Johnson, N, Smith, A, Woodman, L, Wise, HH; College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, U.S.A. Johnsnd@musc.edu.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify factors affecting South Carolina physical therapist student membership in the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Specifically, the authors wanted to determine if students were aware of and influenced by APTA services. BACKGROUND: Three of the authors are actively involved in the Student Assembly and are co-founders of the SC Student Special Interest Group. It was hoped that an understanding of the factors influencing student involvement and membership in the APTA would give insight into increasing student membership in SC. SUBJECTS: Ninety physical therapist students from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) were participants in this study. Thirty-nine of the subjects were in their first semester of a 3-year entry-level masters degree program in physical therapy. Fifty-one students were in their final year of study. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A survey used in a 1995 published study related to APTA student membership was modified to meet the requirements of this study. The 4 page modified survey also included four open-ended questions regarding APTA membership and participation at the district, state, and national levels. This pilot survey was administered to 24 second year MUSC students. Feedback from the pilot survey was integrated into the final instrument to improve clarity of instructions and enhance response rate. The survey was then administered to 51 first year and 53 third year PT students at MUSC. The three student authors were excluded from the population pool. All information regarding the identity of respondents was kept confidential from the examiners. ANALYSIS: Data was recorded using frequency of response to survey questions. Open-ended questions were grouped according to similarities in responses. Descriptive statistics were compiled for the respondents based on APTA membership, year of study, age, and gender. RESULTS: Ninety completed surveys were returned (87% response rate). Eighty-four respondents (93%) were found to be members of the APTA. All 6 non-member respondents were students from the 3^rd year class and previously were members. The most common response for failing to retain membership was a "recent change of address with failure to receive renewal notice". CONCLUSIONS: According to the data, change in address during the 3-year program of study appears to affect status of membership for students at MUSC. The authors recommend that student liaisons, with help from the APTA, monitor student change of address to help retain student members. FUNDING SOURCE: None.

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