Physical therapy assistants in Nebraska enjoy rewarding healthcare careers, providing hands-on and administrative support for physical therapists and allied health professionals working in America’s healthcare systems.
Nebraska residents who are thinking about starting a career as a physical therapist’s assistant – this guide is for you!
Our guide talks about the basic requirements for becoming a physical therapy assistant in Nebraska and provides details on accredited programs that lead to state licensure.
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How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Nebraska – Step by Step
Complete High School
Complete high school or a diploma program to become eligible for associate and bachelor-level education in physical therapy.
First-year students entering accredited PTA programs will be required to complete PTA program prerequisites like math, science, and college writing.
Select an Accredited PTA Program
Choose an accredited PTA program that offers an associate, bachelor’s, or accelerated degree in physical therapy studies.
Accredited programs prepare students to complete national certification exams and to apply to become licensed as Nebraska physical therapist assistants.
Complete the National Physical Therapy Exam Administered by FSBT
The National Physical Therapy Exam is required for new and active physical therapy professionals working in the field to demonstrate competency and knowledge of key physical therapy topics.
Prospective students must be at least eighteen years old with a clean criminal background and proof of completing a CAPTE-accredited PT program to sit for the NPTE.
Apply for a Nebraska Physical Therapy License
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services requires prospective assistants to complete the NPTAE and the NELAW examinations with scores of 600 or better.
Students will be required to successfully pass a background check, provide proof of completing CAPTE-approved training courses, and pay the relevant application fees if they do not qualify for a low-income or military waiver.
Renew Your Nebraska Physical Therapy License
The state of Nebraska requires active physical therapists and physical therapy assistants to complete continuing education and renew their credentials periodically.
PTAs are required to complete 10 hours of continuing education by November 1st of each odd-numbered year to maintain their credentials.
Physical Therapist Assistant Schools in Nebraska
Clarkson College – Omaha, NE
About the School
Clarkson College in Omaha prides itself on being one of the most extensive physical therapy programs in the state and the region, offering online options for comprehensive physical therapy education.
Their program accepts new applicants in the fall and spring.
Clarkson offers associate’s and bachelor’s degree level education and dual degree options for students seeking to begin or elevate their physical therapist careers in Nebraska.
Curriculum
- Anatomy
- College Algebra
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Medical Terminology
- Physical Therapy Electives
Tuition and Fees: $651.00 per credit hour plus related program costs and fees.
Nebraska Methodist College – Omaha, NE
About the School
Nebraska Methodist College prepares students to enter the exciting field of physical therapy by providing clinical and practical education that trains students on the latest technologies and techniques being used to help patients physically recover from the potentially debilitating effects caused by accidents and illness.
Their two-year programs train students to pass the nationally mandated exam, opening the door for state licensure and direct employment in the healthcare system.
Curriculum
- Basic Skills in Patient Care with Lab
- Clinical Experience
- English Composition
- Human Anatomy and Physiology Principles and Practices
- Medical Terminology
- Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
- Therapeutic Exercise with Lab
Tuition and Fees: $623.00 per credit hour plus related supplies and fees.
Northeast Community College – Norfolk, NE
About the School
Physical therapy assistants who take classes at Northeast Community College in Norfolk learn how to perform essential clinical and administrative functions using best practices and the latest technologies for implementing physical, sensory, and communication standards in patient care.
This accredited physical therapist assistant program operates using a selective admission process that puts students on track for earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in PTA and successfully passing the mandatory NPTE exams required for state certification.
Curriculum
- Basic Physical Therapy Procedures
- Clinical Experience
- Exercise Principles
- Introduction to Clinical Management
- Introduction to Physical Therapy
- Medical Terminology for Physical Therapist Assistants
Tuition and Fees: $6,117.51-$13,310.90
Southeast Community College – Lincoln, NE
About the School
The physical therapist assistant program at Southeast C in Lincoln, Nebraska, is a full-time associate of science degree program that teaches students kinesiology fundamentals.
Their program trains students on best practices for providing hands-on care, healing, and providing emotional support for patients under the care of licensed physical therapists.
SCC’s accredited programs follow curriculum standards outlined by the CAPTE and the FSBT, which administer the National Physical Therapy Exam required for students to begin their careers as licensed or certified physical therapist assistants.
Curriculum
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Clinical Experience
- Kinesiology
- Pathology
- Therapeutic Exercise
Tuition and Fees: $8,107.00 – $9,514.00 plus books, supplies, and fees.
Top 4 Schools in Nebraska
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Clarkson College - Omaha, NE | 101 S 42nd St, Omaha, NE 68131, United States |
| Nebraska Methodist College - Omaha, NE | 720 N 87th St, Omaha, NE 68114, United States |
| Northeast Community College - Norfolk, NE | 801 E Benjamin Ave, Norfolk, NE 68701, United States |
| Southeast Community College - Lincoln, NE | 8800 O St, Lincoln, NE 68520, United States |
Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Nebraska
Nebraska physical therapy aides make a healthy salary that averages just under $70,000 per year.
Online salary reports from reputable sources like Indeed and Salary.com show that Nebraska physical therapist assistants bring home around $66,803.00 per year, which is in line with the national average.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Physical Therapist Assistants in Nebraska
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Omaha | $60,201 |
| Lincoln | $59,701 |
| Bellevue | $60,201 |
| Grand Island | $58,801 |
| Kearney | $58,801 |
| Fremont | $59,201 |
| Hastings | $58,801 |
| North Platte | $57,701 |
| Norfolk | $54,701 |
| Albion | $58,801 |
Regional Salary in Nebraska
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Island, NE | 50 | $56,320 | $27.08 | $65,670 | $49,560 |
| Lincoln, NE | 190 | $50,550 | $24.31 | $65,110 | $21,860 |
| Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA | 390 | $60,190 | $28.94 | $74,340 | $37,670 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas of Specialization are available for Nebraska PTAs?
- Acute Care
- Geriatric Rehabilitation
- Cardiovascular Rehabilitation
- Oncology Rehabilitation
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Wound Care
Where Can Nebraska Physical Therapists Assistants Work?
Physical therapy assistants in Nebraska work in a variety of healthcare settings, including both public and private hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, outpatient clinics, and urgent care centers.
How Long Does it Take to Become a PTA in Nebraska?
Most new physical therapy assistant students can complete their education and training requirements within two to three years.
