The Oncologic PT Diploma.
A rigorous, 6-month clinical cohort preparing physical therapists to deliver expert care across the complete cancer continuum: Prehabilitation, Active Rehabilitation, Survivorship, and Palliative Care.
Cancer diagnoses are surging worldwide. Specialized oncology PT is missing.
Globally, annual cancer diagnoses are projected to exceed 30 million by 2040. Modern medical therapies, immunotherapy, and organ-sparing surgeries have achieved remarkable survival rates — yet millions of survivors are left living with long-term, debilitating side effects: radiation fibrosis, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), cancer-related fatigue, axillary web syndrome, and secondary lymphedema.
Tragically, patients encounter an acute, worldwide shortage of oncologists — and an even more catastrophic deficit of physical therapists qualified in oncology rehabilitation. Fewer than 1% of licensed PTs in the United States hold board certification in oncology.
Patients are routinely discharged from acute oncology floors and cancer centers with no functional restoration roadmap. The Oncologic PT Diploma equips clinicians with the specialized diagnostic, manual, and exercise mastery needed to step into this high-demand vacuum.
From diagnosis through survivorship & support.
Cancer care does not end after surgery or remission. The Oncologic PT Diploma prepares you to intervene with confidence across every phase of the patient journey.
Prehabilitation
Optimizing physical reserve, baseline function, and psychological resilience prior to surgery or systemic treatment.
- Baseline cardiopulmonary exercise testing & functional staging
- Pre-surgical lymphedema baseline metrics (volumetry & BIS)
- Minimizing post-operative complications and hospital length of stay
Active Rehab
Guiding patients through active chemotherapy, targeted radiation, and complex surgical recoveries.
- Navigating blood counts (ANC, platelets, hemoglobin) & red flags
- Treating chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) & balance loss
- Drain protocols, surgical scar release & axillary web syndrome (cording)
Survivorship
Restoring long-term vitality, managing chronic late effects, and guiding safe return to life and work.
- Reversing radiation-induced fibrosis & cervical/scapular dystonia
- Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) for chronic secondary lymphedema
- Safe progressive loading for osteopenia, bone mets & cardiotoxicity
Palliative Care
Preserving dignity, non-pharmacologic pain modulation, and maximizing comfort during advanced disease.
- Comfort positioning, therapeutic contracture management & skin integrity
- Family & caregiver transfer mechanics, bed mobility & energy conservation
- Ethical and compassionate communication in hospice & palliative settings
Learn from a nationally recognized oncology clinician & educator.
Dr. Akanksha Sharma, PT, DPT, CLT brings over 15 years of dedicated oncology rehabilitation expertise. As a Board-Certified Oncology Clinical Specialist (ABPTS) and Certified Lymphedema Therapist, she has treated thousands of complex cancer cases and trained clinicians across academic institutions, hospital systems, and national conferences.
"Weekend CEU courses only scratch the surface, while full-time hospital residencies are out of reach for working clinicians. I designed this 6-month diploma to bridge that gap — giving you the deep clinical judgment, research literacy, and hands-on protocols to treat cancer patients with absolute confidence."
— Dr. Akanksha Sharma PT, DPT, CLTCohort 1 Curriculum: January 2027 – June 2027.
Each module is covered over 2 intensive weekend days (8 hours total per module) featuring live clinical case analysis, laboratory diagnostic breakdowns, treatment dosing algorithms, and interactive Q&A.
Foundations of Oncology PT, Cancer Biology & Medical Therapies
Master the underlying pathophysiology of neoplastic disease, TNM clinical staging, tumor biomarkers, and the mechanism of action of modern cancer interventions — from cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens to targeted biologics and immunotherapy.
Surgical Oncology, Acute Recovery & Prehabilitation Architectures
Delve into surgical procedures (mastectomy, DIEP/latissimus flaps, neck dissections, sarcoma resections, and pelvic exenterations). Learn evidence-based prehabilitation frameworks that optimize cardiovascular reserves and cut post-op complications by up to 40%.
