Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy
Outstanding PT & PTA Student Awards
Purpose
· To identify a student physical therapist (SPT) and student physical therapist assistant (SPTA) with exceptional scholastic ability and potential for contribution to geriatric physical therapy.
· To provide the means for one exceptional student PT and one exceptional student PTA to attend and participate in a national meeting, with the intention that this exposure will encourage future involvement in Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy (AGPT) activities.
· To encourage development of programs and activities that promote physical therapy for geriatric populations at the local, state and national levels.
· To promote the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy and encourage active student and new graduate participation in the Section.
Eligibility
· The nominee must be enrolled in an accredited or developing PT or PTA program at the time of nomination.
o For student PTA candidates, the nominee must be enrolled in a PTA Program and must be obtaining their first degree within the profession.
o For student PT candidates, the nominee must be enrolled in a DPT Program.
o Individuals who have obtained a prior degree as a PTA but who are enrolled in a PT Program are not eligible for the Outstanding PTA Student Award. These individuals are, however, eligible for the Outstanding PT Student Award.
o Students obtaining a transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree (t-DPT) are eligible for the Outstanding PT Student Award.
· The nominee must be a member of the APTA and the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy.
Criteria for Selection
· The student shall excel in academic performance in both the professional and prerequisite phases of their educational program, as evidenced by submitted transcripts.
· The student shall demonstrate exceptional nonacademic achievements, representing initiative, leadership, and creativity, both on campus and in their community.
· The student shall be involved in professional organizations and activities that provide the potential growth and contributions to the profession and geriatric physical therapy.
Procedure for Nomination
· Any member of the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy may nominate candidates for this award.
· The application must be submitted electronically to the award coordinator at the Section office by November 15, for consideration for the award in the following year.
· The materials submitted for each nomination shall include no more than four (4) letters of support as indicated below in the following order:
o A support statement from the nominator, highlighting reasons for the nomination and clarifying the relationship between the nominator and nominee. The nominator may be a clinician, clinical educator or member of the PT / PTA Program’s faculty, but must be a member of the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy.
o A support statement from one (1) faculty member in the educational program in which the nominee is enrolled. Preference may be given to letters of faculty members who are current members of the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy.
o Support statements from two (2) student colleagues who are members of the APTA Student Assembly. Preference may be given to letters from students who are current members of the APTA and the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy.
In addition to the above mentioned letters of support, please include:
· A completed application form.
· A copy of the APTA Membership Card, indicating current APTA and AGPT membership.
· The student’s most current official transcript.
· A resume and cover letter from the nominee detailing previous health care experiences, honors and awards, evidence of service activities and participation in professional activities, including APTA and AGPT-sponsored activities.
· The nomination materials should document examples of how the nominee fulfills the criteria for this award.
Procedure for Review and Selection
· Nomination materials shall be submitted electronically to the AGPT office. The office will distribute the materials to the Selection Committee.
· The Selection Committee will review the nominations and recommend the most qualified candidate(s).
· The awards will be presented only if there are qualified candidates, and only if one is selected in either or both categories.
· Nomination materials are considered the property of the Selection Committee, who will maintain their confidentiality.
· If any individual is not selected for the award in a given year, that individual may be nominated in a subsequent year. New nomination materials must be submitted in subsequent years.
Notification of Award
· The Section Executive will notify the recipient and obtain written confirmation of acceptance.
· The nominators of individuals not selected will receive a letter thanking them for their participation.
· The confidentiality of the Outstanding Student Award(s) will be maintained until the recipient(s) has been notified.
The Award and its Presentation
· The Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy will recognize the student at its Business Meeting / Awards Ceremony during the Combined Sections Meeting.
· The student will receive a certificate, conference registration, up to $250 for expense reimbursement and will be recognized in GeriNotes.
Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy
Outstanding PT & PTA Student Award Application
APPLICATION CHECKLIST
□ Completed Application Form (2 pages)
□ Copy of APTA Membership Card
□ Copy of Official Transcript
□ Letters of Recommendation:
□ Nominator
□ Faculty
□ Student Colleague 1
□ Student Colleague 2
□ All materials must be electronically submitted to the section office by November 15.
Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy
Outstanding PT & PTA Student Award Application
Personal Data
Name:APTA Membership Number:
Current mailing Address:
City: / State: / Zip:
Telephone Number(s)
E-Mail Address:
Type of Program: / □ Physical Therapist Program □ Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Educational Institution:
Graduation Date:
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
NAME / CONTACT
1 / NOMINATOR / Mailing Address:
City, State, Zip:
Email:
Telephone:
2 / FACULTY / Mailing Address:
City, State, Zip:
Email:
Telephone:
3 / STUDENT
COLLEAGUE 1 / Mailing Address:
City, State, Zip:
Email:
Telephone:
4 / STUDENT
COLLEAGUE 2 / Mailing Address:
City, State, Zip:
Email:
Telephone:
Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy
Outstanding PT & PTA Student Award Application
In the spaces provided, below describe the nominee’s involvement in:
Extracurricular / Campus Involvement:
Community Service
APTA Activities, publications, conferences attended, etc. including Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy-specific activities. May include national, state and local activities:
DO NOT EXCEED ONE PAGE. LIST MOST SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES FIRST.
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