Credentialing Problems for Foreign-Trained Physical Therapists: How to Fix Deficiencies and Get Licensed

Introduction: Credentialing Issues Are Common—But Fixable If you are a foreign-trained physical therapist, encountering credentialing deficiencies is not unusual. Many applicants receive evaluation reports stating:

• Missing credit units 
• Deficient coursework 
• Incomplete documentation 

At first, this can feel discouraging. But here’s the reality: 👉 Most credentialing problems can be resolved with the right approach. This guide will walk you through practical steps to correct deficiencies and move forward toward licensure in the United States.   Understanding the Two Most Common Credentialing Deficiencies Before fixing the problem, you need to understand what type of deficiency you have.  

1. Insufficient Credit Units

Your evaluation may show:

• You do not meet the minimum required credits for U.S. standards 

This is often due to:

• Differences in international education systems 
• Credit conversion (e.g., foreign credits may be reduced when converted to U.S. equivalents) 

 

2. Missing or Unverified Documentation

Sometimes, you actually completed the coursework—but:

• It was not properly documented 
• The course title does not match U.S. equivalents 
• The credentialing agency could not verify it 

👉 This is one of the most fixable issues.   Step 1: Contact the Credentialing Agency First Your first step should always be to: 👉 Speak directly with the credentialing agency Ask them:

• What specific deficiencies you have 
• What options are available to correct them 

  Common Solutions They May Suggest

• Taking continuing education (CE) courses 
• Enrolling in online coursework 
• Returning to school for additional credits 

(Some options are more practical than others.)   Step 2: Contact Your School for Documentation Your school can be one of your most valuable resources. They can help:

• Clarify course content 
• Provide official letters 
• Match your coursework to U.S. equivalents 

  Example: Fixing a Credit Deficiency Let’s say:

• Your report shows 67 professional units 
• Your state requires 69 units 

You notice:

• Your undergraduate thesis (3 credits) was not counted 

  What You Can Do Ask your school to:

• Provide a letter stating your thesis is equivalent to a U.S. course (e.g., Research Methods) 

If:

• 1 foreign credit = 0.75 U.S. credits 

Then:

• 3 credits = 2.25 U.S. credits 

👉 Your total becomes 69.25 credits—meeting the requirement.   Step 3: Clarify Course Equivalencies Sometimes, courses are not recognized simply because of naming differences. For example:

• “Geriatric Rehabilitation” may not appear explicitly 
• But the content may exist within: 

        ◦ Medical-Surgical Lectures          ◦ Rehabilitation Theory          ◦ Clinical Practice courses    What to Do

• Identify where the content was covered 
• Ask your school to provide documentation explaining equivalency 

👉 This can often resolve missing course issues without taking new classes.   Step 4: Contact the State Board (Critical Step) If:

• You’ve submitted additional documentation 
• The credentialing agency still reports deficiencies 

👉 Your next step is the state licensing board   Why This Matters The state board—not the credentialing agency—has the final authority to grant licensure.   Example Scenario You are missing:

• Pharmacology 
• Wound care (integumentary rehabilitation) 

  Possible Solutions Ask the state board if they allow:

• Continuing education courses 
• Online coursework 
• Approved supplemental programs 

  Important Insight

• Some credentialing agencies may reject certain courses 
• But the state board may still accept them 

👉 Always follow the state board’s guidance.   Step 5: Take Approved Courses (If Needed) If additional coursework is required: Look for:

• Accredited programs 
• Online options for flexibility 

  Example Option Institutions like:

• A.T. Still University 

Offer:

• Online courses for licensing deficiencies 
• Flexible timelines (some courses completed in ~6 weeks) 

  Important Rule: Always Check Before You Enroll Before taking any course: 👉 Confirm with the state board that it will be accepted Failing to do this can:

• Waste time 
• Waste money 
• Delay your licensure 

  Common Mistakes to Avoid Avoid these common errors:

• ❌ Taking courses without state board approval 
• ❌ Assuming course titles will automatically match 
• ❌ Not requesting documentation from your school 
• ❌ Ignoring credit conversion differences 
• ❌ Relying only on the credentialing agency’s opinion 

  Why This Process Feels Challenging Credentialing issues can be frustrating because:

• Requirements vary by state 
• Agencies use strict evaluation standards 
• Documentation may be incomplete or unclear 

But with persistence and the right strategy, most issues can be resolved.   How RehabSurge Supports Foreign-Trained Physical Therapists At RehabSurge, we understand how complex the credentialing process can be. As an online continuing education provider, we help you:

• Access flexible CE courses 
• Stay compliant with licensing requirements 
• Meet standards accepted in: 

        ◦ California          ◦ New York          ◦ North Carolina          ◦ Other states with reciprocity  Our goal is to support you through every step of your professional journey.   Final Thoughts: Stay Persistent and Strategic Credentialing deficiencies are not the end of the road. They are simply: 👉 A step in the process   To move forward:

• Communicate with your credentialing agency 
• Work closely with your school 
• Follow guidance from your state board 
• Choose courses carefully