In most classes for student physical therapists and student physical therapist assistants, advocacy rarely appears on the syllabus. When many physical therapy students enter their programs, their focus is understandably on studying for their anatomy exams, honing their clinical skills, and preparing for their first patient interaction. It's easy to assume advocacy is reserved for experienced clinicians or professional leaders. 

Yet across the country, physical therapy students are discovering that shaping the future of their profession begins long before graduation.