On the heels of the Senate’s passage of HR 4137—the College Opportunity and Affordability Act—the American Physical Therapy Association has praised the legislators and urges President Bush to sign the bill into law.

"HR 4137 will allow physical therapists who provide care to children, adolescents, and veterans to be eligible for up to $10,000 over 5 years in authorized student loan repayment programs,” said R Scott Ward, PhD, president of APTA, adding that the extensive education and clinical training needed to become a PT often saddles those embarking on careers with significant debt.

“By relieving some of that burden to bring more physical therapists to clinically underserved communities, this legislation will provide lasting benefits for years to come," Ward said.