Physiotherapy Students

The Nova Scotia Physiotherapy Association knows that students represent the future of our association and our profession.  We actively seek student input and involvement in a variety of Association activities and decision-making bodies. If you are a Dalhousie University physiotherapy student, here are some ideas for how you can get involved with NSPA and CPA:

• Become a Member!  Physiotherapy students can join their professional association right from day one.  Membership in both the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and the Nova Scotia Physiotherapy Association is FREE for Dalhousie entry-level physiotherapy students.  See below for more information on joining. 
• Become a National Student Assembly (NSA) student representative. The NSA needs one first-year and one second-year representative from each entry-level physiotheapy program in Canada. Typically, the individual selected as the Junior Representative continues on to be the Senior Rep, providing mentorship to the new Junior Rep. In addition to participating on the NSA Council, you'll also participate as a member of the NSPA Board of Directors - the governing body for the professional association in Nova Scotia.
• Volunteer on a committee. NSPA's Public Relations and Awards Committees both have student members
• Attend NSPA's Annual General Meeting and related educational and networking events. Learn about what your Association is doing. NSPA volunteers present 2-3 times per year at the school, providing updates on what the association is up to, and how association membership supports you and your chosen profession. Make sure you attend, and use it as an opportunity to share your thoughts.
• Volunteer to help out at public trade shows. NSPA usually participates in 1-3 trade shows per year, and we strongly encourage students to volunteer in our booth. It provides a great learning opportunity, and is great fun.
• Join our Facebook site and join in the conversation. Search for "Nova Scotia Physiotherapy Association" and select the members' site (we also have a fan site for the general public). The National Student Assembly also has a facebook site, for national student networking.
• Let us know what you're thinking! Have an idea for website content or a professional development course? Have you found a great physiotherapy practice resource in the course of your studies that you think other members would want to know about? Let us know!

Becoming a Member is Easier than Ever (and Free!)

 In 2009, the Canadian Physiotherapy Association Launched "The Student Edge", a new program aimed at engaging physiotherapy students and increasing their involvement with the Association at the earliest stage of their careers as physiotherapists.  The Student Edge, provides significant benefits and opportunities to student members of the Association, including social networking sites, a student website and newsletter, and student-friendly opportunities to volunteer and get involved.
Best of all, CPA student membership, including membership in all of CPA's practice Divisions, is now completely free for students (Branch membership has always been free for students). Students can join CPA and NSPA at the same time, by completing the on-line student membership form on the CPA website:  http://www.physiotherapy.ca/public.asp?WCE=C=17|K=176~0