Chemotoxicity, CIPN, Cancer-Related Fatigue & Exercise Oncology
Analyze the systemic toxicities of antineoplastic agents. Prescribe targeted exercise using ACSM/APTA guidelines to counteract severe cancer-related fatigue (CRF), sensory-motor neuropathy (CIPN), balance decline, and cardiotoxicity.
Radiation Fibrosis, Head & Neck, Thoracic & Pelvic Malignancies
Understand the biological timeline of ionizing radiation damage from acute dermatitis to chronic Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome (RFS). Master the specialized rehabilitation of head and neck, thoracic, colorectal, gynecologic, and prostate cancers.
Comprehensive Lymphedema Science, CDT & Vascular Complications
A deep dive into lymphology and secondary lymphedema following lymph node dissection or radiation. Master Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), early surveillance via bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS), and advanced garment fitting.
Bone Metastases, Survivorship Architecture & Palliative Care Integration
Navigate bone metastases with confidence using validated fracture risk rubrics (Mirels' Criteria, SINS). Develop long-term survivorship care plans and integrate compassionate palliative care principles into physical therapy practice.
The Oncology PT Referral Engine & Practice Blueprint
Clinical knowledge is useless if oncologists and patients don't know you exist. In this exclusive bonus masterclass, Dr. Akanksha Sharma shares her exact blueprint for establishing a premier oncology PT service line or standalone private practice.
100% Risk-Free Money-Back Guarantee
We stand behind the depth, rigor, and clinical value of this program unconditionally. Enroll in Cohort 1 and attend Module 1 in January 2027 in full. Review the clinical manuals, participate in the live intensive, and experience Dr. Akanksha's teaching. If you do not believe this diploma will fundamentally elevate your clinical confidence and career in oncology PT, simply notify us before Module 2 begins. We will issue a prompt, 100% refund of your tuition. Zero hassle, zero risk.
Who should apply for the 2027 cohort?
Outpatient & Ortho PTs
Therapists treating patients with a history of cancer who want to manage lymphedema, neuropathy, and late surgical sequelae safely without fear.
Acute & Inpatient Clinicians
Hospital and oncology floor physical therapists who evaluate complex surgical reconstructions, neutropenic patients, and oncologic red flags daily.
Aspiring Oncology Specialists
Clinicians aiming to prepare for the ABPTS Board Certification Examination in Oncologic Physical Therapy or establish a specialized oncology clinic.
Step into the future of oncology PT.
The inaugural batch starts January 2027 and runs through June 2027. To ensure individualized faculty mentorship and deep clinical case discussion, Cohort 1 is strictly capped at 25 clinicians.
Schedule Your 15-Minute Cohort Discovery Call
Speak directly with Dr. Akanksha Sharma to review your practice setting, discuss the 6-month curriculum, verify CE eligibility, and secure priority placement for Cohort 1.
Frequently asked questions.
When are the live sessions held?
Each module takes place once per month over two weekend days (Saturday and Sunday, 4 hours per day for 8 live hours total per module). Dates are announced 6 months in advance so working clinicians can plan clinic coverage easily.
What if I have to miss a live weekend session?
All 48 hours of instruction are recorded in high-definition and uploaded to the clinician portal with permanent lifetime access. You can submit questions asynchronously for Dr. Sharma during dedicated office hours.
Does this prepare me for the ABPTS Oncology Specialty Exam?
Yes. The curriculum directly maps to the APTA Oncology Description of Specialty Practice (DSP), covering the clinical science, medical management, differential diagnosis, and exercise oncology competencies required for board certification.
How does the 100% Money-Back Guarantee work?
Attend Module 1 in January 2027. If you determine the diploma is not the right fit for your clinical goals, email us prior to the start of Module 2. We will immediately refund your tuition in full.