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Requirements for Physical Therapy Practice in the State of Michigan: Introduction: To practice Physical Therapy, all therapists must be licensed in the State they elect to practice. Individual State licensing boards set the criteria for eligibility for licensure. All licensing boards require passing score on National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) as a condition for licensure. The licensing is a two-step process. The first step is to contact the licensing authority in the State or jurisdiction in which you are seeking licensure. Once the State approves the licensing application, the second step is to register to take the NPTE with the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, commonly known as FSBPT. Michigan: For foreign graduates, the first priority is to establish that their education satisfy the minimum educational requirement for a Physical Therapy license in the State of Michigan. This is accomplished by a Credential Evaluation by one of the two approved review agencies listed below. The reviewing agency forwards a report directly to the State Board of Physical Therapy to process and or complete the licensure application. The application for Credential Evaluation must be obtained directly from one of these two agencies and the completed application must be returned directly to the respective agency. This is a time consuming process as the credential evaluation agencies accepts only transcripts provided directly by the schools of study. The credential evaluation report will state if the applicant's education meets the State educational requirement or will explain the areas of deficiencies in the requirement. Michigan Board Approved Credential Evaluation Agencies:
International Consultants of
International Education Research Delaware, Inc. Foundation Tel:
(302) 737-8715 Fax: (302) 737-8756 Tel: (310) 258-9451 Fax: (310) 258-7086 International Consultants of Delaware, ICD, is a division of CGFNS in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Once the Credential Evaluation certifies that the degree meets the educational requirements, then it is time to apply the State Board for a Physical Therapy license. To apply for a Physical Therapy license in Michigan, an applicant must request an application packet by contacting the Bureau of Health Services in Lansing, Michigan at (517) 335-0918. Or you may download the application online by contacting the State of Michigan Physical Therapy Board web site, http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-27417_27529_27549---,00.html. The application packet includes the application for licensure, the NPTE Handbook, the NPTE registration forms, and the Michigan Jurisprudence Examination. The Michigan rules and regulation governing physical therapy, which could help in completing the Jurisprudence exam, can only be obtained through mail by calling the Bureau of Health Services in Lansing, Michigan at (517) 335-0918. Carefully follow directions on this automated phone system. The completed Michigan state licensure application, completed Michigan Jurisprudence Examination, licensure fee in US dollars and all the required documentation must be submitted to: Bureau of Health Services, Board of Physical
Therapy Michigan Jurisprudence is a take home exam and is included in the application packet and must be completed and returned to the State. The passing score of 75% is required for the Michigan Jurisprudence exam. An applicant whose native language is other than English, must pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of not less than 550, and the Test of Spoken English (TSE-P) with a score of not less than 50, in addition to the other requirements to be eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). An applicant must also pass the Test of Written English, (TWE), as part of the TOEFL, with a passing score of not less than 4. No other English substitutions tests are allowed by the State of Michigan at this time. As explained below, slightly higher scores are required for the VisaScreen. Once all the eligibility requirements for the license are met, the State Board will notify the FSBPT that the candidate is eligible to take the NPTE. However, unless you are in a position to take the exam in the US, Canada, or Guam, do not submit the application for the NPTE as you will be required to take the exam within sixty days of the Authorization to Test. If you are a foreign therapists you need the above Licensing State approval to take the NPTE exam and the Healthcare Certification also known as VisaScreen Certificate issued by CGFNS or Visa Credential Evaluation Certificate issued by the FCCPT to apply for a visa to travel to the United States. VISASCREEN or VISA CREDENTIAL EVALUATION: US Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), formerly the INS, require that healthcare professionals, other than physicians, successfully complete a Visa Credential Evaluation also known as VisaScreen prior to receiving an occupational visa. The process includes an assessment of an applicant’s education to ensure that it is comparable to a US graduate in the same profession, verification that licenses are valid and unencumbered, and English language proficiency. For Physical Therapists, the VisaScreen or Visa Credential Evaluation Certificate can be obtained from one of the two following agencies: 1. CGFNS – International Commission on Healthcare Professions 3600 Market Street, Suite 400 Philadelphia, PA 19104-2665, USA Telephone: (215) 349-8767 Fax: (215) 349-0026 Website: http://www.ichp.com/ http://www.cgfns.org
Download the application packet for the VisaScreen. http://www.cgfns.org/cgfns/downloads/VisaScreenApplication.pdf. Read all instructions very carefully before filling out all forms neatly and completely. Once all forms are completed: 1) Forward all "Request for Academic Records" forms to the appropriate educational institution(s); 2) If applicable, forward all "Request for Validation of Registration/License" forms to the appropriate registration authority(ies); and 3) Send the completed Application (pages 4-7) and your payment to: ICHP, Attn: VisaScreen, 3600 Market Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2665 USA. The fee for the VisaScreen Certification is US $325.00.
