Awards

The purpose of the award is to recognize the Physical Therapist who has exhibited outstanding leadership, innovation in practice, mentorship, and ongoing service to the profession of Physical Therapy. The award is named for Don Lange, PT. Mr. Lange practiced in Kentucky for many years. Not only was he an exceptional clinician and mentor of young physical therapists, he also was instrumental in the development of Kentucky’s practice act. Mr. Lange’s impact on the profession of Physical Therapy, the lives of all those he touched and his commitment to life-long learning and leadership is the foundation for this award.

Criteria: The award shall be based on the following:

• Must be or have been a member in good standing of the APTA/APTA KY.
• Must have a commitment to life-long learning as evidenced throughout their career.
• Must have exhibited mentoring to students and/or other PTs and PTAs, impacting on their professional lives.
• Must have exhibited a pioneer spirit by promotion, cultivating and expanding the profession of Physical Therapy.
• Be nominated by at least one letter of support evidencing the above criteria.

Fledgling Award nominees should have practiced for at least 2 years but not more than 5 years.

Criteria: Nominations will be judged by the Awards committee on the following:

• Contribution and Participation in the APTA/APTA KY
• Clinical Expertise, Educational/Teaching Expertise or Administrative Expertise
• Commitment to Professional Development/Continuous Learning
• Community Service/Promotion of the profession
• Commitment and Support for Physical Therapy Research
• Be nominated by at least one letter of support confirming the above criteria

Criteria:

• Nominees must be PTs or PTAs who have been actively engaged in teaching physical therapist students (entry or advanced level) or physical therapist assistant students in formal education for at least five years.
• Nominees must be either clinical or academic educators. Nominees must have a faculty appointment of any rank (part-time or full-time) or receive compensation for their teaching responsibilities.
• Teaching must occur in an academic setting within one or more accredited physical therapist or physical therapist assistant education programs, or advanced level programs for physical therapists, from which students earn an academic qualification.
• Teaching solely as a component of continuing education does not constitute eligibility for this award.
• Nominees must be APTA KY Members.
• Nominees must exhibit exceptional teaching effectiveness in the academic setting
• Nominees must excell as a role model for academic teaching for students, faculty, and clinicians.

Criteria:

• Clinical Instructor for 3 years, averaging 1 student per year
• Nomination should be submitted with: letter of recommendation from a PT or PTA student whom the CI has supervised; one letter of recommendation from an ACCE in a Kentucky PT/PTA program; nominee’s CV or resume (additional letters of support are not required, but may be submitted)

Outstanding Physical Therapist Award nominees should have practiced for at least 2 years.

Criteria: Nominations will be judged by the Awards committee on the following:

• Contribution and Participation in the APTA/APTA KY
• Clinical Expertise, Educational/Teaching Expertise or Administrative Expertise
• Commitment to Professional Development/Continuous Learning
• Community Service/Promotion of the profession
• Commitment and Support for Physical Therapy Research
• Be nominated by at least one letter of support confirming the above criteria

Outstanding Physical Therapist Assistant Award nominees should have practiced for at least 2.

Criteria: Nominations will be judged by the Awards committee on the following:

• Contribution and Participation in the APTA/APTA KY
• Clinical Expertise, Educational/Teaching Expertise or Administrative Expertise
• Commitment to Professional Development/Continuous Learning
• Community Service/Promotion of the profession
• Commitment and Support for Physical Therapy Research
• Be nominated by at least one letter of support confirming the above criteria