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Maybe you want to know more about becoming a physical therapy assistant in Nebraska.
In that case, read on as this guide will provide info regarding licensing and training.
Article Table of Contents
Earning Your License as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Nebraska
In Nebraska, a physical therapy assistant needs to get certified in order to be eligible for employment.
The most convenient way to get certified is to pursue a Physical Therapist Assistant Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate of Science (AS) degree.
These degrees are offered by universities in your area, where training programs are available.
This program you attend should also be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
Completing an associate’s degree typically takes about 2 years.
Training will include hours of theory but also practice.
The practical hours will happen in a medical clinic and require 600 hours.
Before they can practice, students are asked to pass a background check.
You will also have to be supervised by a certified physical therapy assistant.
The classes you will attend feature subjects like:
- Functional Anatomy for the Physical Therapist Assistant
- Basic Skills in Patient Care
- Medical Terminology
- Human Anatomy & Physiology
- Therapeutic Exercise
- Therapeutic Modalities
- Pathophysiology/Pharmacology
- Orthopedic Issues
- Pediatric and Neurological Disorders
- Lifespan Physiology
Some of the medical centers where you can complete your practice are located in:
- Hillcrest Physical Therapy – Bellevue
- Immanuel Rehabilitation Clinic – Omaha
- Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital – Lincoln
- Regional West Medical Center – Scottsbluff
- Bryan Health – Lincoln
Completing your degree will allow you to start the certification process.
You need to pas the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs, provided by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT)
This exam requires a $400 fee.
The required documents are:
- Examination application
- Activities statement form
- Verification of licensure form (if necessary)
- Certificate of professional education form
- Temporary licensure agreement to supervise form
- Authorization for release of medical records
- Jurisprudence examination
- $90 application fee
- Official transcripts
- Original 3×5 photograph
The documents have to be sent to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
To get a physical therapist certification, you will have to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTAs.
The exam is provided by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
You will need to send all the required documents at least a month before taking the exam.
The test is open book and features topics such as:
- Physical Therapy Data Collection
- Interventions
- Diseases and Conditions
- Equipment and Devices
- Therapeutic Modalities
- Safety and Protection
- Metabolic & Endocrine Systems
- Gastrointestinal System
- Genitourinary System
- Musculoskeletal System
- Neuromuscular & Nervous Systems
The exam features questions and lasts for a total of 4 hours.
You can also get ready for the test by reading the candidate handbook provided by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
In addition to the written exam, you also have to take the NELAW (Jurisprudence) Examination.
You have to score 90% in this exam to pass.
The jurisprudence test covers the following:
- Regulations relating to the Practice of Physical Therapy
- Statutes relating to:
-
- Physical Therapy
- Medical Records
- The Uniform Credentialing Act
- The Uniform Credentialing Act for Mandatory Reporting
You will also have to pay a $50 fee to take this test.
Physical Therapist Assistant Employment and Salary Information in Nebraska
Some of the medical centers you can work for in Nebraska include:
- Infinity Rehab – various locations
- Kindred Healthcare, Inc. – various locations
- Life Care Centers of America – Omaha, Elkhorn
- Mary Lanning Healthcare – Hastings
- RehabCare Group, Inc. – various locations
- Genesis Rehab Services – Grand Island, North Platte, Central City
- Bryan Health – Lincoln
After you get your certification, you can get hired in the public or the private sector.
The salary you will earn varies based on your experience and the area you live in.
The Nebraska Department of Labor expects a growth of 32% in physical therapy assistant jobs from 2012 to 2022.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Omaha | $52,815 |
| Lincoln | $52,560 |
| Bellevue | $52,815 |
| Grand Island | $51,834 |
| Kearney | $51,834 |
| Fremont | $52,028 |
| Hastings | $51,834 |
| Norfolk | $47,042 |
| North Platte | $50,257 |
| Columbus | $51,834 |
Regional Salary in Nebraska
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Island, NE | 70 | $54,990 | $26.44 | $70,760 | $45,330 |
| Lincoln, NE | 200 | $51,850 | $24.93 | $69,380 | $20,020 |
| Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA | 400 | $59,150 | $28.44 | $76,000 | $44,750 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Physical Therapist Assistant License Renewal Information
In Nebraska, you have to attend 10 extra education hours to get your physical therapy assistant license renewed.
The license is set to expire every year on the first day of November.
In addition to the extra education, you also have to take the Nebraska Law Tutorial free course.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical Therapist Assistant Schools by State