EDUCATION

• Most states in America require a minimum education of at least a Bachelor degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited PT school. General education minimum credits will typically be 60 semester credits and professional education credits of 90 semester credits. The total minimum semester credits required are usually 150 credit units.  Depending upon the year of your graduation from your undergraduate education, some states will require a Masters degree in Physical Therapy or a Doctorate level education.

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY

• As a condition for immigration and licensure, all foreign-educated therapists must demonstrate English proficiency. We require that all applicants receive a passing TOEFL score, preferrably in the TOEFL-IBT, which requires a minimum score of 89 overall and 26 in speaking. The exam needs to have been in the last 12 months unless you already have secured a VisaScreen certificate. We will also consider applicants who have taken the TOEFL, TSE and TWE. Passing scores for TOEFL (220/560) TWE (4.5) TSE (50).

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE 

• Passport USA typically requires at least six months of experience in a tertiary level hospital or large rehab clinic before beginning a sponsorship program. Generally, we are unable to consider those therapists only working in a Private Duty or Homecare setting.  We also have limited opportunities for New Graduate Therapists.

CREDENTIALING

• All candidates must have passed their local boards and possess an active license in their home country.  U.S. State licensure boards require that all PT applicants complete a credential evaluation from a recognized Credential Evaluation Service (CES), including FCCPT, ICA, ICD, IERF, CGFNS, and NYSED.  Depending upon the state in which your assignment is located, we may require an additional CES.  For example, if you have NYSED we will require you to re-credential through FCCPT.  Passport USA will re-credential you if required for your placement location.

LICENSURE 

• You must possess a current license in your country of education and practice.   Ultimately, you will need to pass the US license examination.  All therapists must be licensed by a U.S. State Board. Initial licensure is awarded upon passing the NPTE.  However, some states will permit you to practice during an internship or traineeship on a temporary state license under the supervision of a state licensed therapist. 
• Each State Board has its own rules and specific requirements for foreign trained therapists. Our Credentialing Team is very familiar with these requirements and will walk you through the process. They will provide you with all necessary forms and instructions for the application process.   Licensure processing is paid for by Passpport USA for successful applicants selected to join the Passpport USA program.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• If Offshore, TOEFL-IBT passed with FCCPT Type 1 Evaluation or CGFNS VisaScreen
• If Offshore or US based, NPTE passed
• If US Based, on student (F-1) or H1-B visa currently

NOTE

• Physical Therapists with no NPTE or FCCPT or TOEFL are welcome to apply.  Therapists may receive reimbursement for passing TOEFL at their own expense.  Accepted candidates must agree to complete any required CES coursework remediation for academic deficiencies (if applicable).