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The Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the American Physical Therapy Association, the association’s highest membership category, serves as inspiration for all physical therapists to attain professional excellence.
This honor is eligible to APTA physical therapist members or life member physical therapists who have demonstrated unwavering efforts to advance the physical therapy profession for more than 15 years, prior to the time of nomination.
General Information
Catherine Worthingham, PT, PhD, FAPTA, was a change agent who was effective, respectful, and honest, and motivated others to make an impact within the physical therapy profession. She was also a visionary who demonstrated leadership across the domains of advocacy, education, practice, and research.
The purpose of the Catherine Worthingham Fellow designation, or FAPTA, is to honor her and inspire all physical therapists to attain the high level of professional excellence and impact in terms of advancing the profession she exemplified.
The FAPTA designation is the highest honor among APTA's membership categories.
Eligibility Requirements
- A physical therapist or life physical therapist member of the association whose contributions to the profession through leadership, influence, and achievements demonstrates frequent and sustained efforts to advance the profession for a period of not less than 15 years preceding the nomination for election.
- Physical Therapists who are current members in good standing of the association.
Submission Requirements
Please view Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the American Physical Therapy Association Submission Requirements (PDF) for information regarding necessary documents and the criteria needed for a strong application.
View submission requirements. ▶
What Recipients Receive
A certificate, lapel pin, and honor cord will be presented to the recipient and an official announcement will appear in an association publication. The recipient also may use the FAPTA designation after their names.
Submit a Nomination
The nominations call for the Honors & Awards program is open from Sept. 1- Dec. 1. Nominations must be submitted through our online portal by Dec. 1; late submissions will not be considered. Selected recipients and their nominators will be notified in May.
Additional Resources
For questions regarding the nomination process or the award, please contact APTA Honors and Awards.