pm r2025Otherdoi:10.1002/pmrj.13304
- 07Experiences of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer participating in a supervised exercise intervention during chemotherapyC. G. Brouwer; M. R. T. Tusscher; B. M. de Roos; E. C. Gootjes; T. E. Buffart; K. S. Versteeg; I. H. Mast; M. M. Streppel; I. M. Werter; A. M. May; H. M. W. Verheul; L. M. Buffart · Support Care Cancer2025Otherdoi:10.1007/s00520-024-09101-1
- 08A qualitative exploration of patient and clinician needs and preferences for a physical activity intervention during breast cancer chemotherapyD. C. Andrade; L. Parrish; C. Harriss; L. L. Peterson; R. P. Duncan; J. Luo; M. M. Kepper; C. Marx; M. C. Politi; E. A. Salerno · BMC Cancer2025Qualitativedoi:10.1186/s12885-025-15342-y
- 09Implementation of Physical Therapist Services for Men Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy: An Administrative Case ReportM. Wolden; S. Brown; S. V. Carlsson; T. A. Noah; S. F. Mungovan · Phys Ther2024Case seriesdoi:10.1093/ptj/pzad163
- 10Integrating Fitness Training in Oncologic Care: Lessons Learned from a Large Telemedicine TrialK. S. Schaepe; J. R. Basford; A. L. Cheville · Arch Rehabil Res Clin Transl2024Otherdoi:10.1016/j.arrct.2024.100367
- 11Physical therapist management and coordination of care to prevent pathological hip fracture from metastatic disease: a case reportA. Manzino; C. Wilson · Front Rehabil Sci2024Case seriesdoi:10.3389/fresc.2024.1384782
- 12Promoting positive physical activity behaviours in children undergoing acute cancer treatment: feasibility of the CanMOVE interventionS. L. Grimshaw; N. F. Taylor; R. Conyers; N. Shields · Braz J Phys Ther2024Pilot/feasibilitydoi:10.1016/j.bjpt.2023.100577
- 13Recommended Physiotherapy Modalities for Oncology Patients with Palliative Needs and Its Influence on Patient-Reported Outcome Measures: A Systematic ReviewL. Gauchez; S. L. L. Boyle; S. S. Eekman; S. Harnie; L. Decoster; F. Van Ginderdeuren; L. De Nys; N. Adriaenssens · Cancers (Basel)2024Systematic reviewdoi:10.3390/cancers16193371
- 14Development of a core outcome set for breast cancer-related lymphedema: a Delphi studyD. Doubblestein; L. Koehler; E. Anderson; N. Scheiman; P. Stewart; M. Schaverien; J. Armer · Breast Cancer Res Treat2024Otherdoi:10.1007/s10549-024-07262-5
- 15Practice patterns of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants treating patients with breast cancer related lymphedemaM. Wampler; E. Campione; C. A. Bolch · Support Care Cancer2023Otherdoi:10.1007/s00520-023-07589-7
- 16Self-performed Five Times Sit-To-Stand test at home as (pre-)screening tool for frailty in cancer survivors: Reliability and agreement assessmentS. J. M. van Cappellen-van Maldegem; M. Hoedjes; J. C. Seidell; L. V. van de Poll-Franse; L. M. Buffart; F. Mols; S. Beijer · J Clin Nurs2023Otherdoi:10.1111/jocn.16299
- 17Rehabilitation interventions for the management of breast cancer-related lymphedema: developing a patient-centered, evidence-based plan of care throughout survivorshipK. Ryans; M. Perdomo; C. C. Davies; K. Levenhagen; L. Gilchrist · J Cancer Surviv2023Otherdoi:10.1007/s11764-021-00991-2
