APTQI is Investing in the Next Generation of Physical Therapy Professionals

By Nikesh Patel, PT

At APTQI, advocacy has always meant looking beyond today’s challenges. Whether we’re fighting for sustainable Medicare provider reimbursement, advancing policies that improve patient access to care, or promoting innovation in rehabilitation services, we understand that investing in the future of physical therapy is an essential part of advocacy.

Student Advocacy Mentorship

As America’s population ages, more people will rely on physical therapy to recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, prevent falls, and maintain their independence. That’s why APTQI members U.S. Physical Therapy and Team Rehabilitation Physical Therapy recently visited lawmaker offices on Capitol Hill alongside DPT students from The George Washington University.

Having experienced APTQI advocates present during meetings with legislative staff gave students a firsthand look at how federal policy shapes healthcare delivery and demonstrated that advocacy is not reserved only for seasoned professionals. Experiences like these help transform students into future leaders who understand that protecting patient access requires engagement beyond the clinic.

APTQI also recently took advocacy to the classroom when I visited The George Washington University’s DPT program to talk with students about the importance of advocacy and the role it plays in protecting patient access to care.

Working with PT programs gives students a closer look at how healthcare policy affects the work they will do every day and inspires them to stay engaged in advocacy as they begin their careers.

The Rizing Tide Foundation

APTQI is also a proud supporter of the Rizing Tide Foundation, an organization focused on empowering future physical therapists through scholarships, mentorship, and career development opportunities. These programs are especially beneficial to students from underrepresented backgrounds, helping cultivate a workforce that better reflects the communities it serves.

In 2025, APTQI selected Rizing Tide for its annual charitable giving program, helping the Foundation broaden the reach, impact, and accessibility of physical therapy by advancing diversity and inclusivity in the physical therapy workforce. Each year, the foundation awards Crest scholarships to incoming Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) students, as well as Surge scholarships to graduating DPT students who plan to further develop their patient care and leadership skills through residency programs.

ACAPT

APTQI has also supported the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT), a not-for-profit association dedicated to excellence in physical therapist education programs.  As the principal voice representing academic physical therapy. ACAPT champions innovation, inclusion and inquiry. ACAPT’s core purpose is to lead physical therapy in the pursuit of academic excellence by developing the entrepreneurial leadership skills of PT academic staff and enabling them to cultivate tomorrow’s physical therapy leaders in healthcare.

Investing in students is about creating pathways into leadership, expanding opportunities, and ensuring physical therapy continues to attract talented, passionate individuals who are committed to delivering high-quality care. The future of physical therapy will be determined by the investments we make today.

When we invest in the next generation of physical therapists, we invest in better care for every patient who will depend on them in the future.