Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Physical Therapy Advocacy and Education
We are a professional organization dedicated to advancing the physical therapy profession to improve societal health. Founded in 1921, we represent over 100,000 members including physical therapists, assistants, and students. Our mission drives advocacy efforts, educational initiatives, and public awareness campaigns to elevate the impact of physical therapy. We provide continuing education, scientific research access, and specialist certification opportunities to support career development.Through our federated model with 51 state chapters and 18 special-interest sections, we foster community engagement and policy influence. Our leadership structure ensures strategic alignment with member needs and national healthcare priorities. We champion diversity, equity, and inclusion to better serve both the profession and the communities we impact. Our headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia serves as a hub for innovation and collaboration in shaping the future of physical therapy.
Services
Advocacy Leadership
Continuing Education
Research Resources
Public Awareness Campaigns
Membership Networking
Details
- Year established: 1921
Highlights and features
- We have represented physical therapy professionals since 1921
- Our national advocacy shapes healthcare policy and reimbursement standards
- We provide unlimited access to evidence-based clinical practice guidelines
- Our federated model connects members through 51 state chapters and 18 specialty sections
- We lead initiatives promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in physical therapy
Services
Advocacy Leadership
We drive national healthcare policy changes through strategic advocacy efforts. Our team works with lawmakers to shape reimbursement standards and expand patient access to physical therapy services. We represent member interests in legislative and regulatory discussions affecting the profession.
Continuing Education
We offer accredited courses and certification programs to enhance clinical skills and career advancement. Members receive discounts on specialist certifications and access to the latest evidence-based practice resources. Our educational offerings align with evolving industry standards and clinical best practices.
Research Resources
We provide comprehensive access to scientific literature and clinical practice guidelines. Our database includes evidence-based interventions, outcome measures, and research agendas that guide effective patient care. Members gain full-text access to critical studies through our specialized search tools.
Public Awareness
We lead national initiatives to educate the public about physical therapy benefits. Our ChoosePT campaign promotes non-opioid pain management solutions and preventive care strategies. We develop targeted messaging to increase understanding of physical therapy's role in overall wellness.
Membership Networking
We connect professionals through state chapters, specialty sections, and member engagement groups. Our platform facilitates collaboration, knowledge sharing, and volunteer opportunities across all career stages. This network strengthens professional relationships and advances collective expertise.
People
Justin Moore
Chief Executive Officer
Leading APTA's strategic initiatives with over 15 years of healthcare leadership experience. Drives organizational growth while maintaining focus on member value and professional advancement.
Tara Jo Manal
Vice President, Scientific Affairs
Fosters research development and evidence-based practice integration. A board-certified specialist with extensive academic and clinical experience in advancing physical therapy science.
Aaron Bishop
Vice President, Public Affairs
Directs government relations and advocacy strategy. Works to shape national healthcare policy and expand professional opportunities for physical therapy practitioners.
Jamie Nesbit
Assistant Professor
Clinical specialist developing innovative patient programs. Created community-based initiatives demonstrating physical therapy's impact on chronic conditions like Parkinson's disease.
Carmen Elliott
Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Leads initiatives to enhance professional diversity and equitable healthcare access. Focuses on creating inclusive environments that better serve diverse patient populations.
Questions
What benefits do APTA members receive?
Members gain access to continuing education courses, certification discounts, scientific research databases, and advocacy resources. Networking opportunities through state chapters and specialty sections are also included.
How can I find a physical therapist in my area?
Use our online directory to locate licensed physical therapists nationwide. The tool allows location-based searches and profile updates for practitioners.
What is APTA's mission?
We advance the physical therapy profession to improve societal health through advocacy, education, and community initiatives that enhance patient care and professional development.
How does APTA support professional development?
We offer accredited educational programs, specialist certifications, and evidence-based practice resources. Our conferences provide opportunities for skill enhancement and industry networking.
What advocacy efforts does APTA lead?
We influence healthcare policy on issues like reimbursement standards, patient access, and professional regulation through legislative engagement and legal actions when necessary.
How does APTA promote diversity in physical therapy?
Our initiatives focus on increasing workforce diversity, addressing healthcare disparities, and creating inclusive environments through targeted programs and policy advocacy.
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