The American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT) announced its endorsement of two bipartisan pieces of legislation:

• H.R. 6677, introduced by Ritchie Torres

• H.R. 6718, the Professional Student Degree Act, introduced by Mike Lawler 

These bills address federal student loan policy and professional degree designation for health professions education and represent important steps toward ensuring that federal student aid policy reflects the realities of professional healthcare education and supports the future physical therapy workforce.

ACAPT represents more than 260 Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs across the United States, encompassing the leadership, faculty, clinical partners, and students who are preparing the next generation of licensed physical therapists. These programs educate providers who help patients recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, maintain mobility, and live independently.

H.R. 6718 would clarify the definition of professional degree programs under federal law, ensuring that programs such as physical therapy are appropriately recognized and eligible for loan limits that reflect the cost and structure of professional healthcare training. H.R. 6677 addresses related federal student loan provisions tied to program classification and borrowing limits, helping to ensure that students pursuing careers in essential healthcare fields are not unintentionally limited by policies that do not reflect the demands of their education.

“ACAPT strongly supports both H.R. 6677 and H.R. 6718 as critical steps toward aligning federal student aid policy with the realities of professional healthcare education,” said Kimberly Varnado, PT, DPT, DHSc, OCS, FAAOMPT, ACAPT President. “Doctor of Physical Therapy programs are rigorous, clinically intensive, and required for licensed practice. Ensuring appropriate recognition and loan access is essential to maintaining a strong, well-prepared healthcare workforce and protecting patient access to care.”

A prospective physical therapy student often completes two to three years of full-time doctoral education, including extensive clinical rotations that limit their ability to work while enrolled. Without access to sufficient federal loan support, that student may be unable to pursue a career in physical therapy. Communities all across America, particularly in rural or underserved areas, may lose access to a future provider before they ever begin. 

Physical therapists play a vital role in the healthcare system by improving mobility, reducing disability, preventing injury, and lowering long-term healthcare costs. These clinicians serve patients across the full continuum of care, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health, outpatient rehabilitation, and academic medical settings.  Policies that support access to physical therapy education directly contribute to a stronger healthcare workforce and improved patient outcomes nationwide.

ACAPT looks forward to working with Members of Congress from both parties to advance these important efforts and ensure that federal policy supports students, institutions, and the patients they ultimately serve.