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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 Health Care Workforce Innovation Act (H.R. 7307/S. 4957) would establish a Health Care Workforce Innovation Grant Program that would provide funding for Community Health Centers and rural health clinics to carry out innovative, community-driven models to educate and train a wide range of health professionals, including physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, through partnerships with high schools, community colleges, and other entities. These grants can be used to support new and existing health care ladder programs.

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

Position Paper: Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access

Jul 1, 2023 / Position Paper


Additional Education and Workforce Legislation Advocacy Content

APTA-Backed Senate Resolution Focuses on 'Epidemic of Burnout' in Health Care

Mar 12, 2024 / News

The resolution articulates support for reduced administrative burden and better access to mental health care for providers.

PTJ: Lower School Debt, Fewer Working Hours Tied to Higher Job Satisfaction

Aug 22, 2023 / Review

Researchers also found that home health and SNF practice settings were associated with lower job satisfaction.

PT Student Loan Repayment Bill Returns

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.

APTA Chapters Fuel State-Level Wins

Jul 24, 2023 / Roundup

Growing participation in the PT Compact, expanded direct access, ability to order imaging, limits on prior authorization, and more.

The State of the Profession: Two APTA Profile Reports Set the Scene

Jul 18, 2023 / News

Data analysis also demonstrates that APTA membership is a good reflection of the profession overall.

APTA Advocacy: Getting Results

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).

APTA's Advocacy Road Map: Empowerment for the Profession, Results for Patients

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.

Final Spending Bill Falls Short in Offsetting Fee Schedule Cuts

Dec 20, 2022 / News

The omnibus package provides insufficient relief, but it does include several wins for the profession in other areas.