US trained/licensed physiotherapist- how to work as PT in Singapore?
Hello!
I have my doctorate degree in physical therapy (2010) and I am licensed in the state of Connecticut, USA. I will be moving to Singapore later this year because of my husband's job, and I would love some information on the process of getting a PT job there.
Do I have to be licensed there (in addition to my US license)? Do I need to take another test? Am I required to register with the SPA and/or the MOH?
Am I exempt from taking the MOH qualifying exam if I am already US licensed? Where can I find the MOH list of accredited schools to check if I am exempted?
We will live in Singapore for 2-3 years, or possibly longer if my husband gets promoted. Would it be wiser to apply for Singapore permanent residency?
I do not have any work experience yet, other than the clinical rotations completed during my education. I also only speak English. Are these barriers to employment in Singapore?
Thanks in advance for any help! :)
Re: US trained/licensed physiotherapist- how to work as PT in Singapore?
I have similar questions. I am a Canadian trained physiotherapist with my husband pursuing a job opportunity in Singapore. I haven't been able to find the MOH list of accredited schools either.
I do know that speaking English is not a barrier to working in Singapore.
I also had questions regarding the average salary for a physiotherapist in Singapore.
Re: US trained/licensed physiotherapist- how to work as PT in Singapore?
I am going to try and call the MOH and talk to them directly to see if my school in FL is exempt from their test.
The salary for a PT is not very good in Singapore. I looked up the average annual salary on the internet Physiotherapist Average Salary Income - International Comparison. That site and some other sites online confirm that a PT in Singapore is expected to make about S$2500/month, or on average S$27,000 to S$35,000. This is about 1/2 of a starting salary for a recent PT grad here in the states. Crazy! I think the salary level also depends on if you work in a private facility or a hospital. Regardless, it won't come close to what I would be able to make in the US.
I am heading out to Singapore in two weeks to meet my husband there for a short term visit. I will try to get some more information about a PT job/salary while I'm there.
Re: US trained/licensed physiotherapist- how to work as PT in Singapore?
I found the average monthly salary for PT on the Ministry of Manpower website for 2009. The monthly average salary was $3333, which is $39996/year gross income. The income tax rate is approx. 10%, but that still is a substantial difference from my Canadian take home pay.
Re: US trained/licensed physiotherapist- how to work as PT in Singapore?
Do you have that website? That's at least a little more promising than the numbers I found, but like you said still a significant difference in pay. We are trying to figure out if we can justify a pay cut for me if this will ultimately be a better career move for my husband.
Re: US trained/licensed physiotherapist- how to work as PT in Singapore?
Of course when I searched again, I couldn't find the same site, but I did find this one:
Ministry of Manpower: Career Compass
When you google, this is what you usually get:
Physiotherapist Average Salary Income - International Comparison
I'm in a similar situation with my husband. I think it's a step back for a PT career from the looks of things, but could be an exciting opportunity to live abroad.
Re: US trained/licensed physiotherapist- how to work as PT in Singapore?