Filipino NPTE Passer Journey | PT Gaile’s Grandison Story

For many Filipino physical therapists, the journey toward practicing in the United States begins with a single goal: passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).

For Lourdes Gaile, that dream required determination, discipline, and the ability to balance work and preparation for one of the most challenging licensure exams in the profession.

Today, Gaile proudly joins the growing number of Filipino NPTE passers preparing to build their careers in the United States.

Her story reflects the reality many aspiring international physical therapists experience—long nights of studying, strict time management, and unwavering determination to achieve their professional goals.

Watch PT Gaile’s Inspiring NPTE Journey

Here’s a quick summary of the interview and PT Gaile’s journey in passing the NPTE. Disclaimer: Some parts were translated and summarized in context. You may refer to the full raw video for complete review, experience and tips as a Filipino NPTE passer.

What part of your NPTE journey challenged you the most, and how did you overcome it?

Yung part na pinakanahihirapan ako during my NPTE journey is yung sa pagre-review and yung time management. Kasi ako, nagre-review ako madaling araw kasi yun yung functional yung utak ko. Yung pasok naman namin is morning, 7AM or 8AM. Yung tulog ko between that, super konti na lang pero kaya naman

Why did you choose Grandison as your guide and support throughout your US PT journey?

After ko makapasa ng local exam nung December 2020, lumapit sa akin si Sir Richard and then nag-introduce siya ng Grandison sa akin. Actually wala akong idea kung ano yung Grandison. So it took me four months para i-grab yung opportunity. Matinding research if legit ba siya, which is legit nga, and nandito na ako ngayon.

Why did you choose the USA as the destination to build your PT career?

Bago pa lang ako pumasok ng PT nung first year college ako, parang nakatanim na sa utak ko na pag PT is Amerika na.

What message or advice would you give to future NPTE takers who want to follow your path?

Ma-advice ko sa mga future NPTE takers ay magkaroon ng time management kasi talagang mahirap yun. If working ka and nagre-review, yung grit yung kailangan mo. And then at the same time, alamin mo kung saan ka komportable at functional. Huwag kang mag-review nang mag-review kahit hindi naman pumapasok sa isip mo. So kailangan relax din. Huwag kang mag-guilty if magre-relax ka.

Start Your US Physical Therapy Journey with Grandison

The pathway toward becoming a US-licensed physical therapist may appear complex at first.

However, with the right guidance and support system, the journey becomes more manageable.

Grandison Therapy continues to assist internationally educated physical therapists by providing structured guidance, mentorship, and support throughout the NPTE preparation and US PT career pathway.

Stories like Gaile’s demonstrate that with determination and the right support, Filipino physical therapists can successfully achieve their dream of practicing in the United States.

For aspiring NPTE candidates who share the same goal, the journey can begin with the right preparation and the courage to pursue new opportunities.