Volunteers will be chosen by way of a random lottery system. You will either be selected as a volunteer or a waitlist volunteer. This process has been implemented because the previous process left several hopeful volunteers at a disadvantage due to poor internet connections, firewall restrictions, time zone factors, etc. We feel this is a fairer way of selecting student volunteers. 

Volunteer Responsibilities and Considerations

Responsibilities

Responsibilities for APTA CSM student volunteers may include:

• Downloading and using the Discord app for on-site communication.
• Assisting attendees with scanning conference badges when entering sessions.
• Monitoring rooms and room capacity.
• Helping attendees navigate conference locations.
• Assisting with poster check-in or registration.
• Helping attendees use the APTA CSM app.

Student Volunteer Coordinator (3 slots available)

• One coordinator per venue: Convention Center, Hilton, Marriott.
• Lead on-site communication with other volunteers using the designated platform.
• Fill empty volunteer slots as needed.
• Communicate A/V or other assistance needs to the APTA meeting planner.
• Ensure scanners are occupied in assigned areas.
• Coordinate t-shirt distribution.

Waitlist Volunteers

• Be prepared to replace a volunteer who cannot attend, with notice ranging from a few days to several months.
• Attend the mandatory Zoom training one week before CSM.
• Waitlist volunteers serve for the entirety of CSM (Thursday–Saturday), not just a shift or two.
• Sign up and use the Discord app if selected to fill a volunteer spot.

Time Commitment

• Attend a one-hour virtual training session: Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET.
• Volunteer hours vary by assignment but are scheduled between 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 12-Saturday, Feb. 14, with potential Wednesday afternoon assignments.
• Volunteers must be available at least 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, to cover a shift if needed.
• Each day includes a minimum of two education session shifts, roughly 1-1.5 hours each.

Participation During CSM

• Volunteers may attend sessions but may arrive approximately 30 minutes late due to duties.
• Full participation is allowed once shifts are complete.
• Volunteers can explore the exhibit hall during unopposed hours.

Volunteer Benefits

• Reimbursement of $210 toward early bird registration*, paid electronically after CSM.
• Free APTA CSM volunteer t-shirt.
• Networking with over 15,000 attendees, including PTs, PTAs, and students worldwide.
• Insights into APTA and the physical therapy profession.

*Maximum reimbursement per student volunteer is $210; the remaining $80 of early bird registration is nonrefundable.

Volunteer Requirements

• Must be an active APTA student member. Not a member? Join APTA to qualify.
• Must be registered for CSM prior to submitting a volunteer application.
• Only sign up if willing to serve on the waitlist if selected.

Accessing the Volunteer Portal and Application Process

• Review volunteer responsibilities and considerations.
• Sign up via the link on the CSM webpage.
• After signing up through APTA Engage, a confirmation email will provide a link to the conference volunteer portal.
• Volunteers are selected through a random lottery to ensure fairness.
• Notifications of acceptance are sent no later than Nov. 7, 2025.
• Accepted volunteers must register for APTA CSM before the early bird deadline on Nov. 5, 2025.

Looking for other ways to get involved? Explore additional APTA student volunteer opportunities through APTA Engage, where members can discover various ways to volunteer and contribute to the profession.

Not a member? Join or renew your membership today to be eligible.

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