- 18Nonlinear, Multicomponent Physical Exercise With Heart Rate Variability-Guided Prescription in Women With Breast Cancer During Treatment: Feasibility and Preliminary Results (ATOPE Study)Á. González-Santos; M. Lopez-Garzon; R. Gil-Gutiérrez; M. D. M. Salinas-Asensio; P. Postigo-Martin; I. Cantarero-Villanueva · Phys Ther2023Pilot/feasibilitydoi:10.1093/ptj/pzad070
- 19The effects of inspiratory muscle training with pulmonary rehabilitation on NSCLC patients during radiation therapy: A pilot clinical studyJ. Do; S. H. Lee; S. A. Kim; A. H. Kim; M. N. Gelvosa; H. Cheon; J. Y. Jeon · Thorac Cancer2023Otherdoi:10.1111/1759-7714.14899
- 20Acceptability of multimodal pelvic floor physical therapy to treat dyspareunia after gynecological malignancies: a qualitative study of women's views and experiencesM. P. Cyr; R. Dostie; C. Camden; C. Dumoulin; P. Bessette; A. Pina; W. H. Gotlieb; K. Lapointe-Milot; M. H. Mayrand; M. Morin · Int Urogynecol J2023Qualitativedoi:10.1007/s00192-022-05304-4
- 21Early triage of a patient with metastatic melanoma presenting as mechanical knee pain - a case reportR. Chauhan; W. Boissonnault; N. Gormack; S. White · J Man Manip Ther2023Case seriesdoi:10.1080/10669817.2023.2183338
- 22Professional Roles of Oncologic Specialty Physical Therapists in the United StatesN. L. Stout; L. Pfalzer; J. S. Drouin; A. Litterini; A. Tible; E. Demarse · Rehabilitation Oncology2022Otherdoi:10.1097/01.REO.0000000000000278
- 23Feasibility of implementing an exercise intervention in older adults with hematologic malignancyA. Rosko; Y. Huang; D. Jones; C. J. Presley; J. Jaggers; R. Owens; M. Naughton; J. L. Krok-Schoen · J Geriatr Oncol2022Pilot/feasibilitydoi:10.1016/j.jgo.2021.07.010
- 24A Scoping Review of Physiotherapeutic Interventions for Trismus in Head and Neck Cancer: Where Is the Manual Therapy?J. Nedeljak; S. Armijo-Olivo; I. A. Hernandez; S. Nayar; M. L. McNeel · Physiother Can2022Systematic reviewdoi:10.3138/ptc-2020-0068
- 25The Phys-Can study: meaningful and challenging - supervising physical exercise in a community-based setting for persons undergoing curative oncological treatmentA. Henriksson; H. Igelström; C. Arving; K. Nordin; B. Johansson; I. Demmelmaier · Physiother Theory Pract2022Otherdoi:10.1080/09593985.2020.1737995
- 26Minimal clinically important difference in postoperative recovery among patients with gastrointestinal cancerT. Hara; E. Kogure; S. Iijima; Y. Fukawa; A. Kubo; W. Kakuda · Support Care Cancer2022Otherdoi:10.1007/s00520-021-06632-9
- 27Physical Therapists in Oncology Settings: Experiences in Delivering Cancer Rehabilitation Services, Barriers to Care, and Service Development NeedsL. Brennan; G. Sheill; L. O'Neill; L. O'Connor; E. Smyth; E. Guinan · Phys Ther2022Otherdoi:10.1093/ptj/pzab287
- 28Health Promotion, Wellness, and Prevention Practice in Oncologic Physical Therapy: A Survey StudyC. M. Wilson; A. M. Lucado; D. M. Wendland; D. W. M. Taylor; B. Black · Rehabilitation Oncology2021Cross-sectionaldoi:10.1097/01.REO.0000000000000244
- 29A Comprehensive Strategy to Pain Management for Cancer Patients in an Inpatient Rehabilitation FacilityT. M. Pugh; F. Squarize; A. L. Kiser · Front Pain Res (Lausanne)2021Otherdoi:10.3389/fpain.2021.688511
