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Our association celebrates its centennial in 2021.

Our story began with a calling: to serve those who sacrificed so much for our country in World War I. Where others saw limitation, we saw potential.

Since our founding in 1921, we have moved forward together, with a passion and commitment to transform lives and strengthen our profession.

View our centennial timeline to see how you can participate in our celebration of APTA's first 100 years.

Watch our APTA Founders' Day Celebration


Recommended Content

APTA Online Timeline

May 8, 2020 / Website

Book: A Century of Movement: Milestones of APTA's First 100 Years

Jan 1, 2021 / Resource

The First 100 Years of APTA

May 8, 2020 / Article


Additional APTA History Content

'Towering Figure' Martha Wroe, PT, MA, FAPTA, Dies at 102

May 1, 2024 / Article

Wroe's commitment to clinical excellence and lifelong learning helped to shape the physical therapy profession.

55th McMillan Lecture: Meeting Global Responsibilities

Feb 16, 2024 / News

Judith Deutsch, PT, PhD, FAPTA, urged the profession to "look outward and move forward."

William Coughlan, Former APTA CEO, Dies at 77

Jan 9, 2024 / News

Coughlan helped to lead significant growth at APTA in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Jim McKillip, 'a Force for the Profession,' Honored With Room at APTA HQ

Dec 11, 2023 / News

McKillip helped establish fee schedules in California, was a founder of APTA Private Practice, and served as PTPAC's first president.

For National Physical Therapy Month, Highlighting Our Value

Oct 4, 2023 / News

This year's celebration is off to a strong start, with a must-read report and messaging resources for members.

Landmark APTA Report Makes the Case for Physical Therapy's Economic Value

Sep 27, 2023 / News

The macroeconomic review of eight conditions shows how physical therapy delivers cost-effectiveness through quality-of-life improvements.

2023 APTA House of Delegates Recap

Sep 6, 2023 / Roundup

APTA's representative body took on issues ranging from PTA education to equitable pay.

2023 Presidential Address

Jul 23, 2023 / Statement

APTA President Roger Herr, PT, MPA, provided his annual address on July 23 at the Omni Shoreham in Washington, DC.

Bob Bartlett Pays Inspirational Visit to APTA HQ

Jun 16, 2023 / Article

More than four decades since his presidency, Bartlett's influence continues to be felt throughout the profession.

Seminal APTA Guide to PT Practice Gets an Update

Apr 12, 2023 / News

The physical therapy profession has evolved, and so has its foundational resource.