Possible Loan Relief for PT's

To piggy back our previous entries on student loans, it is worth mentioning that there is a new bill (not approved yet) specifically for PT Student Loan Relief.  The bill was introduced by Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) on December 14, 2007 and will aide Physical Therapists who agree to work in rural areas of America after schooling. 

A full article on the bill can be found on Medical News Today.  In the article APTA president Scott Ward is quoted saying:

"As a result of the extensive education and clinical training required to become a physical therapist, students often begin their careers with significant levels of debt," said American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) President R Scott Ward, PT, PhD. "By relieving some of that burden to bring more physical therapists to clinically underserved communities, this legislation will provide lasting benefits for years to come."

What are your thoughts on the proposed bill?  From my view, this would be a great asset for students who grew up in rural America and want to return home to work, as well as, for students who just want to increase access to Physical Therapists throughout the US.

Comments

[Brad Holloway, RehabCare, Recruiting Specialist]

I am happy to see additional incentive for therapists supported by the Federal Government, and believe the program will provide an opportunity for benefit to the therapists, as well as, patients in need in rural areas.

With RehabCare, you would even be able to start in a rural setting, stay with the organization, and have an opportunity to transfer almost anywhere you want to live.

[Chris]

I think it would be great if the bill passes, it would afford more students the opportunity to go to PT school. Knowing the federal government was going to pay for some of your education would definitely help offset the cost of school and stress of graduating with a lot of student loans.

[Jan Vlassos]

This is great news. I look at it in two different ways. First of all, it would definitely encourage new graduates to consider a more rural setting for their first position; but, it also affords the opportunity for people from these areas to consider therapy as a career path without the worry of considerable student loan repayment.