Dr. Vijay Guleria, BPT MPT(Ortho) MSW. Physiotherapy advocate

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How to migrate to USA as a physical therapist

USA Migration process for Physiotherapist
We all studies from good physiotherapy colleges and universities so it is obvious that we deserve a good life. We need good resources to live and recognition in society so most of us headed towards USA. It is not that much easy to work in USA, as requirements to practice physiotherapy in USA is very different as compare to other countries. If you want to make your dream true to work in USA as a physical therapist you have to go through given below steps. 



STEP 1:  Practice Licence
Practice Licence in USA is provided by state in which you wish to practice. There is no policy like national physical therapist licence, you have to choose one state in which you wish to work than apply for the licence.
Different states have different licencing authorities which have different criteria  to which you have to clear before practice. There are also a variation between the scope of the physiotherapist in states like you can practice dry needling in some states but not in New York So you have to fulfill different requirements to work for different states..
Although state rules are very similar but they are not identical. 
There are important notable differences.
1. The most common is the H1B visa, which requires:
2. The Healthcare worker Certificate

You will need a healthcare worker certificate depending upon the type of visa you are seeking. The requirements for a physical therapist seeking a healthcare worker certificate include:
The FCCPT
Gather information about your would be state’s license process. The best point of contact is the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy’s website.
Apply as a new applicant. 

Requirements for US physical therapy practice

1. Complete an application.
2. Receive verification of substantial equivalency to US first professional degree in physical therapy or state requirements.
3. Receive authorization to test for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
4. Most important pass the NPTE this is the golden pass to USA.




Some states may also require:

1. Verification of eligibility to practice in country of education.
2. TOFEL (English knoweledge).
3. A period of board-approved, supervised practice may also be there sometime before or after the licencing.
4. A United States Social Security Number. (SSN)
5. Background verification check.

Step 2. Credentialing Process
Find a credentialing agency like FCCPT that meets your needs and is accepted by the state in which you wish to practice. The FCCPT  can assist you in this endeavor to meet the requirements of license and/or immigration.
FCCPT is a credentialing agency that authenticates and verifies all educational and regulatory documents. FCCPT also provides educational credential reviews for jurisdictional licensure and CMS provider requirements.

1. FCCPT has been authorized by USCIS to issue the healthcare worker certificate.
2.. FCCPT does not evaluate or equate work experience.

Please note: Credentialing does not include review of continuing education taught outside of the college or university system.

 The FCCPT offers a service called the Planned Learning and Assistance Network (PLAN). This service helps you interpret your report, and develops options for you to choose from to meet the requirements for equivalency.

Website you need to visit for this is http://www.fccpt.org/. 

Notification from FCCPT September 30, 2016 

Important change to USCIS Requirements for Health Care Worker Certification 
USCIS now requires the following to obtain a Type I Health Care Worker Certificate: 
1. Master’s degree or higher in Physical Therapy, and 
2. 202.1 semester credits minimum 
In response to USCIS' requirements, FCCPT has implemented the following requirements on the Comprehensive Credentials Review (Type 1 Review) Service: 
New Type I Review applications received on or after September 15, 2016 Must possess a Master's Degree or higher in Physical Therapy. 
If you submit an application and your degree title is a Bachelors degree, your service will be cancelled and your application fee will be refunded. 

Step 3. Immigration
 Immigration is a very important step to understand first of all clearly understand the type of visa or immigration process you will fall under in order to work in USA. 

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website (www.uscis.gov) provides insight into the requirements for immigration. 

foreign national will need a visa that allows them to work in the US as a non-US citizen.
Important things:
Keep your  healthcare worker certificate ready.
Passage of the TOEFL examinations is necessary to migrate in US.
Before immigration and issuance of VISA you need to ensure a sponsor and an employer.
Your personal appearance at the US embassy is also required at the fixed dates. 

You can also choose to apply for permanent resident status (PR, green card) or citizenship, depending upon your personal needs and eligibility in US. 
Student or Dependent/Spouse visas may have restrictions on work, so be certain that you understand the restrictions related to this.

For further information and helps you can email me at 


dr.vijayguleria@hotmail.com



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