There Are Several Paths to Membership Eligibility

All physical therapists are bound to comply with the Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist, and all physical therapist assistants are bound to comply with the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant, regardless of membership category.

PTs and PTAs

You must be a graduate of: (1) a CAPTE-accredited PT or PTA program (the program must be accredited at time of graduation); or (2) a foreign program deemed substantially equivalent to an accredited program by credentials evaluation; or (3) have a license from a jurisdiction that requires a credentials evaluation prior to licensure. First-time PT and PTA members can choose to submit direct evidence of graduation (diploma or transcripts and, if educated outside the United States, a credentials evaluation report) or a copy of a license from any U.S. jurisdiction. 

Join Now to Become an APTA Member

You can also download the APTA membership application.

PT Post-Professional Students

Physical therapists who have graduated from a physical therapy program, as defined in the APTA bylaws, section III A 1 and 2, who are enrolled full time in a post-professional master's or doctoral program, full time in an APTA-credentialed post-professional residency or fellowship program, or full time in a postdoctoral research fellowship program, may qualify for PT Post-Professional Student membership with reduced membership dues. Individuals who qualify for this designation are only eligible for this status for two years if enrolled in a master’s program, five years if enrolled in a doctoral program, and two years if enrolled in a post-professional residency or fellowship program. Individuals must submit an official statement to APTA, furnished by the program verifying the individual's full-time enrollment at each dues period for which the individual is eligible for Physical Therapist Post-Professional Student status.

Join Now to Become an APTA Member

You can also download the APTA membership application.

Students of Physical Therapy

You must be enrolled in a PT or PTA education program that is accredited or is seeking or has been granted candidacy status by CAPTE. 

Join Now to Become an APTA Member

You can also download the APTA membership application.

PT and PTA programs submitting student membership applications in bulk can fill out this Excel form and email it to Student Membership. Please do not include credit card information in your emailed submission. Check payments may be mailed to: American Physical Therapy Association, Atten: Membership, P.O. Box 70520, Philadelphia, PA 19176-9957. Call 800-999-2782, option 1, to make a bulk payment over the phone.

Internationally Educated PTs and PTAs

If you received your education outside the United States at a physical therapy program not accredited by CAPTE, you can apply for membership if you now reside in the U.S. and submit a credentials evaluation or a license from a U.S. jurisdiction that requires a credentials evaluation prior to licensure. If you are a PT or PTA educated outside the U.S. and currently live outside the U.S. you may be eligible for the International Affiliate option below.

Life Membership

If you are at least 65 years old and have completed at least 30 years of APTA membership, or if you are unable to practice physical therapy due to a permanent disability and have completed at least five years of APTA membership, you may qualify for Life Membership with reduced membership dues. 

Access the APTA Life Member application form.

Retired Membership

If you are at least 55 years old, have completed at least 20 years of membership, and no longer work in an occupation related to physical therapy, or if you have had a career change and are no longer engaged in an occupation related to physical therapy, you may qualify for Retired Membership with reduced membership dues. Individuals who qualify for this designation will sign an official statement at each dues period for which the individual is eligible for Retired Membership, confirming that you are no longer engaged in an occupation related to physical therapy. 

Access our Retired Member application form.

Other Opportunities: APTA Nonmember Affiliates

APTA offers nonmember affiliate options for individuals who are not eligible for APTA membership, to provide access to association information, products, services, and meetings, and to inform and connect affiliates to APTA for collaboration within and beyond the physical therapy profession.

Academic Affiliate

Faculty and staff teaching or working in a physical therapy program that is CAPTE accredited, or granted candidacy status by CAPTE, or an APTA-accredited residency or fellowship program, and who are not eligible for APTA membership are invited to become an Academic Affiliate. Many nonmember affiliate benefits are similar to APTA membership benefits.

Become an Academic Affiliate

You can also download the affiliate application form.

International Affiliate

Internationally educated PTs who are not eligible for APTA membership are invited to become an International Affiliate. Many nonmember affiliate benefits are similar to APTA membership benefits.

Become an International Affiliate

You can also download the affiliate application form.

Rehabilitation Provider Affiliate

Rehabilitation providers (e.g., physicians, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, respiratory therapists) who are part of a rehabilitation team in a hospital or other practice setting are invited to become a Rehabilitation Provider Affiliate. Many nonmember affiliate benefits are similar to APTA membership benefits.

Become a Rehabilitation Provider Affiliate

You can also download the affiliate application form.

Other Affiliate

Individuals not described in the above non-member affiliate categories, but who demonstrate an identified connection with the profession and/or association as determined by APTA or a specific component, are invited to become a nonmember affiliate. Many nonmember affiliate benefits are similar to APTA membership benefits.

Become an Affiliate

You can also download the affiliate application form.

Nonmember Affiliate Dues

**International affiliate rates are stratified based on the World Bank Country Classifications by Income Level.

Individuals who are nonmember affiliates are precluded from identifying themselves as members of APTA or any of its components. Affiliate fees, services, and benefits shall be provided consistent with association positions, standards, guidelines, policies, and procedures.

Need Help?

For questions, contact APTA's member success team at 800-999-2782, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. ET or membersuccess@apta.org.