Be Involved. Get in 'The Loop'!
The Student Assembly is YOU—all 20,000 of our PT and PTA students, nationwide, representing the future of our profession and the APTA. Being in "The Loop" means being involved at any level in APTA—locally, state-wide, or nationally. There are many ways for you to become involved and connected as a student member of APTA. Get the most out of your APTA membership - get involved! Take a look at these opportunities and see which ones are right for you!
Be a Core Ambassador or Representative
- Be the primary link between the Student Assembly and its elected leaders, the Student Assembly Board of Directors.
- Serve as a point of contact for your chapter and possibly for sections, as well as for the students in your program and even other schools within your state.
Submit an Article to the Student Assembly Pulse
- The Student Assembly Pulse is APTA's publication written for students, by students on a variety of topics. Let your voice by heard!
- Share your ideas, let other students know about a special activity going on at your program, or raise your concerns about important topics related to governance or student involvement.
- For more information, contact Matt DeBole, your Student Assembly Director.
Own Your Future
- We invite you to present the "Own Your Future" PowerPoint to high school, undergrad, and first-year students in your PT or PTA programs.
- Use this presentation to highlight to your peers why APTA membership is a must for their professional careers!
Serve as a Student Assembly Officer
- A great opportunity to get involved, to learn first-hand how APTA functions, and to demonstrate your leadership potential. Plus, it's FUN!
- All APTA student members are eligible to run for the offices of Student Assembly President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Student PT, or Student PTA Delegate, Director, or Nominating Committee Chair or member (one chair and two members).
- Elections are held annually in October at APTA's National Student Conclave.
Attend National Student Conclave (NSC)
- Network, learn, and have fun! This national meeting is planned especially for YOU!
- Elect your Student Assembly Officers.
- It all happens at NSC.
Intern at APTA
- APTA offers a variety of internship opportunities in our Communications, Practice, Payment, Public Policy and Units.
- Each opportunity is unique and may be customized to incorporate your particular interests and skills.
- All internship assignments at APTA are challenging and meaningful. In most cases college credits can be earned through the contributions you'll make during your time here.
Serve as an Usher During APTA's House of Delegates Meeting
- As a House usher, you'll get an inside look at the governance of the profession. You'll have the opportunity to see how the physical therapy profession governs itself and sets professional policies.
- Get a first-hand look at APTA's chief policymaking body and have the opportunity to learn from dedicated and experienced physical therapists as they set the professional standards for the coming year.
- Applications are accepted from late January to early March - to submit an application or to request more information, send an e-mail to nationalgovernance@apta.org.
Serve as an Usher During APTA's Annual Conference
- Enjoy FREE registration to APTA's Conference and Exposition by volunteering to serve as an usher during programming and special events.
- Meet peers and colleagues, connect with conference speakers, network with APTA leaders and legends, enjoy lectures and evidence-based programming, interact with fellow students from around the country, and mingle with potential employers.
- Applications will be accepted beginning March 1 of each year on a first come, first serve basis. To request more information, contact profdevelop@apta.org.
Advocate! Take the APTA Student Advocacy Challenge
- Become involved in advocacy, on both the state and federal levels. Learn more about the issues facing physical therapy, and act in support of the profession through legislative means.
- Students from PT and PTA programs across the country can compete by participating in advocacy activities, documenting your experiences, and submitting the records to APTA's Grassroots Advocacy Department.
- Each year, the winning academic program will be honored with the opportunity to select an individual from APTA staff or the APTA Board of Directors to speak at their school.
- Make a statement to your classmates, professors, and clinical instructors that shows you are aware and concerned about political issues that involve physical therapy and you are willing to put in a little more to help that cause. With a small donatoin to PT-PAC you can Become a Student Star.
Join the Marquette Challenge
"The future of physical therapist practice and our profession will be driven by new scientific evidence. The dollars raised by the Marquette Challenge have not only led to important research findings, but have also facilitated therapists in successfully competing for federal and foundational funding for larger projects. The Marquette Challenge participants have set very high standards for the rest of the profession. Our future is in good hands with your help!"
Bill Boissounnault, PT, DPT, DHSc, FAPTA, FAAOMPT
Foundation for Physical Therapy, President/Chair
- The annual Pittsburgh-Marquette Challenge is a nationwide competition between SPT and SPTA programs, coordinated and executed exclusively by physical therapist and physical therapist assistant students across the country.
- Paricipants in competing programs raise money in a variety of ways, including bake sales, car washes, golf tournaments, and more. All money raised through the Challenge provides research grants, fellowships and doctoral scholarships to support the physical therapy profession.
- Schools participating in the Challenge receive recognition and student representatives are eligible to win various prizes. Each year the competition is renamed in honor of the previous year's winner. Could your SPT or SPTA program use a little extra recognition for excellence?
Contact Your State Chapter - Volunteer!
- There are many ways to get involved with your chapter—attend a district meeting, volunteer for a committee, plan a fundrasier to raise money for your school program, and more. The opportunities are as endless as your imagination!