THE SHEILA NICHOLSON PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP SPONSORSHIP

Ever wonder how the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Board of Directors prioritizes business? Ever wanted to learn how the leaders in the physical therapy profession interact?  Ever wanted to expand your mentor pool? All this and more is possible with the Sheila Nicholson Professional Leadership Sponsorship!

The sponsorship is given to a maximum of one student and one new professional, PT or PTA, to attend the APTA House of Delegates. The House of Delegates is the policy-making body of the APTA. The sponsorship provides an opportunity for leadership development and mentorship, through observation and participation in the delegate process, including: preparation, motion development, board of directors elections, collaboration with other chapters and sections and voting on motions. All airfare, ground transportation, hotel, and meal costs to attend the House of Delegates will be covered.

The 2026 House of Delegates will be held in Portland, OR, July 12-13.

Student Requirements:

1.)    Must be a current APTANJ member.

2.)    Must live or attend PT/PTA school in NJ.

3.)    Must be able to attend the APTA House of Delegates in its entirety.

4.)    Must be able to attend three pre-HOD preparation meetings; either in person or via conference call (dates TBD).

5.)    Must apply to be a Student Usher at the APTA House of Delegates (application due in summer of 2026).

6.)    Must attend all NJ Caucus meetings while at the APTA House of Delegates.

New Professional Requirements:

1.)    Must be a current APTANJ member

2.)    Must live or work in NJ.

3.)    Recent PT/PTA school graduate (within the last 5 years).

4.)    Must be able to attend the APTA House of Delegates in its entirety.

5.)    Must be able to attend three pre-HOD preparation meetings either in person or via conference call (dates TBD).

6.)    Must attend all NJ Caucus meetings while at the APTA House of Delegates.

7.)    Must attend at least one other APTANJ meeting or event during the calendar year of the HOD being attended (e.g. district meeting, chapter meeting, pub night, fundraiser, etc.).

If you are interested, please click here to download the application. Please email completed applications to info@aptanj.org by December 26th.