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Reasons Given by California Physical Therapists for Not Belonging to the American Physical Therapy Association

SM McGinty, PT, MS, is Director and Professor, Degree Program in Physical Therapy, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J St, Sacramento, CA 95819-6020 (USA) (mcgintys{at}csus.edu). Ms McGinty is also a doctoral student in education at the University of San Francisco.
MC Cicero, PT, is Staff Physical Therapist, Laguna Physical Therapy, Elk Grove, Calif
JME Cicero, PT, is Staff Physical Therapist, Sutter Davis Hospital, Davis, Calif
L Schultz-Janney, PT, is Staff Physical Therapist, Matrix Rehabilitation Inc, Santa Cruz, Calif
KL Williams-Shipman, PT, is Staff Physical Therapist, California Children's Services, Bowling Green Medical Therapy Unit, Sacramento, Calif

Address all correspondence to Ms McGinty

Background and Purpose. In 1997, only 22% of licensed physical therapists living in California were members of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). This 1998 study was designed to identify the reason(s) why most licensed physical therapists in California choose not to belong to their profession's national association and to examine the demographics of nonmembers. Subjects. The subjects were a random sample of 400 California licensed physical therapists who were not members of APTA. Methods. The survey instrument included a demographic questionnaire and statements for response using a 5-point Likert-type scale. Frequency distributions were calculated for responses and demographic data. Nonparametric analyses were used to determine statistical significance. Chi-square analysis was used to compare responses to statements by gender and by full-time versus part-time work status. Spearman rank correlation coefficients were used to determine any relationships between demographic data (eg, gender and work status). The Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine any differences in responses to specific representation questions by those respondents who worked in specific practice environments. All statistical tests were 2-tailed tests conducted at the P<.05 level, unless otherwise indicated. Means, standard deviations, and ranges were used where appropriate. Results. There was a 67% response rate. Eighty-nine percent of the respondents had been members of APTA. Eighty-eight percent of the respondents believed that APTA national dues were too high, and 90% thought California Chapter dues were too high. Discussion and Conclusion. Cost was the primary reason given for APTA nonmembership in California.

Key Words: American Physical Therapy Association • Membership • Physical therapy

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