PTA in Nebraska

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Learn how to become a physical therapist assistant in 7 steps completing all education and licensing requirements.

Step 1. Complete a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Associate’s Degree Program

To become a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Nebraska, one must complete a PTA Associate’s Degree Program. This program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to assist physical therapists in providing patient care. You can enter your zip code below to see programs near you.

You can also use these resources to research CAPTE Accredited PTA Programs:

• All Accredited PTA Programs in Nebraska
• Local PTA Program Search
• Online PTA Program Search

When selecting a PTA program, it is important to ensure that it is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). This accreditation ensures that the program has met the necessary standards and requirements set by the field of physical therapy.

PTA associate’s degree programs in Nebraska typically take two years to complete. There are both full-time and part-time options available to accommodate different schedules. The coursework includes a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory exercises, and clinical rotations.

During the program, students will learn about physical therapy principles, human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic exercise techniques, and medical terminology. Clinical rotations are an essential part of the program, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in a healthcare setting under the supervision of licensed physical therapists.

In order to participate in clinical rotations, students must provide proof of immunizations and undergo a criminal background check. These requirements ensure the safety of patients and maintain the integrity of the profession.

By successfully completing a PTA associate’s degree program, individuals will be prepared to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for Physical Therapist Assistants, which is required for licensure in Nebraska.

Step 2. Submit an Application for Certification by Examination

To begin the process of becoming a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Nebraska, you must submit an Application for Certification by Examination. This is an important step in obtaining your PTA license and allows you to take the necessary exams to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field.

When filling out the application, it is crucial to provide accurate and complete information to avoid any delays in the processing of your application. Along with the application form, you will need to submit the required payment for the exams. This includes payment to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) for the National Physical Therapy Examination for PTAs (NPTE-PTA) and payment to the Nebraska Licensure Unit for the Nebraska Law Exam (NELAW).

Additionally, you will need to provide supporting documents as part of your application. These documents may include proof of graduation from an accredited PTA program, transcripts/transcript evaluations from international education, and any other documents required by the Nebraska Board of Physical Therapy.

Once you have completed the application and compiled all the necessary documents, you will need to pay the initial application fee to the Nebraska Licensure Unit along with the application submission. This fee covers the cost of processing your application.

It is important to note that the Nebraska Licensure Unit has specific deadlines for application submission, so be sure to submit your application in a timely manner to avoid any delays or missed opportunities.

Step 3. Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTAs and the Nebraska Jurisprudence Exam (NELAW)

After submitting your application for certification by examination, the next step in obtaining your PTA license in Nebraska is to pass two important exams: the National Physical Therapy Examination for PTAs (NPTE-PTA) and the Nebraska Jurisprudence Exam (NELAW).

To schedule these exams, you will need to visit the Prometric website and select a convenient testing location and date. Prometric is the official testing provider for both exams and offers multiple testing sites in Nebraska.

To prepare for the exams, there are various study materials available. The FSBPT, the organization that administers the NPTE-PTA, provides candidates with a candidate handbook and content outline that details the topics covered in the exam. Additionally, there are review courses and study guides available from different publishers and online resources.

The passing score requirements for the NPTE-PTA and the NELAW may vary, and it is important to review the information provided by the respective testing agencies. Achieving a passing score is crucial to demonstrate your knowledge and competence as a PTA.

The NPTE-PTA covers various topics, including musculoskeletal systems, neuromuscular systems, cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, and more. The NELAW tests your understanding of the laws and regulations specific to the practice of physical therapy in Nebraska.

By successfully passing these exams, you are one step closer to obtaining your PTA license and starting your career as a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant in Nebraska.

Step 4. Begin your Career as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Nebraska

Once you have obtained your PTA license in Nebraska, you can start exploring the exciting employment opportunities available. Nebraska offers a variety of settings where physical therapist assistants (PTAs) can work, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and long-term care facilities.

There are several renowned companies in Nebraska that regularly hire PTAs. Infinity Rehab, an industry leader in providing therapy services, has multiple locations across Nebraska where PTAs can find employment. Kindred Healthcare Inc., another prominent healthcare organization, offers PTA positions in their Nebraska facilities.

Life Care Centers of America, Mary Lanning Healthcare, RehabCare Group Inc., and Genesis Rehab Services are also companies that frequently have openings for PTAs in Nebraska. These companies provide a range of therapy services and have various locations throughout the state.

Additionally, Bryan Health, a reputable healthcare system in Nebraska, often has job opportunities for PTAs in their facilities.

Another option for PTAs in Nebraska is the possibility of working in the independent practice of a licensed physical therapist (PT). In this scenario, PTAs work directly with clients under the supervision of a licensed PT. This can provide PTAs with more autonomy and the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge in a more focused setting.

As you embark on your career as a PTA in Nebraska, be sure to explore these employment opportunities and consider the setting that aligns best with your interests and professional goals.

Step 5. Renew your Physical Therapist Assistant Certificate When Required

In Nebraska, it is important to renew your Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) certificate before it expires. The certificate expiration date is the last day of the birth month of odd-numbered years. It is crucial to keep track of this date to ensure that your certificate remains valid.

Approximately 60 days prior to the expiration date, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services will send you a renewal notice. This notice will provide instructions on how to renew your PTA certificate. It is important to carefully follow these instructions to avoid any delays in the renewal process.

Continuing education is a requirement for PTA certificate renewal in Nebraska. You must complete a minimum of 20 hours of approved continuing education courses during the two-year renewal period. These courses should be relevant to your practice as a PTA and approved by the Nebraska Board of Physical Therapy.

In addition to continuing education, you are also required to complete the Nebraska Law Tutorial. This online tutorial provides information on the regulations and laws that govern the practice of physical therapy in Nebraska. Successful completion of the tutorial is necessary for certificate renewal.

By fulfilling these requirements and submitting the necessary documentation and fees, you can ensure the timely renewal of your Physical Therapist Assistant certificate in Nebraska. It is important to renew your certificate promptly to maintain your eligibility to practice as a PTA in the state.

Why Be a PTA in Nebraska?

Nebraska has multiple PTA Programs available that are comparable to the number of PTA schools available in most states. PTA jobs and salaries are mid range as well ranging from $44,933 to $60,966 annually. Learn more about becoming a physical therapist assistant in Nebraska by clicking the links below.

• Research Nebraska’s PTA Programs
• Compare average PTA salaries in Nebraska’s major cities

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