The History of Physical Therapists

1921

• The first profession association for physical therapist was formed in 1921. The American Women's Physical Therapeutic Association was led by President Mar McMillan and helped to launch the industry of physical therapy.
  
  

1930's

• By the 1930's, the association changed its name to American Physiotherapy Association. Men were allowed to join, and the membership skyrocketed from 274 members to almost 1,000.
  
  

1940s and 1950s

• After World War II and the polio outbreak, physical therapists were in demand. Because of the heavier caseload, the amount of physical therapists grew to 8,000; with another name change for the association to American Physical Therapy Association.
  
  

Educational Program

• The United States saw an increase of physical therapy educational programs after the increase in jobs during the 1940's and 1950's. The amount of programs more than doubled from 16 to 39.
  
  

Today

• Today, there are more than 75,000 members in the APTA association. More than 236 institutions offer some type of degree program in physical therapy.