Students

Student Resources for You to Know

Visit APTA of Maryland on Facebook
This is a networking and special interest group for physical therapy students within the state of Maryland.

Student Resource Guide
This is an annual publication developed by the Maryland Chapter's student committee for new and graduating students. It provides useful information about key resources, the national student assembly, licensure information, and career building assistance.

APTA of Maryland Student Conclave is held annually to allow students to network with peers, meet with recruiters and vendors, and participate in our special continuing education programming.  We also hold our annual advocacy academy for 1st year students during this event.

Student Day on the Hill - Change the World
On March 22nd those of you who are interested will convene in Annapolis to meet with legislators. The morning will start with a 30 minute briefing during which we can give final directions and answer any remaining questions. Then groups of students, accompanied by a physical therapist or faculty member will meet with legislators or their staff with the following goals:

  • Educate the legislators on issues of importance to physical therapists and their patients 
  •  Begin what may develop into a long term professional relationship between legislators and future doctors of physical therapy 
  •  Represent their respective schools in a positive way to state legislators

National Student Conclave
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is hosting the National Student Conclave in Arlington, MD November 2-4, 2012. Imagine a weekend surrounded by more than 1,500 students — your friends and future colleagues — from across the country. Imagine one-on-one career advice and recruiters ready to take your résumé. Then imagine yourself at NSC, where it's all about you!

Careers in Physical Therapy

Membership - Join Now! (Note - Simultaneous payment of both national and chapter dues is required) Student PT/PTA National Membership Annual Dues - $80 Student PT/PTATA Chapter Annual Dues - $0

APTA Student Events and Scholarship Calendar The APTA student events and scholarship calendar, to allow students easy access and knowledge of what events are going on and what scholarship opportunities are available. These events will be advertised through The Pulse (the student assembly monthly newsletter), the Student Assembly facebook page as well as through twitter.

APTA Student Health Plan The Student Injury and Sickness plan for APTA members and their dependents offers two plan options, and each offers a choice of deductible and flexible payment options. The plan is available in most states and may meet APTA members’ school health insurance requirements.

Highlights of the 2011/2012 APTA Student Injury and Sickness plan:
Value-added benefits specific to student’s needs: discounts from 5% to 50% on dental, vision, fitness, and wellness products; and 24/7 telephone and online access to registered nurses and clinicians for confidential guidance on physical and mental health concerns.

Online self-service through MyAccount: access to your student insurance information 24/7 (available by computer and mobile device).

Time to Enroll:
Coverage begins August 1. Just go to APTA’s Student Health Plan page for a complete explanation of benefits, including exclusions and limitations, periods of coverage, and costs. Online enrollment is easy and takes only minutes! If you have any questions, please call 800/505-5450.

Social Networking Web Sites Join the APTATA Student Assembly Facebook group, created especially for PT and PTATA students. Visit often to stay informed of upcoming events and information that you won't want to miss. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to upload pictures or videos, start conversations on the discussion board, and leave comments for your friends. You can also become a fan of the APTA Facebook public profile, which features additional updates and insights. You can also find APTA on Twitter, the microblogging service that allows colleagues, friends, and family to stay connected one "tweet" at a time. 

Student Assembly As a dues-paying PT/PTATA student member of APTATA, you're automatically a member of Student Assembly — an integral part of APTATA that will allow you to have opportunities for leadership and growth during your educational process. For more information, access the links below or contact Lisa McLaughlin. The Student Assembly is an APTA component comprised of all student members and focuses on issues relating to students. We are a united group dedicated to advancing the views and concerns of physical therapy students. The Student Assembly serves as the "voice" for physical therapist and physical therapist assistant students. We represent students from every accredited or developing education program across the country. The Student Assembly was established to represent the concerns of students throughout the country in our evolving health care system. Student involvement in Association activities is paramount to the future of the physical therapy profession. Involvement in the Student Assembly is a perfect opportunity for students to learn about issues, become involved, and meet lifelong acquaintances. All students must work toward a common goal; that is, to learn about the profession and how to help advance the profession as we move toward managed care.

Save Money With Career Starter Dues! Looking for a way to juggle the costs of student loans and professional membership? APTATA has the perfect solution! If you join APTATA now and are a member at graduation, you will receive a 50% discount on national and chapter dues. Just renew within 30 days after your student membership expires. That's a savings of between $98 and $263, depending on the amount of your chapter dues. APTA offers these discounted student membership rates to future physical therapy professionals as an investment in your future, and in the future of the profession. It's our graduation gift to you! NEW! Act now and you'll have the choice of a complimentary registration to APTA's Annual Conference and Exposition. Questions? Contact APTA's Membership Services Department at 800/999-APTA (2782), ext 3395.

New Professionals Who Are New Professionals? If you’re a physical therapist in the first 5 years of your career, APTA considers you a New Professional. APTA has designed special resources and events just for you. Watch for them throughout the year online and in print!

Career Planning- Build Your Career Event at the Combined Sections Meeting in San Diego
The next Build Your Career event will be held at CS M 2012 in Chicago, IL. Experienced physical therapists from a variety of backgrounds will be on hand to discuss career paths in each of APTA’s 18 special-interest sections, including orthopedics, pediatrics, education, home health, research, neurology, private practice, and more. Nearly 100 New Professionals attended the Build Your Career event at the Combined Sections Meeting. Gain a New Perspective Perspectives Magazine, APTA’s publication just for New Professionals, is now available online! Check out the September 2009 edition. Be sure to share your perspectives once you’ve read it. APTA has put together a multitude of resources for you as you start your physical therapy career. Click here to access information on:

  • Advancing Your Career
  • American Board of Physical Therapist Specialists (ABPTS)
  • Physical Therapy Degrees, Designations, and other Credentials
  • Self-Assessment Tools (Members only)
  • Guidelines: Student/New Graduate Employment Agreements
  • Portfolio/CV
  • Post-Professional Continuing Education
  • Post-Professional Degrees
  • Practice Management
  • Networking/Communication
  • PTA Continuing Education
  • APTA Board of Directors and House of Delegates Policies