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How to Become a Physical Therapy Intern

by | Aug 11, 2021 | Uncategorized

Becoming a Physical Therapy Intern.

This is an Internship Guide for Physical Therapy Graduands/Graduates Seeking Internship Opportunities in Trinidad and Tobago.

You have been successful in your Final Professional Examinations, so what’s next? Well, the natural course would be to become a Physical Therapy Intern (PTI) and then a Registered Physical Therapist (RPT). A Physiotherapy internship is not required in all Caribbean countries. On islands such as Barbados, graduates can immediately become registered through the Paramedical Professions Council and begin practicing Physiotherapy. However, in places like Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, you are required to do one year of internship before your Physiotherapy board registers you.

Step 1: Apply for Internship Authorization.

Internship Authorization is granted by the Physiotherapy Board of Trinidad and Tobago and facilitated through the Council for Professions Related to Medicine.

Documents required to fulfil your application:

  1. Completed Application Form(Click here to download)
    • Passport Size Photograph
    • Contact Details (Name, address, email, telephone number, etc.)
    • Clinical Rotations (in chronological order – most recent first)
    • Application form needs to be notarized by a notary public.
  2. Two Professional References(Click here to download)
    • References can be completed by:
      • The Head of Department of the School of Physical Therapy
      • Course Instructor
      • Physician
      • Physiotherapist other than the Physiotherapist who will verify your clinical placement
  3. Police Certificate of Good Character –
    • Police stations are no longer allowing walk-ins, it is appointment-based. To schedule an appointment at your nearest police station click here.
    • Download your Completed Application form directly from the completion page as the system is faulty and you may not receive it via email.
    • On your appointment day, don’t forget to walk with this form, a Photo Identification and 50 TTD. You can collect after 7 days.
    • Ensure that you submit the original Certificate and not a copy or else your application will be on hold and the board may or may not inform you.
  4. Completion Letter/ Certified Diploma
    • Request a letter of completion directly from the School of Physiotherapy. Call (876) 927-2235 / Ext. 8118 or email either the head of department or the office’s secretary.
    • To certify your diploma, carry the original certificate to the Examinations Section at The University of the West Indies (the cost is 500 JMD). A diploma certified by a Justice of the Peace will not be valid.

NEXT: Label your Internship package with your name and contact and deliver it to the following address either via FedEx/DHL or by hand.

Address: The Secretary, Physiotherapists Board, c/o The Council of Professions Related to Medicine Shop #4, Government Plaza, Richmond Street, Port of Spain, Trinidad W.I.

Important to Note re: Hand Delivery – Upon arrival, you may think the office is closed as the door is always locked and you can’t see on the inside. However just knock and someone will open. You can even call 868-369-4328 in advance to inform them that you would be coming in. They should also make you sign a log to show that you submitted the documents – so ensure this is done.

In addition, I suggest scanning and forwarding all documents to ptboardtt@gmail.com cc: chair.ptboardtt@gmail.com. You should receive a reply stating that your documents have been received. 

Once approved you will be forwarded an Internship Clearance Form.

Step 2: Apply for Physiotherapy Internship Jobs.

It is important to note that this step should be done in the interim, WHILE waiting for your Internship Authorization as that process can take a while (2-3 months).

You must apply to Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) on your own as if you are applying for a job. I would recommend applying to all RHAs in order to increase your chances of being selected – you can always decline the offer. Applications are to be submitted to the Human Resources Department of the respective RHA.

The Regional Health Authorities that have been cleared for Clinical Placements include:

Documents to be submitted to Human Resources include:

  1. Resumé (Cover Letter & Curriculum Vitae) – In your Cover Letter, state that you are awaiting Internship Authorization and will present the document once received. You can also attach a professional portrait/ passport size photo to your CV.
  2. Completion Letter or Certified Degree
  3. Photo Identification – National Identification Card or Passport
  4. Copy of Police Certificate of Character – This is also the importance of scanning all documents before submitting your Internship Application.
  5. Approval from the CMOH (Required for ERHA only)
    • Send an email to CMO office (cmo@health.gov.tt) requesting necessary permission to proceed on internship at the physiotherapy department at ERHA for 12 months.
    • Ensure to also call the office and follow up on your request.

The rotations required to fulfil your internship include:

  • Medicine
  • Surgery/ Critical Care
  • Orthopedics
  • Paediatrics (Not offered at Port of Spain General Hospital, hence an alternate location is needed to complete such rotation)

A Physiotherapy Intern’s salary varies from hospital to hospital:

  • Eric Williams Medical Science Complex – 8510 TTD (before tax)
  • Port of Spain General Hospital – 7225 TTD (before tax)
  • San Fernando General Hospital – 9200 – 9700 TTD
  • Sangre Grande Hospital – Volunteer/Unpaid Internship only
  • Scarborough General Hospital – 7562.50 TTD before tax through OJT & approximately 10K through the RHA

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER!

  • Submit the original copy of your Police Certificate of Character.
  • Ensure the copy of your Diploma is academically certified by the University of the West Indies.
  • Scan all your documents and submit your application via email as well.
  • Apply for Physiotherapy Internship jobs immediately – inform HR that you are awaiting your Internship Clearance Form

I hope the information above is helpful in your journey of becoming a Physical Therapy Intern. If you have any other questions, queries or concerns, feel free to message me.

All the best in your Internship!