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Grandison PT Success Story | Life as a Filipino PT in the USA

Grandison PT Success Story | Life as a Filipino PT in the USA

The Aspirations of Professional Growth as a Physical Therapist in the New York

Meet our esteemed Grandison graduate Doc Mark Apostol, as he shares his USA journey and life as a Physical Therapist in the United States.

For tonight Doc Mark will share his journey starting from being a Physical Therapist staff and paving his way as an Assistant Professor for a Physical Therapy Program in a university in New York. Truly inspiring , isn’t it?

Join us in another Grandison Espresso Lounge kamustahan with one of our deployed nurses in the United States — Nurse Jessah!

This is your virtual coffee table, a place where we catch-up with our nurses, PTs, OTs and partners. Here, we encourage everyone to share their voice and experience, to educate and inspire Filipino nurses and know that no #AmericanDream is impossible when you have the right partner and perseverance.

Hi everyone! My name is Mark. I am an assistant professor in a physical therapy program here in the Us. In New York. So I graduated from the University of Santo Tomas in 2,009, and I finished my Doctor of Science Degree from Andrews University in Michigan. What 2 years ago and I've been a practicing physical therapist here in the Us. Since 2,012.

PT Mark, RPT, DPT

Play and Watch Full Interview and Grandison Review below:

Here’s a quick summary of the interview and PT Mark’s USA journey.

Disclaimer: Some parts were translated and summarized in context. You may refer to the full raw video for complete review, experience and advise.

Why did you choose to pursue a career in the United States?

My mom lives in Canada so I thought would be closer to her if I work in the United States. Aside from that, I wanted to work in the USA really for myself, for my professional growth as a Physical Therapist.

After finishing your contract with Grandison, when did you realize that you also have a passion for teaching?

My contract with Grandison was 3 years, they assigned me to skilled rehab facilities in the USA which gave me the opportunity to handle different type of PT patients and residents. So after my contract with Grandison, I worked with a hospital here in the USA and from there I had the experience to teach interns from a big medical school here in the USA so that opened the door for me.

As a Physical Therapist - can you say the USA is worth pursuing??

It's definitely worth it! I have grown both personally and professionally, and if you'd ask me to go back and if I will choose USA again, I will definitely choose it again despite the long processing

How's the salary as a Physical therapist in the USA?

For 15 years I was a full time PT clinician. When you work here as a clinician you have the chance to work in different settings amd usually that's 35 hours per week plus aside from that you can do extra work like homecare or teaching. The salary as a Full Time PT would be enough but for some who wants to earn more, they can always do other jobs

How did you adapt in the USA? What was your biggest challenge?

One of the many challenges I had when I was new here was documentation. They usually pay here through insurance. I was already brief about documentation before starting my work however they still have different process depending on the facility.

What was your biggest cultural adjustment?

When I came here, I was expected to be outspoken because that's how they are here so that's one of the challenge na hinarap ko as a newbie here in the USA. And some of the residents they use different language so sometimes I have to work with an interpreter.

How do you want to use your voice or inspire other Pts who are torn, whether they should be pursuing their dream to work and advance their career careers in other countries like the U.S.A. Or staying in the Philippines to help with the physical therapy services needed by our?

I think that's a personal choice. So I guess the 1st question is, you have to ask yourself, what's your goal? If your goal is to really help. You know. So I think the best option for you is, you know, in the Philippines. And you know if your goal is like me, who wants to be closer to family, or you want to pursue higher education. Maybe I mean, you can also pursue higher education in the Philippines. Don't get me wrong. But for me, my main goal. Why I moved to the Us. Was to be closer to my family and and to professional growth. So I think you have to ask that it's a personal choice. They have to ask themselves, What's their goal?

So I would be very, very happy if a lot of our Filipino Pts in the future will pursue higher education, you know, so they can join Academ. Maybe you have to pursue the doctor of philosophy. That's Phd. You know. It can be a doctor of education, which is Edd or a doctor of science or a DSC, another way for you to enhance your skills, maybe, is to pursue a degree, a transitional dpt, a transitional doctorate in physical therapy degree.

PT Mark, RPT, DPT
physical therapist jobs in the USA

Ready to Start Your PT USA Journey?

Whether you’re just starting to explore international opportunities or you’ve been waiting for years to start your career in the USA, Grandison is here to help.

As a trusted U.S. physical therapist staffing agency partnered with DMW-accredited recruiters in the Philippines, we’re committed to guiding Filipino Physical Therapists like you from application to arrival—and beyond.

Apply now or send your inquiry so that our recruitment team can assess and process your application.

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