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Characteristics of US-Licensed Foreign-Educated Physical Therapists

Mark W. Cornwall, Mary T. Keehn, Mark Lane
DOI: 10.2522/ptj.20140569 Published 1 March 2016
Mark W. Cornwall
M.W. Cornwall, PT, PhD, FAPTA, Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, Northern Arizona University, PO Box 15105, Flagstaff, AZ 86011 (USA).
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Mary T. Keehn
M.T. Keehn, PT, DPT, MHPE, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
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Mark Lane
M. Lane, PT, MPT, Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, Alexandria, Virginia.
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Abstract

Background Foreign-educated physical therapists are often viewed as one possible solution to the current shortage of physical therapists, yet there is very little research regarding these individuals.

Objective The purpose of this study was to describe those physical therapists who are licensed in the United States but who were educated in another country. This description includes their country of education, their employment patterns, and the reasons they decided to emigrate and work as a physical therapist in the United States.

Design A cross-sectional survey was conducted.

Methods An electronic survey was sent to all physical therapists currently licensed in the United States who had been educated in another country. Those who had been licensed within the last 5 years are reported.

Results The results of the survey indicated that the typical foreign-educated physical therapist is female, aged 32.2 years, and was born and trained in either the Philippines or India. A majority of foreign-educated physical therapists obtained their first license in New York, Michigan, Illinois, Texas, or Florida. The most common reasons cited as to why a particular jurisdiction was chosen for initial employment were “recruiter recommendation,” “family, spouse, partner, or friends,” “ease of the licensure process,” and “ability to secure a visa sponsor.” A majority of foreign-educated physical therapists in this study initially worked in a skilled nursing facility, a long-term care or extended care facility, or a home health setting.

Limitations Only those foreign-educated physical therapists licensed within the last 5 years are reported.

Conclusions This study is the first to report on foreign-educated physical therapists in the United States. The findings of this study will provide important and useful information to others dealing with physical therapy professional and workforce issues.

Footnotes

  • All authors provided concept/idea/research design. Dr Cornwall and Dr Keehn provided writing and data analysis. Dr Cornwall provided data collection and fund procurement. Dr Cornwall and Mr Lane provided project management. Mr Lane provided participants. Dr Keehn and Mr Lane provided consultation (including review of manuscript before submission).

  • The Northern Arizona University Human Subjects Committee reviewed and approved the study protocol.

  • The work described in this report was supported by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

  • Received December 11, 2014.
  • Accepted August 9, 2015.
  • © 2016 American Physical Therapy Association
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Vol 96 Issue 3 Table of Contents
Physical Therapy: 96 (3)

Issue highlights

  • Physical Therapists and Transformative Practice and Population Management
  • Patients' Perceptions of Physical Therapists' Messages
  • Single- and Dual-Task TUG Performance in Middle-Aged and Older Adults
  • Characteristics of Foreign-Educated Physical Therapists
  • “Red Flags” and Causes of Back Pain in Older Adults
  • Older Adult Responses to Balance Tasks
  • Clinical Balance Tests in the Knee Osteoarthritis Population
  • Reactive Balance in Individuals With Chronic Stroke
  • Enhanced Postural Control in Children
  • “Stepping Up” Activity Poststroke
  • Perceptions of Physical Activity
  • Study of Hyperkyphosis, Exercise and Function (SHEAF) Protocol
  • Pilates for Chronic Low Back Pain
  • Development and Initial Testing of Playskin Lift
  • Diabetic Complications and Balance and Falls
  • Promoting Community Health Through Community-Based Research
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Characteristics of US-Licensed Foreign-Educated Physical Therapists
Mark W. Cornwall, Mary T. Keehn, Mark Lane
Physical Therapy Mar 2016, 96 (3) 293-304; DOI: 10.2522/ptj.20140569

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Characteristics of US-Licensed Foreign-Educated Physical Therapists
Mark W. Cornwall, Mary T. Keehn, Mark Lane
Physical Therapy Mar 2016, 96 (3) 293-304; DOI: 10.2522/ptj.20140569
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Subjects

  • Health Policy & Administration
    • Health Policy & Administration: Other
  • Physical Therapist Practice
    • Professional Issues
  • American Physical Therapy Association
    • APTA: Other

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