What is required for a foreign-trained physical therapist to obtain licensure in D.C.?

To obtain licensure in the District of Columbia as a foreign-trained physical therapist, individuals must undergo a credential evaluation and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). The credential evaluation is crucial because it assesses the educational background and determines whether it meets the standards set by the DC Board of Physical Therapy, ensuring that the foreign degree is equivalent to what is expected from domestic graduates.

Passing the NPTE is essential as it evaluates the candidate's competency and ensures that they possess the necessary knowledge and skills to practice safely and effectively in a clinical setting. This examination is a national standard for physical therapy licensure, which maintains the quality and consistency of the profession across states.

While certain factors like fluency in English may be important for practice, they are not formal prerequisites for licensure in D.C. Similarly, residency or internships, and specific years of practice in the home country are not conditions required for licensure under current regulations. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the necessary steps of credential evaluation and examination as pivotal for licensure for foreign-trained physical therapists in D.C.