The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is committed to supporting its members throughout their careers. Recognizing the financial considerations for new graduates, APTA offers the Career Starter Dues Program, also known as the Early-Career Dues Discount. This initiative provides a ступенчатое reduction in dues for newly graduated physical therapists and physical therapist assistants in their initial years post-graduation, making professional membership more accessible during the early career phase.
What Exactly are the APTA Career Starter Dues Discounts?
The Apta Career Starter Dues Program provides a structured discount over three years following the first year of membership post-graduation (which already has a significant discount). Here’s how the discounts break down:
- Second Year Post-Graduation: Enjoy a 40% discount on national, participating chapter, and section dues.
- Third Year Post-Graduation: Receive a 30% discount on national, participating chapter, and section dues.
- Fourth Year Post-Graduation: Benefit from a 20% discount on national, participating chapter, and section dues.
Is My Chapter or Section Involved in the APTA Career Starter Dues Program?
It’s important to know if your local chapter and chosen sections are participating in the extended APTA Career Starter Dues Program (years two to four post-graduation).
For the first year post-graduation, APTA and all chapters automatically provide a 50% discount on national and chapter dues.
Participation in the subsequent years (two to four) for sections and chapters is voluntary. For 2023, the following sections are participating in the APTA Career Starter Dues Discount:
- Acute Care
- Aquatics
- Cardiovascular & Pulmonary
- Clinical Electrophysiology & Wound Management
- Education
- Federal
- Geriatrics
- Hand & Upper Extremity
- Home Health
- Leadership & Innovation
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Orthopaedics
- Pediatrics
- Pelvic Health
- Private Practice
- Research
- Sports
In 2023, these chapters are also participating in offering further discounts under the APTA Career Starter Dues Program:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
How Can I Access the APTA Career Starter Dues Discount for My Renewal?
Good news – you don’t need to take any action! If you are eligible for the APTA Career Starter Dues Discount, your membership renewal form will automatically reflect the reduced rate. Note that discounts are not applied retroactively, and refunds for prior renewals cannot be provided.
Confirming Your Eligibility for the APTA Career Starter Dues Program
To be eligible for the APTA Career Starter Dues Discount, ensure you meet these criteria:
- Your APTA student membership was active at the time of your graduation.
- You have maintained continuous APTA membership since graduation.
Calculating Your APTA Membership Renewal Costs
To estimate your national, chapter, and section dues before the Career Starter Dues Discount is applied, you can utilize the APTA Dues Calculator. Remember, the Career Starter Dues Discounts apply only to participating section dues. Your official renewal notice will clearly indicate any applicable discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions about the APTA Career Starter Dues Program
I graduated in 2021. Will I receive the Career Starter Discount in 2023?
Yes, provided you have maintained continuous APTA membership from your student days.
My chapter isn’t participating. Can I switch to a participating chapter?
No, membership is based on your state of residence, work, or study.
What if I move to a non-participating chapter? Will I still get the discount?
Yes, the national dues discount will still apply. However, the chapter dues discount will depend on the new chapter’s participation.
I was a student member, but it expired before graduation. Can I still get the discount?
No, your student membership must be active at graduation to qualify.
If my membership lapses, am I still eligible?
No, continuous membership from your student membership is essential for years two through four discounts. However, student members have a six-month grace period post-expiration to renew and maintain eligibility.
I graduated PT school in 2012 and got an MBA in 2021. Am I eligible based on my MBA graduation?
No, eligibility is based on your entry-level physical therapy program graduation date.
I’m in a residency/fellowship with reduced dues. Can I get the Career Starter Discount on top of that?
No, you must choose either the post-professional student rate or the Career Starter Dues Discount.
I finished my residency/fellowship and am still in the student dues category. Can I switch to the Career Starter Discount?
Yes, you may be eligible. Contact APTA Member Success at 800-999-2782 or [email protected] before your expiration date to inquire about this one-time exception.
