Starting your career as a physical therapist is an exciting time, filled with opportunities for growth and impact. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) understands the unique financial considerations that come with launching your career. That’s why they offer the Apta Early Career Program, designed to support new professionals like you by easing the financial commitment of professional membership. This program provides a tiered discount on APTA membership dues in the years immediately following graduation, making it easier to stay connected, learn, and advance in your field.
Understanding the APTA Early Career Program
The APTA Early Career Program is structured to provide increasing levels of support as you progress in your early career. Here’s how the dues discount breaks down:
- Second Year Post-Graduation: Enjoy a significant 40% discount on national, participating chapter, and section dues.
- Third Year Post-Graduation: Continue to benefit with a 30% discount on national, participating chapter, and section dues.
- Fourth Year Post-Graduation: Receive a 20% discount on national, participating chapter, and section dues.
This tiered approach recognizes the evolving financial landscape of early career professionals and provides valuable assistance during those crucial initial years. It’s important to note that these discounts apply to participating chapters and sections, in addition to the national APTA dues.
Is Your Chapter or Section Participating in the APTA Early Career Program?
The APTA and all chapters automatically offer a 50% discount on national and chapter dues for members in their first year post-graduation. This initial discount is a universal benefit for new graduates.
For the subsequent years (two to four years post-graduation), participation in the APTA Early Career Dues Discount is determined annually by individual sections and chapters. In 2023, a wide range of sections and chapters are actively participating, demonstrating their commitment to supporting early career professionals.
2023 Participating Sections:
- 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
This extensive list of participating sections ensures that no matter your specialization or area of interest, you are likely to find a section that supports your professional development with a discounted membership.
2023 Participating Chapters:
- 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
With the vast majority of chapters participating, the APTA Early Career Program offers widespread accessibility and benefits across the United States. This broad participation underscores the APTA’s nationwide dedication to fostering the growth of physical therapy professionals from the outset of their careers.
Frequently Asked Questions About the APTA Early Career Dues Discount
To help you understand the specifics of the APTA Early Career Program and how you can benefit, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Eligibility and Enrollment
- How do I receive the APTA Early Career Dues Discount? You don’t need to take any action! If you are eligible, your membership renewal form will automatically reflect the applicable savings. Discounts are not retroactively applied to prior renewals.
- How do I know if I’m eligible for the APTA Early Career Dues Discount? Eligibility is straightforward. You must have maintained an active APTA student membership at the time of your graduation and maintain continuous APTA membership post-graduation.
- I graduated in 2021, will I qualify in 2023? Yes, if you have maintained continuous APTA membership since your student membership through to the present, you will be eligible for the discount in 2023.
- I was a student member, but it expired before graduation. Am I eligible? No, to be eligible, your APTA student membership must have been active at the time of graduation.
- What if my membership expires? Am I still eligible for the discount? No, continuous membership from your student membership is required to qualify for the discounts in years two through four. Note: Graduating student members have a six-month grace period from their student expiration date to renew and maintain eligibility.
- I graduated with my physical therapy degree in 2012 and earned an MBA in 2021. Am I eligible? No, eligibility is based on your entry-level physical therapy program graduation date, not post-professional degrees.
- I’m in a residency/fellowship and have the PT post-professional student rate. Can I get both discounts? No, you must choose either the PT post-professional student dues rate or the APTA Early Career Dues Discount – they cannot be combined.
- I finished my residency/fellowship and am in the PT post-professional student category. Am I eligible at my next renewal? Yes, you may be eligible for the APTA Early Career Dues Discount after completing your APTA-credentialed residency or fellowship, provided you have continuous membership. Contact APTA Member Success to confirm eligibility and request this exception.
Membership and Renewal
- What is the cost to renew my APTA membership? Use the APTA Dues Calculator to estimate your dues before the Early Career Dues Discount is applied. Your renewal notice will show any applicable discounts.
- My chapter isn’t participating. Can I join a different chapter? No, APTA members are required to belong to the chapter in the state where they live, work, or attend school (or an adjacent state if it offers more active participation).
- I moved, and my new chapter isn’t participating. Am I still eligible? Yes, you’ll still receive the discount on national dues. The chapter dues discount will depend on your new chapter’s participation. The first-year post-graduation 50% discount on national and chapter dues remains even if your new chapter doesn’t participate in subsequent years’ discounts.
The APTA Early Career Program is a valuable investment in your professional journey. By reducing the financial burden of membership in the critical early years of your career, the APTA empowers you to focus on your growth, network with peers, access valuable resources, and contribute to the advancement of physical therapy. Embrace this opportunity to connect with your professional community and build a successful future.