Physical Therapy Code for Health Professions is 009. Physical Therapists must also provide a self-reported clinical summary as part of the application. English Language Proficiency Assessment: The English language proficiency assessment confirms that the applicant has demonstrated the required competency in oral and written English by submitting passing scores on tests approved by the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services. Currently, to fulfill this requirement, Physical Therapists must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a passing score of 560 or 220 computerized, Test of Written English (TWE) with a passing score of 4.5, and Test of Spoken English (TSE-P) with a passing score of 50, all administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Please note the differences in English scores for the State Board and the VisaScreen. The English test scores are valid only for a period of two years. CGFNS also accepts the internet version of the TOEFL exam, TOEFL iBT, scores towards the VisaScreen Certificate. A passing score of a total 89 and speaking 29 on the TOEFL iBT are required for physical therapists. TOEFL iBT measures all four skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Physical Therapists have no other option but to take TOEFL, TWE and TSE or the TOEFL iBT for the English Proficiency Assessment. 2. FCCPT 511 Wythe Street Alexandria, VA 22314, USA Tel: (703) 684-8406 Fax: (703) 684-8715 Website: http://www.fccpt.org FCCPT, Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy, is an independent non-profit organization founded by the FSBPT, Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, in 1998. Many of the standards in use by FCCPT were developed by FSBPT and it members. While distinct and separate from one another, both organizations share the fundamental mission of public protection for consumers of physical therapy services. FCCPT carries out its mission through the evaluation of the credentials of foreign educated physical therapists. Both organizations are largely comprised of physical therapists and others active in physical therapy education, practice and regulation in the United States. Download the FCCPT Visa Credential Evaluation Application Packet from: http://www.fccpt.org/pdf/regular.pdf The therapists who are licensed in the US or have the approval to write the NPTE exam should ask for a Type II Certificate from FCCPT, which is required for obtaining an Occupational Visa. The fee for FCCPT Visa Credential Evaluation is US $425.00. English Language Proficiency Assessment: The English language proficiency assessment confirms that the applicant has demonstrated the required competency in oral and written English by submitting passing scores on tests approved by the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services. Currently, to fulfill this requirement, Physical Therapists must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a passing score of 560 or 220 computerized, Test of Written English (TWE) with a passing score of 4.5, and Test of Spoken English (TSE-P) with a passing score of 50, all administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Please note difference in scores for the State Board and the Visa Credential Evaluation Certificate. The English test scores are valid only for a period of two years. FCCPT also accepts the internet version of the TOEFL exam, TOEFL iBT, scores towards the VisaScreen Certificate. FCCPT requires a passing score of a total 89, composite of reading comprehension, listening comprehension and writing of 63, and speaking 29 on the TOEFL iBT for physical therapists. TOEFL iBT measures all four skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Physical Therapists have no other option but to take TOEFL, TWE and TSE or the TOEFL iBT for the English Proficiency Assessment. FCCPT’s Educational Testing Code is 8164. Successful candidates are issued a VisaScreen by the CGFNS or Visa Credential Evaluation Certificate by the FCCPT. Remember, VisaScreen or Visa Credential Evaluation Certificate is only a verification document and is not a guarantee for a visa. However, in order to apply for an occupational US Visa, one must have this certificate. This concludes the first part of the process. Now you need to find an employer willing and able to sponsor you for a US visa. Once you have selected an employer, the employer initiates the Visa formalities. There are TWO ways to approach the visa process: I. "H-1B" Visa Process. The H-1B visa is a temporary work visa for professionals, good for up to six years. In most professions where a college degree is necessary, an