How to work as a physical therapist in the USA?

Wagner Pontes
Escrito por:Wagner Pontes

CEO e fundador da D4U Immigration

The dream of working as a physical therapist in the United States can be a big challenge, but this is an achievable goal for many Brazilian professionals who understand and complete all the steps of the immigration process.

This exclusive content from D4U Immigration is based on several success stories with professionals in the field and details all the Requirements for Brazilian physiotherapists to work in the United States, including information such as:

  • Academic Background and Registration at Crefito
  • Professional Experience and English Proficiency (TOEFL)
  • Validation of Brazilian diploma in the USA by FCCPT
  • Process for passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)
  • Temporary licensing

We also highlight the importance of familiarizing yourself with the specific laws of each US state, as well as all the information about the EB-2 NIW visa and the Average Salary for Physical Therapists in the United States.

If you don't already have one Complete Immigration Consultancy To help you with this, D4U Immigration explains everything you need to know about the process, documentation and visa to become a physical therapist in the United States in this exclusive content. Check it out!

Physical Therapist in the USA: Basic Requirements

The basic requirements to practice physical therapy in the United States with a Brazilian degree include:

  • Academic Background: Complete a degree course in Physiotherapy recognized by the Ministry of Education (MEC) with at least 250 hours in supervised clinical practices.
  • Registration with CREFITO: Get the professional registration with CREFITO of your state to prove your qualification.
  • Professional Experience: Gain relevant experience in physical therapy, according to the requirements of the American state where you intend to work.
  • English Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in the English language through a standardized exam such as the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), achieving the minimum score required by the chosen state.

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Diploma Validation by FCCPT

To work in the US as a physical therapist, your Brazilian diploma needs to be validated. The body responsible for revalidating the diploma is the Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT).

How to revalidate a diploma in the United States: 

This process involves a detailed review of your academic and professional history to ensure that your education is equivalent to that required in the US.

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NPTE Licensing Exam

After the diploma is validated, you must prepare for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). This exam is required to obtain a license to practice physical therapy in any state in the United States. The NPTE tests your knowledge and skills in the field and requires extensive preparation.

Temporary Licensing

Some states offer a temporary license while you await your NPTE results. This license allows you to work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, which can be an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience in the US.

Familiarization with State Laws

The practice of physical therapists in the United States is regulated by several laws, both at the federal and state levels.

Each state in the U.S. has its own laws and regulations governing the practice of physical therapy. These may include additional continuing education requirements and local exams.

Step by step guide to EB-2 NIW, the path to a Green Card in the USA | D4U CAST:

These laws can have different impacts on professional practice, from licensing requirements and scope of practice to standards of care and insurance reimbursement.

It is crucial that you familiarize yourself with the specific rules of the state where you want to work.

EB-2 NIW Visa for Physical Therapists

The EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) visa is the best visa option among the types of american visas for qualified physical therapists who wish to work in the USA.

Physical Therapist Approved for EB-2 NIW in 11 Months to the USA: 

O EB-2 NIW visa waives the job offer and labor certification, considering that the professional has skills that significantly benefit US national interests.

It is recommended to consult a Visa Advice for greater clarification and effectiveness in this process.

Average Salary: How much does a physical therapist make in the United States?

The average salary for a physical therapist in the US is around US$ 119,267 thousand per year, but may vary depending on the location and experience of the professional.

Based on the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) In the United States, the average annual salary for each US state can range from $169,400 (Iowa) to $347,000 (South Dakota).

Top Questions (FAQ) about Physical Therapy in the USA

To clarify all questions and based on the countless cases of Brazilian physiotherapists who have already contacted D4U Immigration in order to achieve the long-awaited dream of practicing their profession in the land of opportunities, we have listed below the main questions on the subject.

1. How long does it take to validate my physical therapy degree in the US?

The diploma validation process by FCCPT can take from 6 to 12 months, depending on the complexity of your academic record and how quickly you submit the required documents.

Therefore, the participation of a Immigration Consulting is essential to speed up this process.

2. Do I need to take additional courses to work as a physical therapist in the US?

Depending on the FCCPT review, you may need to complete additional courses to meet the equivalent educational requirements in the U.S. This varies on a case-by-case basis.

3. What is the minimum TOEFL score required for physical therapists?

The minimum TOEFL score required may vary by state, but generally you need to achieve a total score of at least 80 to 100, with specific requirements for the reading, writing, listening, and speaking sections.

4. What is the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)?

The NPTE is a mandatory exam that tests the knowledge and skills of physical therapists who wish to become licensed to practice in the United States. It covers several areas of physical therapy, including anatomy, physiology, diagnostics, and therapeutic interventions.

5. Can I work while waiting for NPTE results?

Yes, some US states offer a temporary license, which allows you to work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist while you await your NPTE results.

6. What are the main requirements for obtaining the EB-2 NIW visa?

For the EB-2 NIW visa, you must demonstrate that your skills are of national interest to the U.S. This includes evidence of significant contributions in your field, advanced qualifications, and a proposal for how your work will benefit the country.

Physiotherapist in the USA EB-2 NIW Visa

To speed up the approval of the EB-2 NIW visa, it is recommended to consult immigration experts.

7. Is it possible to transfer my license from one state to another in the US?

Yes, but each state has its own procedures for transferring licenses. Typically, you'll need to provide proof of your current license and meet the new state's specific requirements.

8. Where can I find additional resources and support during the process of working in the US?

There are several organizations and online forums that offer support to foreign physiotherapists.

However, the most recommended option is to consult immigration professionals with proven expertise, such as D4U Immigration, elected in 2021, 2022 and 2023 as the Best Immigration Consultancy in the United States and Latin America.

Meet the team behind D4U's success: 

Wagner Pontes
Wagner Pontes

CEO e fundador da D4U Immigration

Fundador e CEO da D4U Immigration, do Piquet Race Park e da Okkla Realty, Wagner Pontes é residente nos EUA por quase uma década e possui mais de 20 anos de experiência como empreendedor. Formado em Immigration Law pela Washington College e com um LL.M. na Dayton University, foi membro consultivo da comissão de Direito Internacional na OAB nos anos de 2020 e 2021. Em 2008, recebeu o prêmio de Jovem Empreendedor do Ano pela revista Jovem Empreendedor e, em 2020, foi eleito Melhor CEO do segmento de mobilidade global pela revista britânica CEO Monthly.

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