- 30Current physical therapy care of patients undergoing breast reconstruction for breast cancer: a survey of practice in the United Kingdom and BrazilB. Mazuquin; M. M. O. Sunemi; E. S. MPP; L. O. Z. Sarian; E. Williamson; J. Bruce · Braz J Phys Ther2021Cross-sectionaldoi:10.1016/j.bjpt.2020.05.010
- 31Trajectory of adherence to home rehabilitation among older adults with hip fractures and cognitive impairmentW. Y. Kuo; M. C. Chen; Y. C. Lin; S. F. Yan; Y. L. Shyu · Geriatr Nurs2021Otherdoi:10.1016/j.gerinurse.2021.10.019
- 32Feasibility and outcomes of a goal-directed physical therapy program for patients with metastatic breast cancerW. G. Groen; M. R. Ten Tusscher; R. Verbeek; E. Geleijn; G. S. Sonke; I. R. Konings; M. J. Van der Vorst; A. A. van Zweeden; J. G. Schrama; S. Vrijaldenhoven; S. D. Bakker; N. K. Aaronson; M. M. Stuiver · Support Care Cancer2021Pilot/feasibilitydoi:10.1007/s00520-020-05852-9
- 33The Needs and Experiences of Patients on Pain Education and the Clinical Reasoning of Physical Therapists Regarding Cancer-Related Pain. A Qualitative StudyT. Eisen; E. M. Kooijstra; R. Groeneweg; M. Verseveld; J. Hidding · Front Pain Res (Lausanne)2021Qualitativedoi:10.3389/fpain.2021.675302
- 34The degree of satisfaction of patients with cancer interned in a specialized oncology sector in relation to the assistance provided by the physiotherapy professional: integrative reviewJ. dos Santos Goes; G. Santos do Nascimento · Saúde Coletiva2021OtherPMID 154230952
- 35Physical Exercise with or without Whole-Body Vibration in Breast Cancer Patients Suffering from Aromatase Inhibitor-Induced Musculoskeletal Symptoms: A Pilot Randomized Clinical StudyA. de Sire; L. Lippi; A. Ammendolia; C. Cisari; K. Venetis; E. Sajjadi; N. Fusco; M. Invernizzi · J Pers Med2021RCTdoi:10.3390/jpm11121369
- 36Interexaminer Agreement and Reliability of an Internationally Endorsed Screening Framework for Cervical Vascular Risks Following Manual Therapy and Exercise: The Go4Safe ProjectR. F. de Best; M. W. Coppieters; E. van Trijffel; A. Compter; M. Uyttenboogaart; J. C. Bot; R. Castien; J. J. M. Pool; B. Cagnie; G. G. M. Scholten-Peeters · Phys Ther2021Otherdoi:10.1093/ptj/pzab166
- 37Multidisciplinary lifestyle modification program (IM-FIT) for cancer survivors: implementation of a reimbursable model in a cancer hospitalA. J. Christie; C. Powers-James; S. Narayanan; M. Chen; C. Eddy; T. Gomez; K. Crawford; L. Cohen; G. Lopez · Support Care Cancer2021Otherdoi:10.1007/s00520-021-06305-7
- 38Translating Evidence Into Practice Through Knowledge ImplementationE. Campione; M. Wampler-Kuhn; M. I. Fisher · Rehabilitation Oncology2021Otherdoi:10.1097/01.REO.0000000000000242
- 39Improving Physical and Mental Health in Patients with Prostate Cancer Undergoing Androgen Deprivation Therapy: Strategies to Promote and Improve Physical Activity Quality and QuantityK. Toohey; A. McKune; I. Nahon; P. S. Kavanagh; R. U. Newton; C. Paterson · Semin Oncol Nurs2020Otherdoi:10.1016/j.soncn.2020.151051
- 40Pre-rehabilitation of the pelvic floor before radiation therapy for cervical cancer: a pilot studyC. Sacomori; P. Araya-Castro; P. Diaz-Guerrero; I. A. Ferrada; A. C. Martínez-Varas; K. Zomkowski · Int Urogynecol J2020Pilot/feasibilitydoi:10.1007/s00192-020-04391-5
