Physical therapists are universally recognized and promoted as the practitioners of choice for persons with conditions that affect movement and function.

Physical therapists are universally recognized and promoted as providers of fitness, health promotion, wellness, and risk reduction programs to enhance quality of life for persons across the life-span.

Academic and clinical education prepares doctors of physical therapy who are autonomous practitioners.

Physical therapists are autonomous practitioners to whom patients/clients have unrestricted direct access as an entry-point into the health care delivery system, and who are paid for all elements of patient/client management in all practice environments.

Research advances the science of physical therapy and furthers the evidence-based practice of the physical therapist.

Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are committed to meeting the health needs of patients/clients and society through ethical behavior, continued competence, collegial relationships with other health care practitioners, and advocacy for the profession.

Communication throughout the Association enhances participation of and responsiveness to members and promotes and instills the value of belonging to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

APTA standards, policies, positions, guidelines and the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice, Normative Model of Physical Therapist Education and Evaluative Criteria for Accreditation of Education Programs for the Preparation of Physical Therapists, Normative Model of Physical Therapist Assistant Education and Evaluative Criteria for Accreditation of Education Program for the Preparation of Physical Therapist Assistants, and Professionalism in Physical Therapy: Core Values are recognized and used as the foundation for physical therapist practice, research, and education environments.