ALEXANDRIA, VA, August 19, 2008 — Members of the American
Physical Therapy Association (APTA) applaud President Bush for signing
into law the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HR 4137). This new
law amends and extends the Higher Education Act of 1965.
HR 4137 allows physical therapists who provide care to children,
adolescents, and veterans to be eligible for up to $10,000 over 5 years
in authorized student loan repayment programs.
"Because of the extensive education and clinical training required to
become a physical therapist, students often begin their careers with
significant levels of debt," explained APTA President R Scott Ward, PT,
PhD. "Relieving some of that financial burden and bringing more physical
therapists to clinically underserved communities will provide lasting
benefits for years to come."
Provisions of the final conference agreement on HR 4137 will enable
physical therapists to participate in an existing program that offers
help with repayment of student loans to health care professionals who
provide services to specific patient populations. This initiative is
separate from the National Health Service Corp loan repayment program
that is the focus of the Physical Therapist Student Loan Repayment
Eligibility Act (S 2485/HR 1134).
Physical therapists are health care professionals who diagnose and
manage individuals of all ages, from newborns to elders, who have
medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their
abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily
lives. Physical therapists examine each individual and develop a plan of
care using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce
pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Physical therapists
also work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility by developing
fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active
lifestyles.
APTA (www.apta.org) is a national organization representing physical
therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students nationwide. Its
goal is to foster advancements in physical therapist education,
practice, and research. Consumers can visit www.findapt.us to find
a physical therapist in their area, as well as www.apta.org/consumer for physical therapy news and
information.