National Physical Therapy Exam

Changes in the board exam schedule have you worried? Hopefully this will clear up some confusion.

Starting 2011, the chance to sit for the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) changed from continuous testing to specific test dates offered about every 10 weeks. Upcoming dates for 2012 include:

· January 30

· March 29

· July 2

· July 31

· October 23

What can I do?

It is advised to submit the licensure application about 2 months prior to graduation and to sign up for the test early. Once signed up, you will remain on a pending list until the DOH receives notification from your school of your graduation.

The deadline for the registration for the exam is generally one month prior to the exam date. But it will not hurt to register even earlier.

https://pt.fsbpt.net/

Apply for an interim permit while you are waiting to sit the exam.

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=246-915-078

Getting Involved

HEY STUDENTS!

Thinking about attending the PTWA 2011 Fall Conference?

Whether this will be your first PTWA conference attendance or you are a veteran, there is an amazing line up to further your education. Make sure you plan to be in Tacoma at the conference on October 28-29, 2011.

Choose from:

An Introduction to Movement System Impairments with Carrie Hall, PT, MHS

Two day presentation of concepts and principles of the Movement System Impairment diagnostic classifications, developed by Shirley Sahrmann, PT, PhD, FAPTA and their relationship to mechanical musculoskeletal pain in the lumbopelvic-hip complex.

Watch a video preview at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Se6sXDilATo

Or

Limb Viability Management with members of Harborview Medical Center’s Limb Viability Team

Topics Discussed on Friday:

-Skin Care

-Prosthetic and orthotic interventions

-Management of wounds

- Edema and pain

-Contracture prevention

-Self-care and mobility training

-Practice related to surgical interventions

-Psychological adjustment and coping

Highly Effective Wound Care: From the Basics to the Cutting Edge with Tim Paine, PT, CWS, FCCWS

This Saturday course with provide attendees with clinically relevant, evidence-based information needed to provide high-quality wound care services.

Watch a video preview at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hb2bxZmUcME

Get the APTA Student early bird rate of $120 if you register before October 14, 2011.

For registration information or to register visit:

http://www.ptwa.org/Content/Conference/Conference.htm

STUDENT LOANS GOT YOU DOWN?!? Check this out!

Help Underserved Areas through Student Loan Repayment Legislation

Please urge Your U.S. Representative to Co-Sponsor:

The Physical Therapist Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act (H.R. 1426), and

The Frontline Health Care Act (H.R. 531)

Recently, Congress has introduced two separate pieces of legislation related to federal student loan repayment for physical therapists practicing in underserved areas.

U.S.Representatives Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO) and Mike Ross (D-AR), introduced legislation to enable physical therapists to participate in the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program, the Physical Therapist Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act (H.R. 1426).

U.S. Representative Bruce Braley (D-IA) introduced legislation to create a new “Frontline” providers loan repayment program, the Access to Frontline Health care Act (H.R. 531), a program similar to the NHSC Loan Repayment Program.

APTA needs you to assist in building support for student loan repayment for physical therapists that choose to practice in rural and urban underserved areas. At this time there is not a Senate version of these bills - so focus your efforts on your U.S. Representative.

SUMMARY OF THE LEGISLATION (H.R. 1426)

• The bill adds physical therapy to the definition of the National Health Service Corps’ primary health services by amending Section 331(a)(3)(D) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254d(a)(3)(D).
• The bill adds physical therapists to the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program to the list of eligible providers by amending Section 338B of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254l–1)
• The bill adds the following to the Loan Repayment Program’s eligibility requirements by amending Section 338B of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254l–1).
  • receipt of a doctoral or master’s degree in physical therapy;
  • enrollment in a physical therapy graduate training program; and
  • enrollment as a full-time student in a course of a study or program leading to a degree in physical therapy

SUMMARY OF THE LEGISLATION (H.R. 531)

• Create a new Frontline Providers Loan Repayment Program:
  • Process is similar to the NHSC – a provider signs a commitment to practice in an area for at least two years in exchange for student loan repayment
  • The Secretary determines the amount of loan repayment
  • Individuals will take priority who have training in interdisciplinary studies
• The provider pledges to practice in a “Frontline Scarcity Area,” Which can either be:
  • A Health Profession Shortage Area (HPSA); or
  • An area designated by the State as having a shortage of “frontline care services”
• Frontline Care Services means a service in the following field, and performed by someone with the appropriate education:
  • General surgery, chiropractic, optometry, ophthalmology, physical therapy, audiology, speech language pathology, pharmacy, public health, podiatric medicine, dietetics, occupational therapy, general pediatrics, respiratory therapy, medical technology, or radiologic technology.

