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NAVIGATION PROGRAM
WE HAVE CHOSEN TO LABEL OUR PROFESSIONAL MENTORSHIP, NETWORKING, AND CAREER ENHANCEMENT AS OUR NAVIGATION PROGRAM.
HOW THE NAVIGATION PROGRAM WORKS
STEP
01
APPLY
STEP
02
GET CONNECTED
STEP
03
FOLLOW-UP
Submit your contact information detailing who you are and what you are seeking guidance on. We welcome everyone.
The academy will contact you and a designee will help construct your pathway and direct your interactions.
Update us on your progress towards your goal(s) and we provide additional help on your professional journey.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is the navigation for?
The navigation program is open to all AAPT members.
What is the cost?
This is a free service to provide members a fair chance to be prosperous in the physical therapy profession.
Are there prerequisites?
There are no prerequisites for the navigation program.
Who are the mentors?
Specialists in AAPT and their large network. This includes neuro, sports, pelvic health, peds, and more.
How long does this take?
The time depends on the individual goal of the student.
What is included?
The program is catered to each person's goals. We meet people where they are at & go from there.
TESTIMONIALS
"My experience with the American Academy of Physical Therapy (AAPT) has been amazing! I was a Physical Therapy (PT) student at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) from 1992-1994 when I was introduced to the AAPT by my mentor Dr. Raymond Blakely. Dr. Blakely was an original member of the AAPT and the chair of the UMES PT program. After several years of working in the field, I re-established my connection with the AAPT in 2002. Dr. Blakely hired me as a professor at UMES and mentored me both as a teacher and in electrotherapy. My journey in the AAPT has taught me so much valuable information and given me such great career and life advice. I have also been mentored and guided by Dr. Lynda Woodruff during my dissertation for my Post Professional Doctorate degree. I also have been mentored and encouraged by Mr. Rob Tillman and Mr. Leon Anderson, III to complete orthopedic manual therapy residency through the Ola Grimsby Institute. I have also met and developed lifelong relationships both professional and personal. I have been exposed to various opportunities within the AAPT; I started as a general member, publication committee, and currently the Vice President of the AAPT. Because of the AAPT, I am very satisfied with my experience and confident in ability to mentor younger therapists. I highly recommend Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistants to join the AAPT."
DERRICK BRIDDELL / PHYSICAL THERAPIST
"I am a Physical Therapist of 21 years, currently practicing Outpatient Orthopedics at Ortho Rehab & Specialty CTR’s in Little Rock, Arkansas. Rob Tillman, the current president of the AAPT (American Academy of Physical Therapy), has been my professional mentor for over 15 years and counting. My initial involvement in the AAPT provided me the benefit and privilege of being introduced to Rob Tillman from Leon Anderson Jr., who also has a longstanding history and connection with the AAPT.
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The AAPT’s Navigation program provided mentorship and direction in the areas of education, and career management which allowed me to launch into my specialization in manual physical therapy. Following the mentorship of Dr. Tillman, I was able to progress through a rigorous post professional residency and fellowship to achieve my Doctorate in Manual Physical Therapy and become a Fellow of the American Academy.
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In addition, the Navigation Program has encouraged my professional development in areas of leadership focusing on recruitment/engagement of minority therapists for DEI (Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion) initiatives. Currently, I am the co-chair of the DEI Task Force for AAOMPT (American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapist), where I am spearheading the transition of the DEI Task Force into a NEW fully functioning committee within AAOMPT. In this DEI Task Force -> Committee, I am leading a diverse team of phenomenal therapists to pioneer programs and activities focused on education and engagement in these areas of diversity to decrease healthcare disparities and improve the delivery of physical therapy services.
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I look forward to my continued active participation as a mentee and mentor in the AAPT Navigation Program."
LORETTA WEST / PHYSICAL THERAPIST
