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How to Become a Physical Therapy Intern

by | Aug 11, 2021 | Education & Career Development

Physical Therapy Internship

Are you a recent graduate ready to kickstart your career in physiotherapy? This guide will help you navigate the process of becoming a Physical Therapy Intern (PTI) and ultimately a Registered Physical Therapist (RPT) in Trinidad and Tobago.

While some Caribbean countries, like Barbados, allow graduates to register immediately with the Paramedical Professions Council, others, including Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, require a one-year internship first.

Step 1: Apply for Internship Authorisation.

To begin your internship journey, you’ll need to obtain Internship Authorisation from the Physiotherapy Board of Trinidad and Tobago. This process is facilitated by the Council for Professions Related to Medicine.

Required Documents:

  1. Completed Application Form (must be notarised by a notary public)(Click here to download)
  2. Passport Size Photograph
  3. Contact Details (Name, address, email, telephone number, etc.)
  4. Clinical Rotations (List them in descending chronological order – most recent first)
  5. Two Professional References(Click here to download)
    • References can be from:
      • The Head of Department of the School of Physical Therapy
      • Course Instructor
      • Physician
      • Another Physiotherapist (not the one verifying your placement)
  6. Police Certificate of Good Character (Ensure you submit the original certificate, as copies will not be accepted. This helps ensure a smooth application process without delays.)
    • Note: Police stations now operate by appointment only. Schedule yours here.
      • Make sure to download your completed application form directly from the completion page, as there’s a chance you may not receive it via email.
      • On the day of your appointment, carry this form along with a photo ID and 50 TTD.
      • You can expect to collect your documents approximately 7 days later, but the police station will contact you to confirm.
  7. Completion Letter/ Certified Diploma
    • Request a completion letter from your School of Physiotherapy. Contact (876) 927-2235 / Ext. 8118 or email the head of the department.
    • For diploma certification, take the original certificate to the Examinations Section at The University of the West Indies (cost: 500 JMD). A certification by a Justice of the Peace is not valid.

Submission Instructions:

Label your internship package with your name and contact details, then deliver it to the specified address 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 Delivery Note – If you hand-deliver, the office door may be locked. Simply knock, and someone will let you in. It’s also a good idea to call ahead at 868-369-4328 to inform them of your arrival. Don’t forget to sign the logbook when you submit your documents.

Additionally, I recommend scanning and emailing all documents to ptboardtt@gmail.com and chair.ptboardtt@gmail.com for confirmation of receipt.

Once approved, you will receive an Internship Clearance Form.

Step 2: Apply for Physical Therapy Internship Jobs.

While you wait for your Internship Authorisation (which can take 2-3 months), start applying for internships. You’ll need to reach out to the Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) as if you’re applying for a job. To maximise your chances of securing a position, I’d recommend applying to all RHAs; you can always decline an offer if needed. Be sure to submit your applications to the Human Resources Department of each respective RHA.

Approved RHAs for Clinical Placements:

Application Documents:

  1. Resumé (Cover Letter & Curriculum Vitae) – In your cover letter, mention that you are awaiting your Internship Authorisation and will present it upon receipt.
  2. Completion Letter or Certified Degree
  3. Photo ID – 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)
    • Email the CMO office at cmo@health.gov.tt to request permission for a 12-month internship in their physiotherapy department. Follow up with a phone call to ensure your request is being processed.

Required Rotations for Your Internship:

  • Medicine
  • Surgery/ Critical Care
  • Orthopaedics
  • Paediatrics (Note: This rotation is not offered at Port of Spain General Hospital and will be need to be completed at another hospital).

Intern Salary

Salaries for Physiotherapy Interns can vary by location:

Eric Williams Medical Science Complex8,510 TTD (before tax)
Port of Spain General Hospital7,225 TTD (before tax)
San Fernando General Hospital9,200 – 9,700 TTD
Sangre Grande HospitalVolunteer/Unpaid Internship only
Scarborough General Hospital:7,562.50 TTD (before tax) through OJT & approximately 10,000 TTD through the RHA
Internship Salaries (2021)

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER!

  • Submit the original copy of your Police Certificate of Character to the board.
  • Ensure your diploma is certified by The University of the West Indies.
  • Scan and email all your documents as a backup.
  • Apply for internships immediately and inform HR that you’re awaiting your Internship Clearance Form.

I hope this information helps you in your journey to becoming a Physical Therapy Intern. If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to reach out.

Best of luck on your internship!

Have additional questions?

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