Professional Associations (APTA,OPTA)

Why be an APTA member

Strengthen knowledge base
Build future
Assemble professional network
Refine interests
Build career with strong foundation

APTA community

Over 100,000 members
51 state chapters
18 sections/academies (most require dues to join)
Special interest groups

APA structure (top to bottom)

APA HQ staff
Volunteer groups and executive committee
Board of directors
House of delegates
Members (chapters, sections, assemblies)

Where is the APA HQ

Alexandria, Virginia

House of delegates

Annual meeting
More than 400 representatives (voting chapter delegates, nonvoting delegates, and consultants)
Highest policy-making body within the association

OPTA

Office in Westerville
Executive director: Mike Mathy
3,800 members

What district is Dayton apart of

West central

OPTA Student Sig

PT/PTA schools in Ohio
Plan Ohio student activities
Networking between schools
Monthly conference calls
UD has 1 representative from each class

APTA vision

Transforming society by optimizing movement to improve the human experience

Benefits of being an APTA member

Student activities
Learning opportunities/conferences
Career services
Educational Resources
Research
Advocacy
Discounts

Student Activites

Write for monthly student newsletter
Attend national student conclave (NSC)
Be active in state chapter or section
Volunteer for conference/HOD
Serve as core ambassador
Run for student assembly board position or project committee

Learning opportunities

APTA conference: national student conclave, combined sections meeting
APTA learning center: free and discounted ceus

Career Services

Search job opportunities on APTA’s career center
Participate in APTA virtual career fairs
Review guidelines for student/new professional employment agreements
Explore considerations for practice opportunities and professional development

Educational resources

Guide to Physical Therapist Practice
Physical Therapy
APTA Magazine
Podcasts
Blogs
Scholarship Opportunities
APTA hub

Research

Access cutting-edge research and case reports
APTA article search
Clinical practice guidelines
Joint eh section on research or other sections

Advocacy

Protect and promote the profession
Ensure access for patients and consumers
Educate legislators about physical therapy
Influence policy that directly affects how physical therapy practice in every setting
Attend national advocacy dinners
Student advocacy challenge

When is national physical therapy month

October