APTA is deeply concerned by the recent recommendation from the Reimagining and Improving Student Education, or RISE, Negotiated Rulemaking Committee, which, if enacted, would designate the doctor of physical therapy degree — and dozens of other health care professional degrees — as a graduate degree rather than a professional degree. 

If this proposed definition is adopted via official rulemaking by the Department of Education, the ability to borrow for federal student loans would be severely reduced, threatening to limit the physical therapy workforce at a time of nationwide shortages.

APTA strongly opposes this proposal and will continue to engage with the Department of Education to advocate for the profession, most especially when the proposed rule is published for public comment in early 2026. APTA is urging Congress to intervene, as the proposed definition runs contrary to congressional intent.

APTA members and other advocates can use the APTA Patient Action Center to send a prepared email, with key points, to members of Congress.  

Although this recommendation is not final and is subject to additional steps that include a public comment period, APTA believes the idea is misguided and misinformed and will have a significant negative impact on the health of our communities and country by diminishing the number of quality health care professionals available to an already strained workforce. In addition to physical therapists, providers who stand to be affected by this proposed change include advanced practice nurses, audiologists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and physician associates.

In an email to all association members, APTA President Kyle Covington, PT, DPT, PhD, stated, "Everything we do begins with strengthening the ability of physical therapists to serve their patients and communities. That includes ensuring that the future workforce has access to quality education. It is also critical, and a top priority for the association, to continue our work to advance payment policies so physical therapist services are fairly compensated. Our advocacy on these issues remains unwavering."