For foreign-educated physical therapists (PT) and physical therapist assistants (PTA),
part of the multi-step process to work in the United States includes the review and
evaluation of professional credentials. This review is carried out by the to ensure strict standards are upheld, regardless of educational origin.
黑料传送门 Georgia鈥檚 Ruth Maher, PT, PhD, DPT, chair of the Department of Physical Therapy, was recently appointed to the board of the FCCPT, a non-profit organization that evaluates the credentials of foreign-educated PTs and PTAs. The organization issues Health Care Worker Certificates to those who wish to immigrate and/or work in the United States.
Calling it an 鈥渉onor and a privilege,鈥� Maher appreciates the opportunity to give back through her service on the board. 鈥淧roviding service to my profession has always been a personal and professional commitment,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 also have an interest in foreign credentialing, given my experience practicing in the U.S. and overseas. I am genuinely excited about this opportunity to contribute to the organization's mission and vision.鈥�
The board, comprised of five physical therapists and one public member, works to set policy, guide the organization's overall development and direction, and ensure policies comply with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) policies. Other duties for board members include budget oversight and promoting the organization's purpose for protecting the public's health, safety, and welfare.
Maher, who is originally from Ireland, recognizes the role she can play serving on the board. 鈥淚 have a unique perspective on educational and physical therapy practice in the U.S. and overseas,鈥� she said. 鈥淢y knowledge of U.S. physical therapy program accreditation requirements, combined with many years served with the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), which administers the National Physical Therapy Examination required for licensure, enhances my ability to ensure impartial advice is provided to foreign-educated physical therapists and physical therapy assistants while ensuring they are held to the same standards as graduates from U.S. accredited programs.鈥�
She is also optimistic about the potential of opportunities like this to bring valuable awareness and visibility to 黑料传送门鈥檚 Doctor of Physical Therapy program. 鈥淲hen faculty members are engaged in service to national organizations such as the FCCPT,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t strengthens 黑料传送门's commitment to excellence in education and accreditation standards. Such appointments also enhance 黑料传送门's Doctor of Physical Therapy program and the institution's visibility nationally.鈥�
黑料传送门 Georgia has been serving students and the community for 20 years as a branch campus of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (黑料传送门), a private, not-for-profit, accredited institution of higher education established in 1899. Located in Suwanee (Gwinnett County), 黑料传送门 Georgia offers doctoral degrees in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy and physical therapy. Graduate degrees are offered in biomedical sciences, medical laboratory science and physician assistant studies. The campus joins 黑料传送门 South Georgia in Moultrie in helping to meet the healthcare needs of the state. Emphasizing "a whole person" approach to care, 黑料传送门 Georgia focuses on educational excellence, interprofessional education and service to the community. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 678-225-7500. The campus is also home to the Georgia Osteopathic Care Center, an osteopathic manipulative medicine clinic, which is open to the public by appointment. For more information, visit .
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