The dream of working as a physiotherapist in the United States can be a great challenge, but this is a 100% achievable goal for many Brazilian professionals who understand and fulfill all the steps of the immigration process.
This exclusive content from D4U Immigration is based on several successful cases with professionals in the area and details all the requirements for Brazilian physiotherapists to work in the United Statesincluding information such as:
- Academic Background and Crefito Registration
- Professional Experience and English Proficiency (TOEFL)
- Validation of the Brazilian diploma in the USA by the FCCPT
- Process for passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)
- Temporary licensing
We also stress the importance of familiarizing yourself with the specific laws of each US state, as well as all the information on the EB-2 NIW visa and the average salary for physiotherapists in the United States. If you don’t already have a Complete immigration advice
to help you with this, D4U Immigration explains everything you need to know about the process, documentation and visa to be a physiotherapist in the United States in this exclusive content. Check it out!
Physiotherapist in the USA: Basic Requirements
The basic requirements for practicing physiotherapy in the United States with a Brazilian degree include:
- Academic background: Complete an undergraduate degree in Physiotherapy recognized by the Ministry of Education (MEC) with at least 250 hours in supervised clinical practice.
- Register with CREFITO: Obtain professional registration with CREFITO in your state to prove your qualification.
- Professional Experience: Accumulate relevant experience in physical therapy, according to the requirements of the American state where you intend to work.
- Proficiency in English: Demonstrate command of 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 the FCCPT
To work in the USA as a physiotherapist, your Brazilian Brazilian diploma needs to be validated. O órgão responsável pela revalidação do diploma é a Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy ( FCCPT).
How to revalidate a diploma in the United States:
This process involves a detailed analysis of your academic and professional history to ensure that your training is equivalent to that required in the USA.
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NPTE Licensing Exam
Once your diploma has been validated, you must prepare for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). This exam is mandatory to obtain a license to practice physical therapy in any American state. The NPTE tests your knowledge and skills in the field and requires intense preparation.
Temporary Licensing
Some states offer a temporary license while you wait for 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 USA.
Familiarization with State Laws
The practice of physical therapists in the United States is regulated by various laws, both at federal and state level.
Each state in the USA has its own laws and regulations for practicing physical therapy. This may include additional continuing education requirements and local exams.
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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 Physiotherapists
The EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) visa is the best visa option among the American visas for qualified physiotherapists wishing to work in the USA.
Physiotherapist approved for EB-2 NIW in 11 months for the USA:
O EB-2 NIW visa waives the job offer and work certification requirement, considering that the professional has skills that significantly benefit US national interests. It is advisable to consult a Visa Office for further clarification and effectiveness in this process.
Average salary: How much does a physiotherapist earn in the United States?
The average salary of a physiotherapist in the USA is around 119,267 per yearbut can vary depending on the location and experience of the professional. Based on the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the average annual salary for each US state can vary between $169,400 (Iowa) and $347,000 (South Dakota).
Top Questions (FAQ) about Physiotherapy in the USA
In order to clarify all the issues and based on the countless cases of Brazilian physiotherapists who have already contacted D4U Immigration in order to achieve their dream of practicing their profession in the country of opportunity, we have listed the main doubts on the subject below.
1. How long does it take to validate my physiotherapy degree in the USA?
The process of validating the diploma by the FCCPT can take 6 to 12 monthsdepending on the complexity of your academic record and the speed with which you submit the necessary documents. For this reason, the participation of an Immigration Consultancy is essential to speed up this process.
2. Do I need to take additional courses to work as a physiotherapist in the USA?
Depending on the FCCPT review, you may need to complete additional courses to meet the equivalent educational requirements in the US. This varies from case to case.
3. What is the minimum TOEFL score required for physiotherapists?
The minimum TOEFL score required may vary depending on the state, but it is generally necessary to obtain 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 obtain a license to practice in the USA. It covers various areas of physical therapy, including anatomy, physiology, diagnostics and therapeutic interventions.
5. Can I work while I wait for the results of the NPTE?
Yes, some US states offer a temporary licensewhich allows you to work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist while awaiting the results of the NPTE.
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 US. This includes evidence of significant contributions in your field, advanced qualifications and a proposal of how your work will benefit the country.
To speed up approval of the EB-2 NIW visa, it is recommended to consult immigration specialists.
7. Is it possible to transfer my license from one state to another in the USA?
Yes, but each state has its own procedures for transferring licenses. Normally, you will need to provide proof of your current license and meet the specific requirements of the new state.
8. Where can I find additional resources and support during the process of working in the USA?
There are several organizations and online forums that offer support to foreign physiotherapists.
However, the most recommended option is to consult professional immigration specialists with proven expertise, such as D4U Immigration, voted in 2021, 2022 and 2023 as the Best Immigration Consultancy in the United States and Latin America.
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