Legislation Aims to Help Physical Therapists Pay Back High Cost of Education Loans

In June almost 1,000 physical therapists met on Capitol Hill to lobby in favor of legislation that advances the profession. They were lobbying in support of the  Physical Therapist Student Loan Repayment Eligibility Act of 2011, which would make physical therapists eligible for repayment of their student loans under the National Health Service Corps (NHSC)  Loan Repayment Program. The bill forgives up to $30,000 in student loans per year, for a maximum of 2 years, in exchange for service in a disadvantaged area.

The Loan Repayment Act provides incentive for physical therapists to practice in certain rural and urban communities, chiefly by easing the educational debts of physical therapists. The hope is that some of these therapists may continue to practice in these locations, once their NHSC service is complete.

How to Speak Out

You can track the status of this bill here. If you would like to weigh in on this legislation (H.R. 1426/S. 975), you can email your Congressional representatives directly or through the APTA’s Legislative Action Center .

Travel Therapy Jobs – Managing Educational Expenses

Some physical therapy grads have looked to traveling therapy jobs to address their educational costs. Travel assignments offer superior compensation and benefits –  plus bonuses go even further to improve the financial picture. Travel therapy jobs are also a great way to try out different practice settings — PT’s can choose short and long-term rehab therapy assignments in big cities or small towns, in independent clinics or large hospitals. Contact a consultant today, and start exploring your options.