- 41Self-Managed Surveillance for Breast Cancer-Related Upper Body Issues: A Feasibility and Reliability StudyB. S. Rafn; C. A. Singh; J. Midtgaard; P. G. Camp; M. L. McNeely; K. L. Campbell · Phys Ther2020Pilot/feasibilitydoi:10.1093/ptj/pzz181
- 42Development and Feasibility of a Prehabilitation Protocol for Patients Diagnosed with Head and Neck CancerL. Boright; D. J. Doherty; C. M. Wilson; S. K. Arena; C. Ramirez · Cureus2020Study protocoldoi:10.7759/cureus.9898
- 43Clinically Integrated Physical Therapist Practice in Cancer Care: A New Comprehensive ApproachC. A. Barnes; N. L. Stout; T. K. Varghese, Jr.; C. M. Ulrich; D. R. Couriel; C. J. Lee; C. S. Noren; P. C. LaStayo · Phys Ther2020Otherdoi:10.1093/ptj/pzz169
- 44Physical problems, functional limitations, and preferences for physical therapist-guided exercise programs among Dutch patients with metastatic breast cancer: a mixed methods studyM. R. Ten Tusscher; W. G. Groen; E. Geleijn; G. S. Sonke; I. R. Konings; M. J. Van der Vorst; A. van Zweeden; N. K. Aaronson; M. M. Stuiver · Support Care Cancer2019Otherdoi:10.1007/s00520-018-4619-x
- 45Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy EDGE Task Force: A Systematic Review of Measures of Balance in Adult Cancer SurvivorsH. H. Min; E. Hile; E. Croarkin; M. Wampler-Kuhn; J. Blackwood; G. Colon; L. A. Pfalzer · Rehabilitation Oncology2019Systematic reviewdoi:10.1097/01.REO.0000000000000177
- 46Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy EDGE Task Force on Cancer: A Systematic Review of Outcome Measures for Pain in ChildrenS. Miale; S. Harrington; K. Brown; A. Braswell; J. Cannoy; N. Krisch; K. E. Rock · Rehabilitation Oncology2019Systematic reviewdoi:10.1097/01.REO.0000000000000165
- 47Prospective Surveillance Screenings to Identify Physical Therapy Needs During Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Surviviorship: A Case ReportC. Marsili; C. M. Wilson; N. Gura · Cureus2019Cohort studydoi:10.7759/cureus.5265
- 48Physical Therapist-Led Exercise Assessment and Counseling in Integrative Cancer Care: Effects on Patient Self-reported Symptoms and Quality of LifeG. Lopez; C. Eddy; W. Liu; Y. Li; M. Chen; E. Bruera; L. Cohen · Integr Cancer Ther2019Otherdoi:10.1177/1534735419832360
- 49Effects of perioperative pelvic floor muscle training on early recovery of urinary continence and erectile function in men undergoing radical prostatectomy: a randomized clinical trialG. H. S. de Lira; A. Fornari; L. F. Cardoso; M. Aranchipe; C. Kretiska; E. L. Rhoden · Int Braz J Urol2019RCTdoi:10.1590/s1677-5538.Ibju.2019.0238
- 50Effect of Collaborative Telerehabilitation on Functional Impairment and Pain Among Patients With Advanced-Stage Cancer: A Randomized Clinical TrialA. L. Cheville; T. Moynihan; J. Herrin; C. Loprinzi; K. Kroenke · JAMA Oncol2019RCTdoi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2019.0011
- 51Feasibility of an eight-week outpatient-based pulmonary rehabilitation program for advanced lung cancer patients undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy in KoreaY. S. Park; J. Lee; B. Keum; B. M. Oh · Thorac Cancer2018Pilot/feasibilitydoi:10.1111/1759-7714.12788
