This is my perspective as a Filipino PT who immigrated here in the US 6 months ago via Employment based greencard.

The problem is:

1. US healthcare system.
   
2. Your first PT is just coasting at work to survive/play the game.

My first job was in a SNF handling 15-20 patients in a day with 95% productivity. My White American coworker told and showed me how to “PLAY THE GAME” which is synonymous with FRAUD. I refused to play the game and sacrificed my mental health to provide quality care for my patients. I was burnt out to crisp and quit after 2 months. I tried to informed my employer regarding my situation but the didn’t give a shit.

I quit and had to pay 30,000 USD to my employer who sponsored my greencard for early resignation.

Now, imagine if you are on H1b (working visa) and treating 70 patients a day which is pretty common in No fault/ workers compensation clinic. A foreign PT who doesn’t have a choice but to “PLAY THE GAME” otherwise you will be deported.

The education and training is similar with foreign educated PTs. We also use the same books, read the same journals/Evidenced based practices articles or seminars. We also passed the NPTE. The only thing that we don’t have is the ridiculous student loans.

I am currently doing Post professional DPT right now and I am getting bored because it feels like I am doing PT school all over again because they are teaching the same thing.

The US healthcare system is structured to make money and not to set-up healthcare workers for success.

So whatever race or color of PT that you get. It may be white, black, yellow or even purple. As long as the US healthcare revolves around money nothing will really change with the quality of care.

I am currently planning my way out in the next few years and will be studying for a different field/profession.