APTA New Mexico, A Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association

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APTA New Mexico, A Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association

APTA New Mexico, A Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association History
A first attempt at creating a NM Chapter of APTA was made in the fall of 1947.

A representative from NY came to Albuquerque to an organizational meeting. These first efforts floundered and in 1950, a second meeting was held with seven members present and officers were elected. The new Association had early success in getting a PT Licensure bill passed and signed into law in 1951 however, due to a constitutional question, a new bill had to be introduced and passed. In 1953, t

he new bill passed and was signed into law and the PT Licensing Board was appointed. In the early 1950s the polio epidemic was at its peak in the US and in New Mexico. The crippling effects of polio lead to heightened awareness of the role of physical therapy in rehabilitation. In 1955, there were 19 licensed Physical Therapists in the state. By 1972 there were 135 licensed PTs in the state. In June 1975 the first Physical Therapy program at UNM enrolled three students with accreditation obtained in 1976. In 1979, PTAs were licensed. In 1980 the Chapter was incorporated and given 501(c) 6 tax exempt status. With the establishment of the PT program, a scholarship fund for PT students, in honor of Elizabeth Barnett who helped to establish the PT program at UNM, was established by NMAPTA (now called APTA New Mexico). In 1988, a second scholarship fund was established in memorium for Fred Rutan, Director of the UNM PT program at that time. Both scholarships continue today fully supported and funded by APTA New Mexico. In 1989 efforts to obtain direct access to PT services were proposed by the Legislative Committee. Prior to this there was evaluation by PTs without referral by omission in the Practice Act. In 1997, the Direct Care requirements became part of the PT Practice Act. There are currently more than 2000 licensed PTs, PTAs and students of physical therapy in New Mexico. APTA New Mexico continues to be a vital source of support and advocacy for our profession and the patients and clients that we serve.

08/10/2026

Registration/Information Link - https://www.nmapta.org/event

07/22/2026

Great conversations, new connections and a few laughs!
Thank you for everyone who attended our Santa Fe Happy Hour!
We loved unwinding and networking with such a talented group of people!

07/21/2026

Register for the APTA NM Fall Conference Here - https://www.nmapta.org/event

07/20/2026

07/02/2026

Thank you to everyone that came out for our West Albuquerque/Rio Rancho APTA NM Happy Hour! Appreciate everyone that attended and congratulations to the three PTs that graduated UNM's PT orthopedic residency program and celebrated passing their OCS exam by joining us! Congratulations to Marcus Cordova, Oliver Schultz and Karina!

07/01/2026

Thank you for everyone that came out to the Sustained Athlete Fitness Exam (SAFE) event in Las Cruces during the state Senior Olympics! Because of everyone's help, we were able to screen over 100 athletes this year! A record for our New Mexico SAFE events!

06/30/2026

Follow This Link for More Information and to Register - https://www.nmapta.org/event

06/16/2026

Come to Nuckolls Brewery in the Railyard in Santa Fe and network with other PTs/PTAs! Families welcome!

06/11/2026

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

DEADLINE AUGUST 1, 2026

APTA New Mexico invites its members to answer the call for nominations for an elected position. In order to meet the challenges of this ever-changing health care environment, members must be willing to give their time and talents to Chapter activities. Our organization needs strong, proactive leaders to guide us through the changes. We are seeking nominations for the following positions:

TWO-YEAR TERM
Vice President
Treasurer
Director
Delegate

THREE-YEAR TERM
Nominating Committee Member

Please forward nominations to: [email protected].

06/04/2026

**TIME CHANGE**

COME ONE COME ALL! Fun times to be had! The World Cup will be happening during our Pub Night on Thursday, June 25. The office will be showing the World Cup on all of their televisions inside and outside. They will also be presenting it on a large screen outdoors. We have a table reserved outdoors so everyone can enjoy the event. Prizes will be given out!!! It will be a great time!!!

Address

Albuquerque, NM

Telephone

+15055965999

Website

http://www.nmapta.org/

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