- 52Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment in Oncology: Best Practices in Caring for Older PatientsJ. Overcash; N. Ford; H. P. Erdeljac; S. Fugett; B. Knauss; E. Kress; C. Utendorf; A. Noonan · J Adv Pract Oncol2018OtherPMID 31186985
- 53Physical Therapist Coaching to Improve Physical Activity in Children With Brain Tumors: A Pilot StudyJ. A. Ovans; M. C. Hooke; A. E. Bendel; L. R. Tanner · Pediatr Phys Ther2018Pilot/feasibilitydoi:10.1097/pep.0000000000000531
- 54An exerciSe program to improve depression And sleep Disorders in oncology patients: The SAD studyT. M. Kozik; M. C. Hickman; S. Schmidt; T. F. Connolly; K. Paustenbach; P. Vosti; M. Bhattacharyya · Eur J Oncol Nurs2018Otherdoi:10.1016/j.ejon.2018.10.004
- 55Collaboration Between Cancer Survivorship and Rehabilitation Programs With Head and Neck PatientsM. Kirschner; J. Sherlock · Rehabil Nurs2018Otherdoi:10.1097/rnj.0000000000000172
- 56Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma: Clinical Reasoning in the Management of a Patient Referred to Physical Therapy for CostochondritisC. P. Hensley; A. J. Emerson · Phys Ther2018Otherdoi:10.1093/ptj/pzy011
- 57The Stoplight Program: A Proactive Physical Therapy Intervention for Children With Acute Lymphoblastic LeukemiaL. Tanner; S. Sencer; M. C. Hooke · J Pediatr Oncol Nurs2017Otherdoi:10.1177/1043454217698093
- 58Physical Therapist Clinical Reasoning and Action for Individuals With Undiagnosed Lower Extremity Tumors: A Report of 3 CasesS. Peterson; T. Denninger; S. Porter · J Orthop Sports Phys Ther2017Otherdoi:10.2519/jospt.2017.7037
- 59Effect of an intensive 3-week preoperative home rehabilitation programme in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease eligible for lung cancer surgery: a multicentre randomised controlled trialH. Laurent; G. Galvaing; E. Thivat; E. Coudeyre; S. Aubreton; R. Richard; F. Kwiatkowski; F. Costes; M. Filaire · BMJ Open2017RCTdoi:10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017307
- 60Effects of a complex rehabilitation program on edema status, physical function, and quality of life in lower-limb lymphedema after gynecological cancer surgeryJ. H. Do; K. H. Choi; J. S. Ahn; J. Y. Jeon · Gynecol Oncol2017Otherdoi:10.1016/j.ygyno.2017.09.003
- 61Male coping through a long-term cancer trajectory. Secondary outcomes from a RTC examining the effect of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program (RePCa) among radiated men with prostate cancerK. B. Dieperink; C. Johansen; S. Hansen; L. Wagner; K. A. K; L. R. Minet; O. Hansen · Acta Oncol2017Otherdoi:10.1080/0284186x.2016.1267395
- 62Rehabilitation needs in oncological patients: the On-rehab project results on patients operated for musculoskeletal tumorsM. G. Benedetti; S. Erfe Delayon; M. Colangeli; F. Parisini; S. Ferrari; M. Manfrini; I. Springhetti · Eur J Phys Rehabil Med2017Otherdoi:10.23736/s1973-9087.16.04192-7
- 63Effects of a physical therapy program combined with manual lymphatic drainage on shoulder function, quality of life, lymphedema incidence, and pain in breast cancer patients with axillary web syndrome following axillary dissectionY. Cho; J. Do; S. Jung; O. Kwon; J. Y. Jeon · Support Care Cancer2016Otherdoi:10.1007/s00520-015-3005-1