PTA Special Interest Group
SIG Co-Chair Contact Information:
PTA Resource Web Page
This section of the APTA website is designed to give you all the PTA-specific information and documents that have been developed for our PTA members. Your membership entitles you to information on education, career planning and development, leadership opportunities, scholarship opportunities, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the former structure, the National Assembly and RBNA?
In June, 2005, after a year of debate, discussion, and preparation, the National Assembly of Physical Therapist Assistants, the representative body of physical therapist assistants in APTA, voted to dissolve the National Assembly and to create a new structure, one that would better serve to integrate PTA members into APTA. At the same time two new bodies were formed to represent the physical therapist assistant membership in APTA, the Advisory Panel of Physical Therapist Assistants and the Physical Therapist Assistant Caucus.
What is an advisory panel?
Advisory panels have been established by the APTA Board of Directors (Board) to serve two general functions: 1) provide guidance as requested to the Board; and 2) alert the Board to issues that are surfacing in the physical therapy environment. The Board selects the members of the advisory panels from the appointment pool each March to serve for three years. In addition to the Advisory Panel for Physical Therapist Assistants, which is composed of five PTA members, there is a position reserved for a PTA on the Advisory Panel of Education, Advisory Panel of Membership Recruitment and Retention, and Advisory Panel of Practice.
What is the appointment pool that you referred to in the previous question?
The appointment pool is a list of individuals that have submitted their names, biographical information, and consented to serve APTA in a variety of capacities including advisory panels and committees. An announcement is made each fall identifying the expected vacancies for the upcoming year and asking members to volunteer by submitting their names and basic information into the pool. At the March Board meeting, the Board fills vacancies from this list of individuals who have volunteered to serve. The Board makes their selection from the pool based on the needs and expertise of the group while trying to get the broadest geographical and practice setting representation.
Who is eligible to serve on the Advisory Panel of PTAs?
All APTA PTA members are eligible to serve on the Advisory Panel of Physical Therapist Assistants. The first panel was selected largely from the former National Assembly Board in an effort to assist in the smooth transition between the old and new structures.
Who is on the Advisory Panel of PTAs currently?
CLICK HERE for current PTA Advisory Panel Members and the Staff Liaison.
When does the Advisory Panel of PTAs meet?
Because this is a transitional year, the Advisory Panel of PTAs will meet more frequently this year, including a meeting at APTA Headquarters in September 2005 and planned meetings at CSM, Annual Conference, and an additional meeting at APTA in 2006. As the transition progresses, the Advisory Panel will meet annually at APTA Headquarters and by conference call as needed to complete the work assigned to them by the Board.
How do I get on one of the Advisory Panels?
As mentioned above, submit your Consent to Serve and Biographical Forms online in the fall. Watch PT Bulletin for announcements indicating when the forms are available online. The deadline for submission is typically January 1.
What is the PTA Caucus?
The PTA Caucus represents the physical therapist assistants? interests, needs, and issues in APTA governance. The PTA Caucus includes the Chief Delegate, four Delegates at Large, and 52 PTA Caucus Representatives. The Chief Delegate and Delegates at Large are elected by the PTA Caucus and serve two year terms and are the voice of the PTA Caucus during APTA?s House of Delegates (House). The PTA Caucus Representatives are elected or selected by their Chapter (State).
How is the PTA Caucus different from the National Assembly?
Like the National Assembly, the PTA Caucus has Representatives from each chapter and leaders elected by the governing body. However, the number of voices in the House has increased from one to five with the establishment of the PTA Caucus. The biggest change is the emphasis in participation within each chapter delegation by the PTA Caucus Representative to provide information and the physical therapist assistant?s perspective on issues prior to convening the House.
What do PTA Caucus Representatives do?
PTA Caucus Representatives are active participants in their Chapter Delegations, providing information and raising issues related to the work and development of physical therapist assistants. They also attend the APTA House of Delegates, PTA Caucus meetings, and other PTA related meetings as able. The Representatives serve as crucial points of contact for the physical therapist assistant members in their respective Chapter as well as providing the Chapter Delegation with the physical therapist assistant?s perspective on issues before the House.
What do the PTA Caucus Delegates at Large do?
The PTA Caucus Delegates provide the leadership for the PTA Caucus and speak on behalf of the PTA Caucus in the House of Delegates. They meet monthly via conference call to stay on top of issues related to the PTA and attend PTA Caucus meetings, the House of Delegates held annually in June, and other PTA and governance related meetings as able.
What are the requirements to be a PTA Caucus Representative?
The requirements vary slightly from chapter to chapter, but generally, you must be a member in good standing in APTA. It is highly recommended to be active at the district and chapter level and develop good leadership and communication skills prior to submitting your name for consideration as a PTA Caucus Representative.
How do I pay for going to the House of Delegates if I get elected?
Most chapters provide full or partial funding for their chapter representatives to the House. Employers are also a possible funding source.
Who are the current PTA Caucus Delegates at Large?
CLICK HERE for the Advisory Panel Members.
If I want to learn more or talk to someone about the PTA Caucus and/or Advisory Panel of PTAs, who do I contact?
The PTA web page has a wealth of information and can be accessed by CLICKING HERE. Janet Crosier, PT, MS is the APTA staff member who manages most of the activities for the PTA membership. She can be reached at:
Janet Crosier, PT, MS
APTA Departments of Education and Professional Development
1111 Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 20164
Phone: 1-703-706-8514 or 1-800-999-2782, ext. 8514
FAX: 1-703-838-8910
e-mail: janetcrosier@apta.org
