American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Overview:

Profession(s): Physical Therapy
Member Type(s): Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, and Students of Phyiscal Therapy
Scope: National - United States
Formed: 1921
Members: 66,000
Address: 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314-1488, USA
Phone: 703/684-2782
Website: www.apta.org

Description:

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is a national professional organization representing more than 66,000 members. Its goal is to foster advancements in physical therapy practice, research, and education.

Mission/Aims:

The mission of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the principal membership organization representing and promoting the profession of physical therapy, is to further the profession's role in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of movement dysfunctions and the enhancement of the physical health and functional abilities of members of the public.

Principal Activities:

Provide members with legislative advocacy, continuing education opportunities, research resources, clinical information, publications, professional resources, and communities to foster learning and comraderie.

Member Benefits:

Vary depending on membership category. May include free continuing education credits, free publications, access to information, discounts on products and services, annual meetings, personal and professional insurance and financial resources, mentoring program, and more.

Training/Licensing/Certification:

Certified specialist recognition in 7 practice areas (cardiopulmonary, clinical electrophysiologic, geriatric, neurologic, orthopaedic, pediatric, and sports). Recognition for physical therapist assistants. Online and in-person continuing education courses.

Affiliations:

Associations to which we are a member:
World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT)

Our member Associations, Chapters, Divisions:
APTA has 52 state chapters and 18 special-interest groups that also comprise its membership structure.

Partner Associations:
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

Verification Criteria:

Make sure that you receive physical therapy from a licensed physical therapist. Physical therapists are professional health care providers who must be licensed by the state in which they practice. Ask if they participate in your insurance plan. Visit www.apta.org/findapt to locate a physical therapist and to learn more about choosing a physical therapist for your health care needs.