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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. 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 that allows PTs and PTAs to access federal student loan debt repayment programs and other incentives to pursue a career in physical therapy.
Updates
APTA is supporting two important initiatives that could significantly impact the physical therapy workforce.
The Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act of 2023 (H.R. 4829) introduced in the House of Representatives, would allow physical therapists to participate in the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, helping to ensure that individuals in medically underserved areas have access to needed physical therapy care.
Provide your support easily via APTA's Patient Action Center.
Recommended Content
Jul 1, 2023 / Position Paper
The inclusion of PTs in the NHSC Loan Repayment Program will help to ensure treatment options are available to underserved communities.
Additional Education and Workforce Legislation Advocacy Content
Mar 12, 2024 / News
The resolution articulates support for reduced administrative burden and better access to mental health care for providers.
Aug 22, 2023 / Review
Researchers also found that home health and SNF practice settings were associated with lower job satisfaction.
Jul 26, 2023 / News
The legislation would add PTs to the National Health Services Corps and expand the role of PTs in community health centers.
Jul 24, 2023 / Roundup
Growing participation in the PT Compact, expanded direct access, ability to order imaging, limits on prior authorization, and more.
Jul 18, 2023 / News
Data analysis also demonstrates that APTA membership is a good reflection of the profession overall.
Jul 18, 2023 / Report
Jul 18, 2023 / Report
Jun 14, 2023 / Roundup
The year isn't even half over, and the association has already scored some major victories for the profession (and teed up a few more).
Feb 8, 2023 / News
The association's public policy priorities are aimed at unleashing physical therapy's potential to take on pressing health care challenges.
Dec 20, 2022 / News
The omnibus package provides insufficient relief, but it does include several wins for the profession in other areas.