What Can You Do?

Contact your U.S. Representative and request that he or she cosponsor H.R. 1426 and H.R. 531 today!

• Send an email letter through APTA’s Legislative Action Center.
  • The Physical Therapist Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act (H.R. 1426)
  • The Access to Frontline Health care Act (H.R. 531)
• Plan to attend APTA’s PT Day on Capitol Hill June 8-9. This is the premier legislative conference at APTA and a great chance to build your skills as an advocate, network with PT leaders, and directly lobby Congress on H.R. 1426 and H.R. 531.

Student Loan Repayment Legislation please contact Melissa Manzione at melissamanzione@apta.org.

APTA Capitol Hill Day

Attending the APTA Conference in DC? – Register for “PT Day on Capitol Hill”

Talk to our congressional representatives about Student Loans and the Permanent Repeal of the Medical Cap!

Prep and briefing meeting Wed, June 8, from 4-6p, Capitol Hill day June 9th from 9a – 1p. Bus transportation to and from conference provided.

Join in for an inspiring day of advocacy along side PTWA delegation and other members. Registration required. To help APTA plan for adequate bus transportation register on or before May 11 – also the conference deadline.

Visit apta.org/advocacy for all the details and a great video clip. There are no educational sessions opposing our time on Capitol Hill and Capitol Hill day is free.

Questions? Email PTWA Federal Affairs Liaison, Sharon McCallum – sharonemc@comcast.net

PTWA Spring 2011 Conference Info:

NOT TOO LATE TO GET THE WILD & CRAZY OR EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT:
Good through April 1, 2011
Students $60-1 day $120- 2 days

Regular Rate
After April 1, 2011
Students $135- 1 day $195- 2 days

Davenport Hotel, Spokane, WA

Courses:

Mobilizing Patients in the Acute Care Setting: Understanding the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Conditions and Developing Exercise Programs
TWO DAYS: Friday, April 15, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, April 16, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
presented by Ellen A. Hillegass

The Integrated Systems Model for Pain and Disability
TWO DAYS: Friday, April 15, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, April 16, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
presented by Diane Lee

Stabilization Strategies for the Physical Therapist Assistant

Saturday, April 16, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
presented by Justin Berry

More info: www.ptwa.org

And don't forget the SSIG MEETING!!! April 15th @ 5-7p

Adaptive Cars for wheelchair users

Check out this website! It has new and used adaptive cars, vans, etc. for wheelchair users who want a more independent way to get around. They are receiving fantastic reviews. Keep this in mind as you make your way into the "real world", it may come in handy for some of your patients.

http://www.fminow.com/

Questionnaires and Surveys for PTs & PTAs

Here is a great site with pretty much every imaginable questionnaire, scale, or survey imaginable. Check it out! There is A-Z including pain scales, disability questionnaires, etc. Perhaps keep this site as one of your "favorites"- it will probably come in handy during internships! :)

https://www.cebp.nl/?NODE=77&SUBNODE=1124

Follow us on Facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/group.PTWASSIG

Combined Sections Meeting Scholarship!

Fellow PT students!!

Have you wanted to attend the Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) but can't because you're living on a super tight budget? If you are interested in attending CSM this year but are held up by the cost...there is a new scholarship available this year!! The winner will be awarded with conference registration and $500 towards expenses to attend CSM.

CSM is a spectacular event that brings together more than 7,500 physical therapy professionals and students from around the nation for 5 stimulating days of amazing workshops, lots of networking opportunities, and an exhibit hall filled with enough swag to bring home to your friends!

The link below is for an application (due Dec 1, 2010):

http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Current_Students&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=76667

Did I forget to mention that this year CSM is being held Feb 9-12, 2011 in New Orleans?
Don't miss this opportunity! Hope to see you there!

SSIG Meeting, 7:30am Saturday, Oct 30

SSIG meeting during Roundtable breakfast at the Fall PTWA Conference.

Greater Tacoma Convention Center

Saturday, October 30th, 7:30am

Time to elect and introduce 2010 - 2011 officers and decide what the SSIG should focus on this year should be.

SSIG will have an information table Friday & Saturday of the conference. If you are available to staff the table for 1-2 hours between 9am - 4:30pm either/both days (as in sit and do homework and we'll provide you with a lovely participation certificate/letter at your request), please email: students.ptwa@gmail.com