FAQ - International Therapists

For ease of browsing through the questions, please note they are organized in 4 steps or sections.

Step 1 - The Basics

What are the basic requirements?
For PT's: Graduation with a Bachelor degree in Physical Therapy (PT) from an accredited PT school. General education minimum credits will be 60 semester credits and professional education credits of 90 semester credits. The total minimum semester credits required are 150 credit units. Preference is given to those PT's with FCCPT credentialing, we can review ICD and ICA as well , however we are unable to accommodate those wit just NYSED.

For OT's: Graduation with a Bachelor degree in Occupational Therapy (OT) from an accredited OT school. Please review the following link for a list of accredited schools www.wfot.org. You may also be required to present your thesis as part of the process. If you hold a Master's Degree from an accredited school this will make your process easier and shorter.

You must hold a current license to practice in your own country.

English: Must have obtained the following English examination scores (unless exempt)
* TOEFL: 560 (paper-based) or 220 (computer-based);
* TWE: 4.5;
* TSE: 50; or
* TOEFL iBT: Total of 89 (Speaking, 26).

Experience: You must have at least one year of recent experience in a hospital / clinic or home care setting.
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Do I need a credentialing?
Applicants will be required to have completed credentialing prior to joining the Avant program. We will accept the following types of credentialing:
1. FCCPT -1
2. FCCPT - Credentials Evaluation
3. ICD
4. ICA
5. NYSED - in this case, you will be required to re-credential through FCCPT.
Avant will re-credential you if required for your placement location.
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What's the difference between the services offered by FCCPT?

Type 1 certificate - Comprehensive Credential Evaluation Review
This service is designed for the individual who needs a Health Care Worker Certificate to obtain USCIS clearance, which will permit employment as a physical therapist in the U.S. This service includes an educational credentials review, which can be used to obtain a license to practice physical therapy in the U.S, or for CMS certification as a Medicare/Medicaid provider.

Type II Certificate: Visa Credentials Review Service
Applications for the Type II process were suspended September 1, 2009.
This service was designed for foreign-educated physical therapists that do not hold a Type I certificate, but do hold a current physical therapy license to practice in the U.S., and need a Health Care Worker Certificate to maintain visa status.

Educational Credentials Review Service
The educational credentials review is used for application for licensure to practice physical therapy in the U.S. It determines whether your education is substantially equivalent to an accredited physical therapy degree program in the U.S. This may also be used for admissions requirements into some U.S. educational programs or for CMS certification as a Medicare/Medicaid provider.
For more information go to www.fccpt.org

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How recent should my clinical experience as a therapist be?
We do require current clinical experience at the time you apply to the Avant program; you need to have 12 months of current experience as a therapist in hospital / clinic or home care setting.
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How long is the recruitment process?
Avant processes our therapists using several different visa options and so timeline depends on which visa we use. The timeline can be from 3-8 months. Avant is H1 cap exempt employer.
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How long is my employment contract with Avant?
Your employment contract with Avant will be for 4160 hours. The benefit of this contract with Avant is that every hour you work is deducted from your contract term with Avant, so if you work an extra shift or overtime, this will reduce the time you are on contract with Avant.
Avant offers adjustment for those entering the US on an H1 after 12 months (2080 hours) on contract.
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How much will it cost me?
Your Avant Consultant can provide you with a comprehensive cost outline. The therapist is responsible for such costs as English exams, credentialing, Tourist visa for travel to the exam site if needed and Visa Screen. Avant covers such costs as licensure, credentialing for endorsement, exam flight and accommodations, visa fees, flight to the U.S for the therapist to commence contract with Avant, transitions program, flight onto placement location and numerous other fees and expenses related to postage and couriers.
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Step 2 - Licensure and Visa Processing

