Student Information


2023 Emerging Student Leader Award

Apply for the 2023 ESLA Here!
Provide Student Recommendations Here


The Emerging Student Leader Award (ESLA) is a unique program of APTA Oregon designed to foster leadership and association involvement for interested students in our profession. The award provides the opportunity for one student physical therapist and one student physical therapist assistant to become fully engaged in the governance of our profession at the state and national levels. ESLA award winners become members in the APTA Oregon delegation to the APTA House of Delegates (HOD).  The highlight of the award is funding to attend the annual meeting of the HOD (typically held in the summer). 

The HOD is composed of delegates from chapters, sections, the PTA Caucus, Student Assembly, and Board of Directors.  The APTA Oregon delegation consists of 7 apportioned delegates, 1 PTA Caucus Rep, alternates, and the 2 student awardees. Meetings of the delegation are conducted either virtually or in person in the Portland area on a monthly basis. Students are assigned mentors and participate fully in all discussions and actions of the delegation, except for voting at the HOD.  The delegation discusses issues to come before the HOD, including elections of  candidates for national office and motions that impact our profession and association. The delegation frequently develops and presents motions, such as the pivotal policy Evaluation and Plan to Address Student Debt in Physical Therapy, which was passed unanimously by the HOD in 2016.

Emerging Student Leaders are expected to share their experiences with their classes, and write an article for the Oregon Log describing the related highlights and benefits. These experiences provide excellent networking and career development opportunities.  In fact, many current APTA Oregon leaders were past recipients of this award.  Our association, profession, and patients and clients who seek physical therapy benefit from their leadership.

Eligibility

First year PTA students and second year PT students who are APTA Oregon members are eligible to apply for the award.

Funding

APTA Oregon will provide reimbursement for expenses to attend the HOD, including travel, lodging, and meals, up to $1750.

Application

The online application is accessed via the link above, and includes two short essays and two letters of recommendation. Deadline for all application materials is November 30, 2023. Letters of recommendation must  be completed by two persons who are not relatives of the candidate, and one recommendation must come from a faculty member of the program in which the student is enrolled. The APTA Oregon delegation will select and notify the awardees.

Congratulations to the 2022 APTA Oregon Emerging Student Leader Award Recipients!

SPT - Morgan Clark

SPTA - Jose Linares Ochoa

Congratulations to the 2021 APTA Oregon Emerging Student Leader Award Recipients!

SPT - Mason Flores

SPTA - Rebekkah Joliff

Congratulations to the 2020 APTA Oregon Emerging Student Leader Award Recipients!

SPT  - Gavin McBride

SPTA - Michelle Spindler

Click here for the latest "Pulse" Newsletter!

Welcome, Future of the Profession of PT!

APTA Oregon recognizes that as a student of physical therapy, your interests and passions are critical to keeping our organization vibrant and engaged.

YOU are the future. Tomorrow's APTA Oregon will be shaped by you. Your voice is important, and your perspective is needed. Your contributions – big and small – are appreciated.

Join APTA Oregon and take advantage of some of these opportunities:

  • Network at the Annual and Fall business meetings.
  • Attend an APTA Oregon community outreach event.
  • Observe a Board meeting.
  • Challenge your professors with new research you learned at a “Doc Talk.”
  • Meet for coffee with a committee member to talk about your passions.
  • Be a Student Leader

Mary McMillan Scholarship Award

Congratulations to Tabitha Galindo, SPT, the 2019 recipient of the Mary McMillan Scholarship award for Student Physical Therapists! Read more about Tabitha and her award here.

Student Leadership

The mission statement of the Student Leadership Committee (SLC) of APTA Oregon is to grow a thriving community of recent graduates (<5 years) and current PT and PTA students. We aim to promote student involvement and provide a unified voice in APTA and APTA Oregon in order to express views and concerns of students and recent graduates. We strive to foster a collaborative relationship between students and licensed clinicians to promote professional excellence both pre- and post-graduation.

Any of these opportunities (and many more) can be initiated through a quick email to [email protected].


Resources

Oregon's Schools of Physical Therapy

Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs

George Fox University

Pacific University

Physical Therapist Assistant Programs

Lane Community College

Mount Hood Community College

Please also visit APTA's website for additional student resources:

Prospective Students of Physical Therapy

Current Students of Physical Therapy

Getting in 'The Loop'!

APTA's Student Assembly