Important change to USCIS Requirements for Health Care Worker Certification
USCIS now requires the following to obtain a Type I Health Care Worker Certificate:
1. Master’s degree or higher in Physical Therapy, and
2. 202.1 semester credits minimum
In response to USCIS’ requirements, FCCPT has implemented the following requirements on the Comprehensive Credentials Review (Type 1 Review) Service:
New Type I Review applications received on or after September 15, 2016
Must possess a Master’s Degree or higher in Physical Therapy.
If you submit an application and your degree title is a Bachelor’s degree, your service will be cancelled and your application fee will be refunded.
Type I Review applications received before September 15, 2016
1. If your file is IN REVIEW (We have received all documents and are reviewing your application):
a. Master’s Degree: If your education demonstrates a Master’s degree or higher in Physical Therapy, FCCPT will complete your review. Your education must demonstrate a minimum of 202.1 semester credits, in order to be found “Substantially Equivalent”.
b. No Master’s Degree: If your education does not demonstrate a Master’s degree or higher in Physical Therapy, your service will be cancelled and your application fee will be refunded. You will have the option to change your service to an Educational Credentials Review.
c. These requirements apply to applicants with Type I Re-evaluations currently in Review as well.
2. If your file is PENDING (We have not received all documents):
a. Master’s Degree: If your education demonstrates a Master’s degree or higher in Physical Therapy and all documents are received by FCCPT by October 31, 2016, your review will be completed using the current coursework requirements (CWT5) and require a minimum of 202.1 semester credits to be found “Substantially Equivalent.” You will have the option to change your service to an Educational Credentials Review.
b. No Master’s Degree: If your education does not demonstrate a Master’s degree or higher in Physical Therapy, your service will be cancelled and your application fee will be refunded. You will have the option to change your service to an Educational Credentials Review.
c. If we have not received all documents by October 31, 2016, we will inform you at that time what options are available.
Type I Re-evaluations applications received after September 15, 2016: Your education must demonstrate a Master’s Degree or higher in Physical Therapy and minimum credit requirement of 202.1 hours to be found “Substantially Equivalent.”
Type I Renewals: USCIS requirements do not affect current and future renewals.
Previously completed Type I: USCIS requirements do not affect a completed Type I.
Other services: USCIS requirements do not affect other services (Educational Credential Review, PTA Educational Equivalency Review, and New York Credentials Verification).
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