The American Physical Therapy Association

The American Physical Therapy Association was first formed in 1921, though it was, at the time, called the American Women's Physical Therapeutic Association. It was started by a woman named Mary McMillan and boasted an impressive 274 original members. The name of the organization was changed in 1930, due to men becoming eligible for membership. After the name change, membership increased to 1000 members. The organization would grow significantly throughout the 40s and 50s, as more and more people, including veterans of World War II and polio services, became in need of physical therapy services. By the 1950s, the organization had over 8000 members.

Growth of the organization continued steadily through the 1960s (a membership of 15,000) and beyond. Outside of the organization, physical therapy itself continued to grow as a respectable field, and over 52 educational programs in the field were started. Today, the American Physical Therapy Association is still alive and well. Its headquarters, formally based in New York, are now located in Virginia, and the organization has grown to include 76,000 members.

The American Physical Therapy Association works to conduct research in physical therapy, make and facilitate important advancements in the field,and educate professionals and the general public about physical therapy and its many practical applications and uses. Thanks in no small part to the efforts of the association, the United States is now home to over 400 physical therapy educational programs, and the field is still growing rapidly. Physical therapists of today enjoy a lucrative and personally rewarding career. Physical therapists are always in demand and, as such, enjoy great job security. Though they must be highly trained and educated, this is a job that is an excellent choice for anyone. And, with the efforts of the American Physical Therapy Association, it should only get better from here on out as further advancements are made and more and more people realize the benefits of physical therapy.