NPTE Passer from PLM | Sir Ryan James Shares his Success Story

Becoming licensed as a physical therapist in the United States requires determination, discipline, and the courage to pursue opportunities beyond one’s comfort zone.

For Ryan James, PTRP, RPT, that journey began as a graduate of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and led him to achieve one of the most important milestones in his career — becoming an NPTE Passer from PLM.

Ryan’s success did not come easily. Like many internationally educated physical therapists, he had to balance work, academic requirements, and intense exam preparation. He spent long nights reviewing the foundations of physical therapy while ensuring he met credential requirements necessary to qualify for the exam.

Inspired by his batchmates already practicing in the United States, Ryan made the bold decision to pursue his own American dream. With determination and the support of Grandison Therapy, he successfully conquered the NPTE and took a major step toward building his physical therapy career in the United States.

Today, Ryan stands as a proud Grandison Scholar whose story continues to inspire many Filipino physical therapists who dream of following the same path.

Watch: NPTE Passer from PLM Ryan James Shares His NPTE and Grandison Journey

Here’s a quick summary of the interview and PT Ryan James’ 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 from PT Ryan.

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

So far, yung pinaka-challenging na part ng NPTE talaga is more of those preparation generally sa credentials kasi merong mga subjects ako na hindi pa nakukuha so I had to really meet those up and pass them along with actually the review for the NPTE itself. So mahirap siya pagsabayin kasama pati work pero so far with just the grit and also planning din, pacing yung study habits and all, kaya naman kasi talaga siya pagsabay-samayin basta desidido ka lang talagang i-push yung NPTE at pumasa with flying colors.

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

Yung mga ka-batch ko kasi na nauna, si Grandison kasi yung pinili nilang pinaka-agency nila and most of them sabi nila okay naman daw and all. So sabi ko, 'Why not?' Saka during that time kasi na I'm considering na mag-US, sila lang kasi talaga nag-o-offer talaga ng scholarship. So generally wala akong pera. So medyo makapal yung mukha ko ng konti pero in a way sila lang talaga yung nakakapag-offer talaga ng scholarship and all. At sabi ko nga sa sarili ko if they have the money and I have the grit, then I just have to push myself... They have been very hands-on sa part ng process at the same time making sure na makakapag-exam ako sa time slot na hinahabol ko during that time.

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

Minsan kasi parang alam mo yun pag binigyan ka kasi ng options minsan nahahabol ka sa point na mas feel ko may gut feeling, may intuition na mas pipiliin kong magtrabaho dito... I did my part naman na to research how do they work, ano yung part ng job nila doon. Kamusta sila? Nakakapagbakasyon pa nga sila habang ako hindi... Hirap mag-apply ng leave 'di ba? So hinahanap ko yung concept ko ng work-life balance na nakita ko sa mga ka-batchmate ko na nauna na sa akin na they're already parang reaping the fruits of their labor na rin nung nasa US sila.

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

Ano lang, laban lang. Ganon lang talaga is ano, dalawang words: laban lang. Okay? Hindi na matatakbuhan NPTE, nandiyan lang yan, nakaabang lang talaga yan sa inyo. Kayo na lang ang ini-invite na ipasahan. Okay? Huwag kayong mag-alala kahit mapaiba-iba ang question sa board exam, tandaan ninyo hindi nagbabago foundations. Ang anatomy hindi nagbabago. Your review will propel you to passing the board exam with flying colors. Seryosuhin mabuti, please.

Why Start Your US Physical Therapy Journey with Grandison if You Are a PLM Graduate

Graduates from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila are known for strong clinical training and dedication to patient care. Many PLM physical therapists are now exploring opportunities to practice internationally, particularly in the United States.

Grandison Therapy provides a structured pathway that helps internationally educated physical therapists navigate the complex journey toward US licensure.

For aspiring NPTE Passers from PLM, Grandison offers:

Scholarship opportunities
Financial support that helps qualified candidates begin their USPT journey without heavy upfront costs.

Guidance through credentialing requirements
Support in meeting academic and licensing requirements needed to qualify for the NPTE.

NPTE preparation support
Structured NPTE guidance and mentorship to help candidates prepare effectively for one of the most challenging licensure exams in the profession.

End-to-end pathway to US employment
From exam preparation to eventual job placement in the United States healthcare system.

Ryan’s success reflects what is possible when preparation, mentorship, and determination come together.

For many Filipino physical therapists — especially graduates of PLM — the pathway toward becoming a US-licensed PT can begin with the right guidance and support system.