FCCPT Deficiency Make-Up Plan (P.L.A.N.): How Foreign-Trained PTs Can Fix Credentialing Gaps

Introduction: What Happens If Your Credentials Are Not Equivalent? If you are a foreign-trained physical therapist, receiving a credentialing report that says your education is not substantially equivalent to U.S. standards can be discouraging. But this does not mean your journey is over. 👉 The FCCPT Planned Learning Assistance Network (P.L.A.N.) was created specifically to help you bridge that gap.   What Is the FCCPT P.L.A.N. Program? The Planned Learning Assistance Network (P.L.A.N.) is a service offered by the Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT). Its purpose is to:

• Identify your educational deficiencies 
• Recommend specific coursework 
• Help you achieve equivalency with U.S. PT education standards 

  Who Should Use P.L.A.N.? This program is designed for:

• Foreign-trained PTs with deficiencies in their credential evaluation 
• Applicants needing targeted coursework instead of repeating an entire degree 

👉 It provides a structured and efficient path to licensure.   Common Deficiencies Identified by FCCPT Many foreign-trained PTs have similar gaps in their education. Common deficient areas include:

• Administration and management 
• Cardiopulmonary system 
• Community health and wellness 
• Differential diagnosis 
• Clinical decision-making 
• Geriatrics 
• Integumentary system (wound care) 
• Legal and ethical aspects 
• Pediatrics 
• Pharmacology 
• Supervised clinical practice 

  👉 These are critical areas required for entry-level PT practice in the U.S.   How the P.L.A.N. Program Works The process is straightforward:

1. Credential Evaluation

You must first complete:

• FCCPT Educational Credentials Review 

 

2. Deficiency Identification

FCCPT identifies:

• Missing coursework 
• Credit deficiencies 

 

3. Course Recommendations

A P.L.A.N. counselor provides:

• Specific courses you need 
• Approved institutions 
• Suggested learning pathways 

 

4. Completion of Coursework

You complete the required courses through:

• Accredited universities 
• Online or hybrid programs 

 

5. Re-Evaluation

After completing courses:

• Submit documentation for re-evaluation 
• Confirm equivalency to U.S. standards 

  Recommended Universities for Deficiency Coursework Many programs are available through transitional DPT (tDPT) programs, often offered online.   Examples of APTA-Accredited Institutions A.T. Still University (Arizona)

• Offers flexible online coursework 
• Popular for foreign-trained PTs 

  Florida Gulf Coast University

• Strong PT program 
• Offers advanced coursework 

  MGH Institute of Health Professions (Massachusetts)

• Highly respected institution 
• Offers specialized PT education 

  New York Institute of Technology

• Offers programs for international students 
• Flexible learning options 

  👉 Many of these programs allow you to complete coursework remotely, making them accessible even outside the U.S.   Alternative Strategies to Fix Deficiencies While P.L.A.N. is helpful, it is not your only option.  

1. Consult Your Classmates or Batchmates

Ask:

• Which deficiencies they had 
• Which credentialing agency they used 
• How they resolved their issues 

👉 This can save you time and prevent trial-and-error mistakes.  

2. Complete General Education Courses Locally

For deficiencies like:

• Basic sciences 
• General education subjects 

You may:

• Enroll in local colleges 
• Complete courses at lower cost 

 

3. Take Professional Courses at Accredited PT Schools

For clinical subjects:

• Choose accredited PT programs 
• Focus on coursework aligned with U.S. standards 

 

4. Use Online Coursework Options

Many universities now offer:

• Fully online PT courses 
• Flexible completion timelines 

👉 This is often the most practical option for international applicants.   Cost Breakdown of FCCPT P.L.A.N. Services Understanding the cost can help you plan effectively.   P.L.A.N. Service Fees

• Full service: $350 
• Hourly consultation: $100 per 30 minutes 

  Required Initial Evaluation

• Educational Credentials Review: ~$465 
• Type I Comprehensive Evaluation: ~$660 

  Re-Evaluation Fee

• After completing coursework: $210 

  Important Money-Saving Tip 👉 Complete as many deficiencies as possible before applying for FCCPT evaluation Why?

• Avoid multiple re-evaluation fees 
• Reduce overall costs 
• Save time in the long run 

  Common Mistakes to Avoid Avoid these costly errors:

• ❌ Applying for evaluation before completing deficiencies 
• ❌ Taking courses not approved by your state board 
• ❌ Ignoring course equivalency requirements 
• ❌ Not planning financially for the process 
• ❌ Relying only on one source of information 

  Why This Matters for Foreign-Trained PTs Credentialing deficiencies are one of the biggest barriers to U.S. licensure. Without addressing them:

• You cannot sit for the NPTE 
• You cannot obtain a license 
• Your career progression is delayed 

👉 The P.L.A.N. program provides a clear path forward.   How RehabSurge Supports Your Journey At RehabSurge, we understand the challenges of credentialing and licensure. As an online continuing education provider, we help you:

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

        ◦ California          ◦ New York          ◦ North Carolina          ◦ Other states with reciprocity  Our goal is to support you from preparation to long-term career success.   Final Thoughts: Turn Deficiencies Into Opportunities Receiving a deficiency report is not a failure—it’s a roadmap. 👉 It tells you exactly what you need to fix.   With the right strategy, you can:

• Complete required coursework 
• Achieve equivalency 
• Move forward toward licensure 

  Stay proactive, stay informed, and keep moving forward—your goal is within reach.