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More needs to be done to care for the physical therapy workforce.
Physical therapy is recognized as an essential health care service, yet PTs and PTAs are often excluded from state and federal programs that would incentivize individuals from pursuing careers in the field through student loan debt relief or assistance in defraying the cost of education.
Why It Matters
The need for care from PTs and PTAs is rising, but education costs are high. In order to expand the physical therapy workforce to meet this need, more needs to be done to relieve the financial pressures faced by the profession.
Our Position
APTA supports legislation, such as the Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act, that allows PTs and PTAs to access federal student loan debt forgiveness program and other incentives to pursue a career in physical therapy.
Recommended Content
Mar 1, 2020 / Position Paper
The inclusion of PTs in the NHSC Loan Repayment Program will help to ensure treatment options are available to underserved communities.
Jan 8, 2020 / Position Paper
By providing colleges and universities funding to attract and retain students from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds, this legislation would boost the number of minorities in the health profession workforce and correct the underrepresentation
Additional Education and Workforce Legislation Advocacy Content
Jun 4, 2020 / News
The new report says that education debt limits life choices of PTs and PTAs, and describes potential costs as a "deterrent to promising students." But there may be ways to ease the burdens.
Dec 31, 2019 / Review
A limited study finds high debt-to-income ratios among PTs -- higher than newly minted family medicine physicians and veterinarians.
Jul 10, 2019 / News
A bill seeks to provide $5 million per year in scholarships and stipends aimed at increasing diversity.
Jun 19, 2019 / Article
There is no easy fix or silver bullet to the complex problem of student debt.
May 17, 2019 / News
Legislation that could open up student loan repayment opportunities for PTs has been introduced in the House.
Apr 5, 2019 / News
Legislation that would list PTs among the professions included in a federal program to provide greater patient access to health care in rural and underserved areas.
Jun 10, 2020 / Article
View model descriptions of faculty in PTA programs.