Opportunities & Benefits
The following list was compiled by FPTA student members as a source of opportunities within both the Florida chapter and the national organization.
State & National Opportunities
- APTA Student Assembly Board of Directors – an elected position at the national level
- APTA/FPTA Project and Task Committees – For example, become a student member of the membership committee
FPTA Student Special Interest Group information
The Florida Student Special Interest Group (SSIG) gives you a chance to get to know fellow students on a more local level.
- The Executive Committee is made up of 6 officers and is limited to one student per PT or PTA school.
- School Liaison includes one liaison from each PT and PTA program. Ideally, the liaison for a school that has an officer on the Executive Committee would be different from the officer. Learn More
- Chair or be a member of one of the FSSIG committees.
- Student members in the FPTA are automatically enrolled in the the FSSIG.
Student Caucus
- Participate in the Assembly of Representatives held in conjunction with the FPTA Annual Conference held each fall.
- The FPTA will reimburse travel expenses for one representative to the Student Caucus from each CAPTE-certified Florida PT and PTA school. This person is selected by the school’s program director. Students should talk to their program director about the process their school uses for selection.
- Opportunities to volunteer: FPTA asks for student volunteers to assist with ushering and conference registration.
State Student Conclave
The FPTA Student Conclave is held in the first quarter of each year and is hosted by one of Florida’s DPT programs. Leadership opportunities exist for the program hosting conclave for students to chair a planning committee or be a member of a planning committee.
APTA House of Delegates (HOD)
- Made up of elected members from each state chapter, the HOD is the member driven governing body of the APTA. The HOD is the driving force behind the direction of the APTA.
- The HOD is held during the summer each year.
- Students are encouraged to apply to be an usher during the HOD meeting. This is a great opportunity to learn how the organization is governed.
- Apply for The Steven Levine House of Delegates Grant. This grant includes 2 grants of $1400 available to DPT and PTA students.
Travel Scholarships for State Advocacy Days
- The FPTA State Advocacy Days is an opportunity to meet with state legislators and discuss the issues which affect the practice of physical therapy.
- The event is typically held the week or two before the start of the Florida legislative session.
- There is a training session discussing current issues and the process for the day at the Capitol, a networking social and meetings with legislators that are set up by FPTA
- Travel scholarships are available for those who want to attend.
- Look for notices about scholarships and how to apply in the FPTA Update and social media.
APTA National Conferences
- Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) – all sections of the APTA come together for a large diverse educational opportunity. This meeting is held in the winter at different locations throughout the country.
- Opportunities to volunteer and get registration paid for through being a member
District Activities
There are many opportunities to get involved without having to travel far. Each district in the FPTA offers both educational and social opportunities for its members. You may either check the FPTA events calendar for a district event near you or refer to your district’s home page. You can check your FPTA profile page to verify your district.
PTPubNight
Join local practitioners and students in a casual atmosphere to share ideas, information and have some fun. PTPubNight is a national event that’s held on a local level, while it’s typicall held on the third Thursday of each month other events are scheduled throughout the month at the discretion of the PTPubNight hosts. Don’t see a PubNight in your area or want to start your own? For more information go to the events calendar on the FPTA website. Don’t see a PubNight in your area or want to start your own?
Career Starters Dues Discounts
- Get 50% off national and state chapter dues the first year after graduation and receive a free registration to the APTA NEXT Conference & Exposition.
- Career Starter Dues Pilot Program: The FPTA members voted to work with APTA on a pilot program offering ongoing discounts to early professionals as follows: 40% off the second year, 30% the 3rd year, and 20% the 4th year, and pay full dues the 5th year following graduation.
- You must be a member in your last year of a CAPTE accredited PT/PTA school to qualify for discounts.
New Professionals Transition for Members
- Early Professional Special Interest Group (EPSIG) for members 0-5 years post-graduation.
- Request to join the group on the group home page.
- Opportunity for leadership on the EPSIG Executive Board.
- Continue what you started as a student to stay engaged as an early professional and still gain the mentoring and networking all early professionals want and need.
Student Member Resources
- Access to great resources as a student member.
- Access PTJ and PT in Motion (physical therapy journals) as well as the ability to search for research articles on the APTA website.
- APTA Learning Center: tons of webinars available for viewing and many are free to members.
- The Guide to Physical Therapy Practice: only available on the APTA website, free to members, cost for non-members.
- Free membership to the Research Section for Student Members