employer may petition for H-1B. The process includes: Prevailing Wage Determination by the employer. U.S. immigration laws require that all H-1B therapists be paid the prevailing wage for their occupation or the actual wage being paid by the employer to other therapists in the same geographic area - whichever is higher. Labor Condition Application (LCA) obtained by the employer. Once the employer has established the prevailing wage, it may submit an LCA to the U.S. Department of Labor. H-1B Petition filed by the employer. Once an LCA is approved, the employer submits an H-1B petition to the USCIS. Documents demonstrating the employee's education, experience and the State required licenses or the eligibility to take the NPTE must accompany the petition. A VisaScreen certificate also is required to file the visa petition. The therapist’s spouse and children under 21 may be granted dependant H-4 status visas, allowing them to join the therapist in the US. The dependants can stay in the U.S. and attend school, but are not allowed to work. The processing time for an H-1B petition is generally from 30 to 90 days, depending on the availability of the visa. A copy of the H-1B approval will be forwarded to the therapist for the final processing at the US Embassy or the Consulate in their home country. Upon satisfactory review of all documents and credentials, a visa is stamped in the therapist’s passport. This signifies that everything is in order for the therapist to join employment in the United States. Even with all these time, expenses and process, one cannot practice as a physical therapist until one obtains a passing score on the NPTE. Since the NPTE is administered only in the US and its territories, one can make arrangement to take the NPTE only after their arrival in the United States. It may take three to six months to register and appear for the NPTE. Physical Therapy is a licensed professional and a license will not be granted until the successful passing of NPTE. H-1B visa become cancelled if the Therapist fails the NPTE on the first attempt. The current law limits H-1B visas to 65,000 per year that runs from October 1 thru September 30. The cap has reached for the year starting in 2006, and the next opportunity for H-1B opens only in October of 2007. Therefore, as a safe strategy, due to the lag in licensing and the constraints of H-1B, for healthcare professionals we strongly recommend the Green Card approach for the Immigration. II. The Green Card. The H-1B visa is a temporary visa only good for a maximum of six years. At the end of six years, the H-1B therapist must leave the country for one year, change to another temporary status, or apply for "adjustment of status" to permanent resident (i.e., green card). There are three steps to obtaining a green card through employment. Labor Certification Obtained by Employer. Unless the foreign professional is a "superstar" (i.e., a person of extraordinary ability in his or her field), an outstanding professor or researcher, or a person whose employment clearly is in the national interest, then the employer must undergo the labor certification process in order obtain a green card on the employee's behalf. Labor certification requires the employer to prove that no U.S. worker is ready, able, or qualified for the job. This entails advertising the position in national journals and evaluating all resumes submitted, a process that can be very time consuming. Visa Petition filed by the Employer. Once the Labor Department has approved labor certification, the employer submits a Visa Petition to the USCIS. Documents establishing the therapists’ education, prior experiences, and the visa screen certificate are attached to the petition. Prior to the filing, the employer will require the Therapist to sign labor application and employment agreement. Application for Permanent Residence filed by the therapist. Once the employer filed visa petition is approved, the Therapists and his/her family may apply for permanent residence. This can be done at either at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in his or her home country. It may take about eight months to a year for the Consulate to process an immigrant visa. Upon satisfactory completion of the process, an Immigrant Visa is issued for the therapist and eligible family members. This is your indication that everything is in order for you to travel to the US and join employment. Please note, Immigrant visa is a permanent visa, and you become eligible to apply for US citizenship after five years of residency in the United States. It also allows the family members to seek employment