Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Nebraska

In Nebraska, there are 5 schools accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) for Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) programs.

We have gathered essential and up to date information on each school, ensuring you have the details needed to take the first step towards your new career.  Below you will also find information on certification, licensing, salary, and employment prospects in the field.

How to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Nebraska

1. Graduate from an Accredited PTA program
2. Pass both State and National Certification Exams
3. Obtain your license to work as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Nebraska

Get started today by reaching out to schools to receive information on course curriculum, admissions requirements, tuition, etc.

Top Physical Therapy Assistant Schools in Nebraska for 2023

There are currently 4 CAPTE accredited physical therapy assistant programs in Nebraska – see the above table.

You can also browse the map below to view all schools offering physical therapy assistant programs in Nebraska and neighbouring areas.

Physical Therapy Assistant Certification Exam Requirements in Nebraska

Once you have graduated from an accredited PTA school in Nebraska, you will need to obtain a license to work as a physical therapist assistant there. To obtain your license it is a requirement that you have successfully passed additional certification exams.

Nebraska is one of 27 States in which it is a requirement to undertake both a State-level exam and the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).

The state exams are designed to ensure that recent graduates have a thorough understanding of the local laws and regulations under which they are allowed to work.

The purpose of the NPTE exams is to ensure a minimum standard of knowledge and competence after graduation and before entering the workplace. The NPTE exams are developed and administered by the US Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).

Nebraska PTA License Requirements

To become a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant in Nebraska, you need to graduate from an accredited school and pass the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination (NPTAE) with a scaled score of 600 or higher.

Additionally, passing the NELAW (Jurisprudence) Examination with a scaled score of 600 or higher is required. Fingerprinting is mandatory, and the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) administers the Nebraska Jurisprudence Exam.

The Nebraska Board of Physical Therapy regulates the licensing of Physical Therapist Assistants in Nebraska. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:

Address: 301 Centennial Mall South, PO Box 94986, Lincoln, NE 68509-4986
Email: dhhs.rehaboffice@nebraska.gov
Phone: (402) 471-2299
Website: https://dhhs.ne.gov/

Update 2018: The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) has recently launched the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact for PT’s and PTA’s.

The purpose of the compact is to essentially create an interstate license that will allow a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant to practice outside of the state in which they obtained their license.

Average Physical Therapy Assistant Salary in Nebraska

In Nebraska, the average Physical Therapy Assistant salary is $57,740, which is 8% below the national average. The hourly wage is $27.76. Among PTA professionals, the top 10% earn $74,310, while the bottom 10% earn $43,740. With 1040 employed PTAs in the state, these figures provide valuable insights into the salary distribution within the field.

In Nebraska from 2018 to 2022, the salary for Physical Therapy Assistants increased by $9,280, reflecting a 19% growth. Employment saw a significant positive shift with a 32% increase, indicating a rising demand for PTAs. Looking ahead, the projected growth from 2020 to 2030 anticipates a continued upward trend, with a 35% increase in PTA employment in the state. These trends suggest a favorable landscape for both salary advancement and career opportunities for physical therapy assistants in Nebraska.

PTA Salaries and Employment in Nebraska by Metro Area

The table below breaks down salary and employment of physical therapist assistants by Metro area across the state.