How do I obtain licensure as a therapist in the US?
All therapists must be licensed by a U.S. State Board. Initial licensure is awarded upon passing the NPTE for PT's and NBCOT for OT's. Each State Board has its own rules and specific requirements for foreign trained therapists. Our Avant Licensing Specialist 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.
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Who pays for state licensure?
Avant will pay for your state licensure application, exam registration fees, scheduling fee as well as exam costs to include flight and accommodation when applicable. We will also pay for licensure by endorsement if required for placement.
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Who pays for the exam trip?
Avant pays the cost of flights and accommodations when applicable.
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Where will I take the exam?
NBCOT can be taken in many countries internationally, while the NPTE examination is only given in the United States. We have monthly exam groups who come to test in Orlando, Florida and attend our classroom based review.
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What if I do not pass the exam?
Avant will provide you with review materials and a study program and will administer a readiness exam to assess you outcome in the actual exam. If you do not pass the exam the first time you take it, you will be responsible for costs to retake the exam in the future. Avant will work closely with you to review your test profile and plan for the next step.
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What type of employment based visa will I receive?
Currently Avant has several visa options available including H1-cap, H1-cap exempt, tourist visas and permanent residency visa. We review your own personal situation, timeline and NPTE readiness, family situation and will advise as to which visa(s) option is best for you. Avant will offer you the opportunity to be adjusted to a permanent residency visa during your contract term.
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Can my spouse and children get an immigrant visa?
Family can be included on the petition. If the therapist receives a H1-B the spouse will receive a H4 which is a non-working visa. The spouse will be able to work once work authorization is received as part of the adjustment to a permanent residency visa. If the therapist enters the US on a permanent residency visa (green card) the spouse and children will receive a green card which provides a fully working status.
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Step 3 - Clinical Support and the Transitioning Program

Will there be many clinical differences from my country to the US?
There will be many clinical differences in the US! Most notably is the level of autonomy and decision making which therapists in the US have with regard to their practice. These differences and new opportunities provide you with a great opportunity for professional growth. Avant has built our clinical support programs around the differences you will experience to ensure you have the tools to be successful!
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What type of clinical support will I get through Avant?
Avant's clinical team will support you fully through your transition into practice in the US. When you commence work at the client facility you will also be provided with a comprehensive orientation, preceptor and continued support from the Avant Clinical manager and the client facility.
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Can you help my spouse and children with the adjustment to the US?
Yes, this is a big part of the support we offer. Our Transitioning Program is very comprehensive. We cover all aspects of the transition including information you will need to enroll your children in public schools and give you an insight into some of the adjustments they will experience in transitioning to the US.
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How will I get the cultural and social transition information?
You will be given a unique log-in name to access our Transitioning Program online. Each chapter will contain checklists and have an interactive feature to ensure you have all the information you need.
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Step 4 - Assignment Selection and Working in the US

How will I chose my assignment location?
The Avant Healthcare Placement team works hard to ensure that your new assignment is the right fit for you and your family! With therapists there are many factors that work together to finalize your placement due to state board and credentialing requirements. However we do take your preference into account as these requirements allow.
Avant represents the US geographically with our clients. We carefully select health systems that are a good fit with our international program. Despite taking all of these factors into consideration, it is important that you are prepared to be flexible in regard to your placement location. But please be assured that our commitment to you is to make every effort to place you in one of your locations of choice whenever possible.
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What will my salary be?
Your salary will be very competitive not only in the US but also throughout the world. Therapists in the US are paid higher wages than most other countries. Your hourly rate will vary based on the cost of living for the region of the country and city in which your assignment hospital is located. All rates commence at $26/hr and increase from there! Contact your Avant consultant for more specific information on salary and bonus options.
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Where will I live? How much will it cost?
Our Transitioning Specialist will provide you with information on apartments and other rental properties that meet your personal specifications. You choose the housing that best suits you. We will also assist you in arranging for furniture and all the necessities for you to get settled. Your actual costs vary based your specific needs for bedrooms/bathrooms, as well as based on the area of the country and cost of living of the region/city. Avant provides free shared accommodation for you during the NPTE review program and clinical transition program. Once you move into your new apartment it will be your responsibility to pay for the housing selected as well as an required down payments and utility connections.
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Will my spouse be able to work in the US?
If you enter the US on an H1 visa then your spouse will be issued with H4. which is a non-working visa. Once an adjustment to a permanent residency visa is completed they will have full right to work, usually an employment authorization will be received within 90 days from Adjustment of Status submission with USCIS. If you enter on a permanent residency visa , your spouse will have full right to work from entry.
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Email: recruitment@avanthealthcare.com for answers to other questions