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

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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, the 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.

10/06/2026

Thank you Clovis Community College PTA Students/Faculty as well as Clovis area PTs/PTAs for making our annual Clovis Happy Hour a great event! Was a great night of networking and catching up with our members!

09/29/2026

09/27/2026

Thank you to those of you who were able to attend PT Happy Hour after the Fall Conference! It was great to network with PTs and PTAs from throughout the state!

09/25/2026

APTA NM Outgoing Officers Celebration:

From L to R: Betsy Ross (Vice President), Mary Beth Schubauer (Director), Deb Doerfler (Nominating Committee), Vinh Tran (Treasurer). Not pictured Francesca Foley (Delegate).

Thank you all for your incredible work supporting APTA NM!

09/24/2026

PT and PTA Students from UNM, CNM and PIMA participated in a Falls Prevention event in Albuquerque where over 150 participants were screened!

09/23/2026

The Following Membership Anniversary Milestones Were Celebrated at the Fall Conference:

From L to R: Sunny Chirieleison (10 years), Janet Popp (15 years), Beth Black (35 years), Linda Oberdorfer (50 years), Mary Beth Schubauer (30 years), Chris Chisler (10 years), Lindsay Fons (10 years) and Membership Chair, Jen Kiger. This year we are celebrating 75 members who have reached milestones from 5 years to 65 years!!!

Thank you for your membership!

09/21/2026

Please join us for PT Day of Service in Albuquerque on October 24!

Save the Date! November 14 will be PT Day of Service in Santa Fe! More information coming soon!

09/09/2026

Today, Sept. 9, is the last day to register for the APTA NM Fall Conference!

Follow the link below for more information and to register - https://www.nmapta.org/event

09/01/2026

Join us for our annual Clovis Happy Hour! It's a great opportunity to connect with colleagues, make new friends, and enjoy some conversation about the PT issues that matter to us.

Address

Albuquerque, NM

Telephone

+15055965999

Website

http://www.nmapta.org/

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