APTA Alabama Clinical Education Consortium
In 2025 the Alabama Clinical Education Consortium (ACE Consortium) was formed as a Special Interest Group of APTA AL. The mission of the Alabama Clinical Education Consortium is to elevate physical therapy clinical education by cultivating collaborative partnerships, fostering excellence in clinical instruction, and developing highly competent and diverse physical therapy professionals to meet evolving healthcare needs.
To fulfill its mission the ACE Consortium will foster collaboration and strengthen partnerships among academic institutions, clinical education sites, and other stakeholders in physical therapy education within our state. The consortium will serve as a collective voice for addressing challenges and advocating for improvements in clinical education within the region.
Benefits of Joining the Consortium:
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Collaborative Synergy:
Engage in dynamic collaboration with key clinical education stakeholders, including Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Clinical Education Sites, and Academic Institutions, fostering a strong network for growth and innovation.
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Exclusive Professional Development:
Take advantage of annual, evidence-informed professional development opportunities designed specifically for clinical instructors, academic faculty, and all clinical education professionals, ensuring you stay at the forefront of the field.
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Promoting Excellence and Innovation:
Become a catalyst for excellence in physical therapy education by sharing invaluable resources, best practices, and groundbreaking research, helping shape the future of clinical training for students and clinicians.
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Streamlining Clinical Education:
Play a vital role in coordinating and optimizing clinical education efforts across multiple academic programs, enhancing both the quality and consistency of student learning experiences.
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Elevating Clinical Education in Alabama:
Be part of an exciting think-tank aimed at transforming clinical education across the state, positively impacting students, clinicians, academic institutions, and clinical sites/employers alike.
ACE Resources
Upcoming Events
- CCIP Level 1 Course Saturday, May 2 – Sunday, May 3, 2026; 8 am – 5 pm CST (click for details)
- ACE Consortium Virtual Drop-In Lunch & Learn May 20, 2026; 12-1 pm CST (More details to follow)
ACE SIG Leadership
- Chair: Chris Ireland, Faulkner University, cireland@faulkner.edu
- Vice Chair: Laura White, University of Alabama at Birmingham, lwwhite@uab.edu
- Secretary: Niyati (Nicky) Shah, Auburn University, nns0015@auburn.edu
- Treasurer: Dana Blake, Samford University, ddblake@samford.edu
- Member at Large: Tracey Coale, University of South Alabama, traceycoale@southalabama.edu