Illinois Physical Therapy Association Awards

The Illinois Physical Therapy Association makes several awards that recognize the efforts of clinicians, educators and leaders toward the advance of the practice and recognition of physical therapy.

Nominations for these awards will be solicited in the fall of each year and are awarded at the Chapter’s Assembly of Representatives meeting, held each spring.  Requests for nominations will be published in the August/September and/or October/November  issues of the PT Priority, as well as being solicited online.

The Chapter Awards currently include:

Outstanding Physical Therapist
An individual who has demonstrated an exceptional level of support and dedication to physical therapy through his or her support and/or roles in the national and/or state association.  Three letters of recommendation will be needed to nominate this candidate.

Physical Therapist of the Year
A PT who over the past year has demonstrated a significant contribution in the areas of practice, public relations, legislation, education or membership.  Two letters of recommendation are needed to nominate this individual.

Physical Therapist Assistant of the Year
A PTA who over the past year has demonstrated a significant contribution in the areas of practice, public relations, legislation, education or membership.  Two letters of recommendation are needed to nominate this individual.

Emerging Leader Award
Recognize active members who are developing leadership skills at the state or district level.  The executive committee or district chairs can nominate this individual.  Two letters of recommendation are needed to nominate this individual.

John Maselter Award
Given to an individual who is not a physical therapist who has supported the betterment of the practice of physical therapy.  Two letters of recommendation are needed to nominate this individual.
 
Outstanding Physical Therapist Student and Physical Therapist Assistant Student Awards
Given to an outstanding Physical Therapy and/or an outstanding Physical Therapist Assistant Student to recognize those students who exhibit superior scholastic ability and potential for future professional contribution. Student nominees should be in one of the following phases of their educational program:

A. Physical therapist assistant education program students must be enrolled in the final year of study. For physical therapist assistant education programs that have a part-time curriculum, all nominees must be in the final year of the curriculum of that institution. Each institution must determine the minimum number of credit hours required for final year status. Based on this, all nominees must be in the final year of the curriculum to be nominated.

B. Physical therapist professional education program students, including entry-level doctor of physical therapy degree (DPT) students, must be within 12 months of completing all requirements for graduation from the entry-level program.

C. Post-professional students must have completed at least one (1) term in the program and be enrolled at the time of nomination.