Plus, CA applications open for fall cycle.

July 21, 2021

Inform

Fall 2021 APTA Student Assembly Core Ambassador Applications Open!

As all of you know, serving as an APTA Student Assembly Core Ambassador is an excellent opportunity to be an active and engaged member. If your term is ending this Fall, we hope that you have found a student in your state who is interested in serving the next term as a CA. Students can apply through APTA Engage, where they can search for their specific state.

Proposed 2022 Fee Schedule: More Cuts, PTA Differential, Telehealth Obstacles

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is due to release its proposed rule soon. The implications could be longstanding and impact what you’re paid after you graduate. Here's what you need to know — and how you can fight for physical therapy.

Video: APTA Student Social - Finding Your Niche in Physical Therapist Practice

Ashley Johnson, PT, DPT, shares her unique take on physical therapist practice and how you, too, can discover and hone your niche within the physical therapy profession.

APTA Member Benefit of the Month: Discounts From National Brands

You are eligible for discounts on well-known brands with your APTA membership. APTA members can save 25% on New Balance shoes and apparel, pay as little as $25 per month on gym memberships at over 11,00 fitness centers, and save up to 10% on sale prices from Dell Technologies, up to 50% on UPS services, and 75% on office and school supplies at Office Depot and OfficeMax. Check out all of the discounts and savings available to APTA members, and other APTA member benefits.

Engage

Video: APTA Live - Celebrating Our Professional History

In honor of our centennial year, Lindsay Durand, PT, DPT, of APTA's Student Assembly Board of Directors, Kelly Quigley, SPT, APTA Student Assembly centennial ambassador, and Gini Blodgett Birchett, MSLS, APTA's senior information resources specialist, hosted a discussion on our professional history.

Volunteer To Be an APTA House of Delegates Usher

See firsthand how APTA’s House of Delegates, a policy-making body of the association, functions: Volunteer to serve as an APTA House usher at the 2021 APTA House of Delegates in Washington, D.C., Sept. 11-12. Learn more and apply through APTA Engage.

Join the APTA Student Assembly Network for the 2021 House of Delegates

This network is a way for student PT and PTA members of APTA — our Student Assembly — to be more directly involved with the House of Delegates.

Survey: Belongingness Scale for Students on Clinical Experiences

In an effort to ensure quality clinical education experiences that promote a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students, we ask that you and students in your state fill out the following survey.

Write a Perspective Article for APTA's Website

Like to write? Have a story to tell? APTA is looking for members to contribute perspective articles for apta.org.

APTA Core Ambassador Spotlight: Mateo Soto

As Connecticut’s APTA Core Ambassador, I have met so many people who want to reach and inspire students through their passions. It has been a joy to get to know these people as they challenge me to do the same.

In addition to the duties of a CA, I have worked with other Core Ambassadors and members of the APTA Student SIGs across the New England area, and put together the first New England student conclave. The conclave consisted of a series of lectures that included sports performance, blood flow restriction, women’s health, pelvic health, neurobehavioral functioning in pediatrics, and more. A few events were held, as well as morning yoga for the earlier risers, a virtual happy hour later in the evening, and interactive breakout rooms where students got to meet and talk to other students and professionals to help network. It was a great turnout, and I am excited to see what happens next year.

During my term, I also worked with the APTA Student SIG of Connecticut in putting together this year’s National Advocacy Dinner to help bring awareness to students about the importance of advocacy.

Finally, in my role as a CA, I led my school in something we call “The Movement.” This is when we gather old or unused winter clothing from students, family, and friends, and donate them to those who need it or would not be able to afford it on their own. This was a great way to reach out and help our local community.

Before I end my term as an APTA CA, I want to create a DEI mentorship network for students. My goal is to connect students with mentors who may have similar life experiences or paths. It has been an honor to serve as the Core Ambassador and to represent APTA and the state of Connecticut.

Note From the Vice President

Hi, everyone,

I hope summer has been treating you well!

APTA Core Ambassador applications for the fall cycle are open as of July 15. If you are a current CA whose term will end this fall, now is the time to begin searching for your state’s next APTA Core Ambassador! Feel free to let interested students know they can reach out to me at any time to learn more about the position. The role description in the APTA Core Ambassador Handbook may also be a helpful resource when sharing information about the position and encouraging students to apply. Please let me know if you have any questions or need any assistance.

Have you been working on an interesting event, project, or idea? If so, I want to know about it! I am always looking for more APTA Core Ambassadors to feature in these monthly newsletters to share all the awesome work CAs do for PT and PTA students. If you would like to be featured or have questions, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Keep up all the great work!