My dream as an HIV+ professional

[novemberguy]

Hi guys. I just want to know if I still have the chance to work in the United States as  a Physical Therapist? I have been poz since 2010, not on ARVs since my CD4 levels doesn't necessitate yet. I am from the Philippines and a lot of agencies & employers are recruiting PTs here to work in the US since it pays better. I really dream of working there but I heard employers are requiring a medical exam (that includes HIV testing) at the latter part of the processes: after the NPTE (national PT exam), working VISA application, etc etc. And I think if they knew i am poz they won't accept me... =(   Any insights and help? esp. from people in the US.

BTW I have eligibility to take the NPTE in the state of NY. But I did not pursue processing my papers after I knew I was poz because I was thinking if it will be a waste of money, effort and time because in the end I won't be accepted by the employers once they discover in the medical exam that I am poz. Processing these things are expensive but I am willing to process it if I have an assurance that I will be accepted.

One agency told me before in a casual conversation that potential applicants who fail in the medical exam (those who are sick from TB, AIDS etc) aren't being employed to the US. They consider them as business loss.

PS: Some people here suggested to me to apply in HIV institutions in NYS but I don't have an idea how and where?

>I would really appreciate help from you people. Thank you & Merry christmas to everyone! God bless us all

[texaninnyc87]

Someone else will definitely know more about this but I am pretty sure it's illegal in the US to discriminate against someone based on their HIV status. Also, most health screenings, that I know of, do not include blood work so there's a good chance it might not even come up. Hope you have a merry christmas!

[Mrmojorisin]

There was a restriction on HIV+ foreigners entering the US, but that was lifted a while ago. That was why the International Aids Conference was held in DC this year. As far as working, people with HIV/AIDS are protected under the  Americans with Disabilities Act. It is illegal to discriminate against someone with HIV/AIDS as far as employment..
 

[wolfter]

http://www.hivlawandpolicy.org/resourceCategories/view/15

Here is a link that I think you might find useful. 

Wolfie

[novemberguy]

Thank you for you replies guys! Right now I'm currently contacting HIV institutions & inquiring if they would consider me for employment. Hope I would be able to live my American dream. =)