In an unprecedented
development, USCIS is demanding that FCCPT only issue FCCPT Type I Certificates
to graduates of university programs whose diploma
titles read “Masters Degree,” and who have at least 202.1 credit hours. Any graduate of a program that is equivalent
to a US Masters Degree will no longer be eligible to enter the US and practice Physcial
Therapy. USCIS’ actions put US patients’
lives at risk, decimate an already dire Physcial Therapy shortage, and alienate
fully qualified foreign-trained Physcial Therapists.
USCIS has issued a
Notice of Intent to Deny the FCCPT’s ability to issue Type I Certificates. FCCPT is understandably ceding to the USCIS’
wishes in spite of USCIS outrageous action.
The USCIS’ actions were done without the advice and consultation of
interested stakeholders, such as FSBPT, APTA, CAPTE and the AAIHR. It is unclear if the USCIS has consulted with
the US HHS, which it is required to do by statute.
The AAIHR has
issued a press release on this matter,
which sums up the issue:
“USCIS’ decision was predicated on a number
of potential misunderstandings and inaccuracies. USCIS’ decision to
terminate FCCPT accrediting these international programs is largely based on
assumptions around required coursework hours and degree titles. However, the comparison of degree “titles” or
credit hours is irrelevant. Titles and credit hours vary by institution."
MU Law is releasing an FAQ shortly.
I currently have a Master's Degree but I am not sure if I have the 202.1 credit hours required. The previous credit hours requirement was at 150 also with a Master's Degree, so I was wondering what entails that additional credits? Does it mean we have to take additional subjects? I hope you can help us with any information because FCCPT doesn't seem to have any idea at the moment. Thank you very much!
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