APTA Vision Sentence
By the year 2020 physical therapy will be provided by Physical Therapists who are Doctors of Physical Therapy, recognized by consumers and other health care professionals as the Practitioners of Choice to whom consumers have direct access
for the diagnosis of, interventions for, and prevention of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities related to Movement, Function, and Health.
APTA Vision Statement for Physical Therapy 2020
Physical Therapy, by the
year 2020, will be provided by Physical Therapists who are Doctors of Physical
Therapy and who may be board-certified specialists. Consumers will have direct access to physical therapists
in all environments for patient/client management, prevention, and wellness services. Physical therapists will be practitioners
of choice in patients'/clients' health networks and will hold all privileges of autonomous practice.
Physical therapists may be assisted by physical therapist assistants who are educated and licensed to provide
physical therapist directed and supervised components of interventions. Guided by integrity, life-long learning, and a commitment
to comprehensive and accessible health programs for all people, physical therapists and physical therapist assistants
will render evidence-based services throughout the continuum of care and improve quality of life for society.
They will provide culturally sensitive care distinguished by trust, respect, and an appreciation for individual differences.
While fully availing themselves of new technologies, as well as basic and clinical research, physical therapists will continue
to provide direct patient/client care. They will maintain active responsibility for the growth of the physical therapy profession
and the health of the people it serves.