in the US, immediately upon arrival in the US, with out any additional formalities. Further, the Therapist may be able to work while waiting for the NPTE and the State Licensure. Again, please bear in mind, the Therapist still has to obtain a license by passing the NPTE prior to working as a Physical Therapist in the US. This is going to take additional time, expense and efforts. While waiting for the visa, the Therapist should take advantage of this time by studying for the NPTE, not only on the subject matter but on the test taking techniques as well. NPTE EXAMINATION PROCESS: The NPTE registration form and the examination fee must be submitted to NPTE as indicated in the application packet. The PT examination is designed to sample basic entry-level competence of the candidate who has graduated from an accredited school of physical therapy. The 4 ½ hour examination consists of 225 objective, multiple-choice questions. The federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) is responsible for processing applications to appear for the exam and reporting scores to the State Boards. To learn about transferring scores from one State to another, please contact www.fsbpt.org. Upon satisfactory completion of the application and with the authority from the State Board, FSBPT issue an Authority to Test and instructions to contact a Sylvan Prometric Center to take the exam. The National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) is a computer-based examination given at the Sylvan Technology Prometric Centers. The NPTE exams are administered only in the United States, Canada, and Guam at this time. Results are reported within a week of examination date. The State Board issues a license to successful candidates. An applicant who fails to achieve a passing score may again take the exam without limitation. However, the NPTE exams are limited to 3 to 4 times in any 12 month period. There are very many resources available to prepare for the NPTE exam including those from the FSBPT website.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: WHAT IS THE SALARY
RANGE FOR A PHYSICAL THERAPIST? WHAT IS THE ASSURANCE THAT THE THERAPIST WILL HAVE A JOB UPON ARRIVAL IN THE US? Advanced Health Alliance, Inc., is an employer and not an agent or broker. Upon acceptance, and in time for the visa interview, Advanced Health Alliance will provide the Therapist with an employment letter and an employment agreement detailing the employment offer, conditions, benefits and salary. This is your guarantee that you will have a job once you arrive in the United States. Without this employment letter and guarantee, US Embassy/Consulate will not issue a visa to the Therapist. Conversely, the Therapist is contractually obligated to follow the covenants of the employment agreement. A breach of contract carries severe penalties. Naturally, some of the therapists will be placed in other healthcare facilities such as hospitals, therapy clinics, therapy agencies, nursing home, etc. Please keep in mind, the only reason for giving you a visa is due to shortage of physical therapists in the United States and it is not very hard to find a job as therapist. Especially with an immigrant visa on hand, a therapists should not worry about a job at all! There are plenty of job opportunities. All you need is an attitude and the flexibility to go after the job. Again, one cannot practice as physical therapist until the therapist pass the NPTE exam and obtain a license in the State they wish to practice the profession. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST
TO FILE FOR A VISA? WOULD AN EMPLOYER HELP
A THERAPIST WITH TESTING FEES AND COACHING? CAN YOU START THE VISA
PROCESSING AND THEN PROVIDE ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS AS THEY ARE OBTAINED? WOULD THERE BE ANY
ASSISTANCE UPON ARRIVAL IN THE US? ARE THERAPISTS
REQUIRED TO SIGN AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT? HOW CAN I TRUST YOUR
SERVICES?
How long will the State keep a licensure application on file? How many times CAN ONE take the NPTE exam? An applicant who fails to achieve a passing score may retake the exam without limitation. However, you may only take the NPTE exam a maximum of 3 to 4 times in any 12 month period. You should verify that your application and fee with the Michigan Board of Physical Therapy is still current before sending in your re-exam application and fee. The latest immigration and other therapy related information may be available from the web site http://advancedhealthalliance.blogspot.com We wish you the best in your search.
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