What is iMAP?

Inspire, Mentor, and Participate or “iMAP” provides IPTA members with a mentoring experience to positively impact job satisfaction, career paths, and one’s ability to grow and develop as a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant. iMAP is designed for clinicians at any point in their careers—from students to new graduates and from experienced therapists looking to expand their clinical practice knowledge to therapists who are experts in specific areas of practice.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, iMAP has been especially helpful with aiding members in gaining expertise, building a professional network, and applying for new positions given furloughs and layoffs.

iMAP pairs protégés with mentors based on interests and specific requests for areas of mentoring. Protégés are encouraged to take advantage of professional mentoring to expand their career knowledge and engage in professional development opportunities. Mentors are encouraged to participate to guide other clinicians and support their professional growth. Each mentoring pair establishes a schedule and format for mentoring, and meetings can take place in person or virtually.

Ready to get started?

Just click here to begin the online form. Once your application is received, iMAP leadership will start searching for compatible matches who share your interests. If you are applying as a protégé, this process can take up to 30 days. If you are applying as a mentor, thank you for your willingness to share your knowledge and experience. Our iMAP leaders will contact you when the appropriate protégé is identified.

APPLY TODAY!  (MEMBERS ONLY)

Testimonials from our Members! 

"While I'm new to the program and though my mentoring relationship has been unique given the circumstances of current events, I have enjoyed being able to connect with Olivia and try (in these odd times) to help with networking and getting to understand her needs. I think I personally really enjoy connecting with other clinicians. I could see as a newer professional, or even in a new area, the idea of having someone to help you navigate the surrounding jobs and initiate further connections would have been great. I personally would love to dive further and hopefully offer more regarding professional mentoring as appropriate." - Jamie LaPenna, PT, DPT

"I have only been part of the iMAP program for a couple of months, but I have already found great value in my relationship with my mentor. As a new graduate, especially amidst a pandemic, I was feeling overwhelmed about beginning a career in inpatient physical therapy. With just one formal conversation and some follow-up exchanges, my mentor has helped me network and has offered great advice regarding how to market myself to employers and what to look for in an employer. Once I do secure a full-time position, I am confident that my mentor will continue to provide me with advice that will allow me to grow as a physical therapist." -Leanna K Blair, PT, DPT

"I have enjoyed the opportunity to connect with a knowledgeable, supportive, and friendly mentor. It’s nice to have someone to discuss a variety of topics with such as job searching, networking, and clinical topics. Just knowing that I have an additional person in my corner to navigate the PT world is reassuring. We can both learn and grow from each other, and I believe that it’s been a great experience so far." - Olivia Thomas, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS

"I really like being able to mentor young clinicians and giving back to the profession. I had excellent mentorship at my first job and it impacted me tremendously. As a new grad, I didn’t know the program even existed even though I was an IPTA member so unless you are looking for it not many people may even know it exists or how it can benefit them."  - Brian Morgenthaler, PT, DPT

"I think IMAP can be really great depending on what both parties are looking to get out of the program. I have had some really great discussions with those I have been paired up with, however I find that if mentor and mentee are not in the same area, longer term continued meetings tend not to occur. I enjoy the questions and it has been interesting to see how newer physical therapists think about the workplace and how they are trying to work through managing their patients. It is something I have enjoyed and would like to continue to assist in the future."  - Philip A. Kushner, PT, DPT, OCS