Eligibility Requirements

Nominees for this award may include one or more physical therapists and one or more physical therapist assistants who are current members in good standing of the association.

Criteria for Selection

Nominees must demonstrate:

• Engagement in providing clinical services for at least one year.
• A PT-PTA team relationship characterized by trust, mutual respect, adaptability, cooperation, and an appreciation of individual and cultural differences.
• A relationship that involves direction, supervision, and effective communication.
• A relationship that has been enhanced through mentoring, continuing education, and professional development.
• A positive effect on the quality of physical therapy care provided to patients and clients in their practice setting as a result of their ability to work as a team.
• Contributions to the enhancement of the overall delivery of physical therapy services in their practice setting as a result of their teamwork.

A strong application should demonstrate the following:

Team relationship characterized by trust, mutual respect, adaptability, cooperation, and an appreciation of individual and cultural differences.

• Promotion of trust and mutual respect is evident.
• Adaptability and cooperation are evident.
• Individual and cultural differences are recognized and appreciated.

A relationship that involves direction, supervision, and effective communication.

Effective communications promoting the highest standards of practice.

• Appropriate direction and supervision are provided to promote quality care for each patient and client.
• Team has been enhanced through mentoring, continuing education, and professional development.

Teamwork has contributed to the enhancement of the overall delivery of physical therapy services within the practice setting.

• Mentoring is used to promote the highest standards.
• Continuing education and professional development encouraged and utilized by each member of the team.

The team relationship has had an effect on the delivery of high-quality physical therapy services to patients and clients within the practice setting.

Support statements that are positive, cite specific examples of professional accomplishments, and provide additional information on depth, scope, and quality in a convincing manner.

What Recipients Receive

An award will be presented to each physical therapist and physical therapist assistant member of the selected PT/PTA team. The award will be presented by APTA's Board of Directors at an APTA national event, and an official announcement will appear in an association publication.

Submission Requirements

Nomination or self-nomination must be submitted to begin the process.

The following must be submitted by the nominee (both PT and PTA):

• Completed online application
• Current curriculum vitae or resume of the nominees (both PT and PTA)
• Two support statements obtained from the following:
  • Individuals (e.g., patients, peers, colleagues, employees) upon whom the team has had an impact, which specifically address one or more of the criteria for selection.
• Description of the team's formal (written) or informal (communicated) protocol: team structure, method of communication, determination of assignments to patients and clients, and method of supervision related to patient and client needs.

Submit a Nomination

The nominations call for the Honors & Awards program is open from Sept. 1 to Dec. 1. Nominations must be submitted through our online platform by Dec. 1; late submissions will not be considered. Selected recipients and their nominators will be notified in May.

Additional Resources

For questions regarding the nomination process or the award, contact APTA Honors & Awards.

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