APTANJ Leadership Inspires Seton Hall University DPT Graduates During Final Professional Development

On May 7, 2024, The American Physical Therapy Association of New Jersey (APTANJ) leadership team delivered comprehensive presentations to the graduating class of Seton Hall University's Physical Therapy program, emphasizing the critical importance of professional association membership in career development. The event, hosted at the School of Health and Medical Sciences campus in Nutley, NJ, served as part of the students' final Professional Development class.

Owen Legaspi, PT, DPT, President of APTANJ, John McInerney, Executive Director of APTANJ, and Brooke Pantano, PT, DPT, Chair of the APTANJ Early Professional Special Interest Group (EP-SIG) and Neurologic Physical Therapy Resident at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, addressed the soon-to-be professionals at the invitation of Jessica Dunn, DPT, Director of Clinical Education, and Lorene Cobb, P.T., D.P.T., Ed.D., Assistant Professor of the Department of Physical Therapy and Vice Chair of the APTANJ Pediatric Special Interest Group.

"Professional association membership represents a commitment not only to one's career but to the advancement of the physical therapy profession as a whole," stated Legaspi during his address. "By engaging with APTANJ, these graduates will have access to resources that will help shape their professional identity and contribute to evidence-based practice in our field."

The presentations highlighted multiple benefits of APTANJ membership, focusing particularly on four key areas: adherence to professional standards, access to continuing education opportunities, mentoring relationships, and professional networking. The speakers emphasized how these elements work together to create a foundation for successful, ethical practice and career longevity.

McInerney elaborated on the association's commitment to supporting new graduates: "The transition from student to practicing clinician presents unique challenges. APTANJ provides structured support during this critical period through our Early Professional Special Interest Group, continuing education programs tailored to new professionals, and advocacy efforts that directly impact workplace conditions."

The APTANJ leadership team's engagement with Seton Hall's graduating class exemplifies the association's dedication to professional development and its commitment to fostering relationships with educational institutions throughout New Jersey. This outreach initiative aligns with APTANJ's broader mission of advancing physical therapy practice, research, and education.

Pantano, who leads the Early Professional Special Interest Group, shared insights from her recent transition from student to practicing clinician: "Membership in APTANJ provided me with a community of peers and mentors who understood the challenges I was facing. Through the EP-SIG, new graduates can find support, guidance, and opportunities for leadership development that simply aren't available elsewhere."

The presentation included information about APTANJ's advocacy efforts at the state level, the association's role in shaping healthcare policy, and opportunities for continuing education that help members stay at the forefront of evidence-based practice. Speakers also addressed the financial considerations of membership, highlighting student discounts and the return on investment that comes through professional advancement opportunities.

Faculty member Dr. Dunn commented on the value of the presentation: "Having APTANJ leadership address our students directly reinforces the classroom discussions we've had about professional responsibility and lifelong learning. These students are entering the profession at a time of significant change in healthcare delivery, and association membership will help them navigate these changes successfully."

The event concluded with a question-and-answer session, during which students engaged directly with the APTANJ representatives about specific benefits, leadership opportunities, and how to maximize their membership experience. Many students expressed interest in joining the association's Early Professional Special Interest Group as they begin their careers.

This educational outreach represents one facet of APTANJ's commitment to supporting the next generation of physical therapy professionals in New Jersey and ensuring the continued advancement of the profession through engagement with new practitioners.