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Physical Therapy

The practice of physical therapy includes the use of exercises and other treatments to 1) restore physical function; 2) promote fitness and health; and 3) reduce the risk of injuries. Physical therapy is the care and services provided by or under the direction of a physical therapist. Physical Therapist Assistants assist physical therapists in the practice of physical therapy..

Requirements for Licensure

To apply for licensure as a physical therapist based on completion of an approved education program, you must submit:

1.   A completed pdf iconapplication;

2.   Licensure fee;

3.   An official transcript (official means issued and sealed by the issuing institution) showing completion of an approved program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association;

4.   A copy of a driver's license or an official birth or marriage certificate to show evidence of having attained the age of majority (19);

5.   Official documentation of passing the licensure examination with a scaled score that is greater than or equal to 600 on the National Physical Therapist Examination and a score that is greater than or equal to 600 on the Jurisprudence (NE Law) Examination. An applicant needs to register to take the National Physical Therapy Examination and the Jurisprudence (NE Law) Examination at https://www.fsbpt.net/pt/; and

6.   Proof of citizenship, lawful permanent residence, and/or immigration status information.

To apply for licensure as a physical therapist based on training as a physical therapist in a foreign country you must submit:

1.   A completed pdf iconapplication;

2.   Licensure fee;

3.   An official evaluation of education credentials prepared by one of the following accrediting agencies: Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT), International Consultants of Delaware, Inc, International Credential Associates, Inc., or  International Education Research Foundation;

4.   An official transcript (official means issued and sealed by the issuing institution) showing completion of any coursework/credit hours required to meet education requirements equivalent to graduation from a United States accredited school or college of physical therapy. Refer to pdf icon172 Nebraska Administrative Code (NAC) 137 - 003.02 for an outline of curriculum requirements and hours needed for a substantially equivalent program;

5.   A copy of a driver's license or an official birth or marriage certificate to show evidence of having attained the age of majority (19);

                             6.   Proficiency in the English language.  Provide official documentation showing passage of one of the following examinations administered by Educational Testing Service which measures proficiency in the English language: 

      (1)   Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), paper pencil format, with a minimum passing score of 560; Test of Written English (TWE), paper pencil format, with a minimum passing score of 4.5; and Test of Spoken English (TSE), paper pencil format with a minimum passing score of 50; or 

                              (2)    Internet Based English Language Proficiency Test, TOEFL iBT with the minimum passing scores as follows: 

               Reading Comprehension    21

               Listening Comprehension   18

               Writing Comprehension      24

               Speaking Comprehension   26

               Total score 89; or

(3)     Provide the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Health Care Worker Certification issued no more than five years immediately preceding the date of the application;

7.   Official documentation of passing the licensure examination with a scaled score that is greater than or equal to 600 on the National Physical Therapist Examination and a score that is greater than or equal to 600 on the Jurisprudence (NE Law) Examination. An applicant needs to register to take the National Physical Therapy Examination and the Jurisprudence (NE Law) Examination at   www.fsbpt.net/pt; and

8.   Proof of citizenship, lawful permanent residence, and/or immigration status information.

To apply for licensure as a physical therapist based on a license issued in another jurisdiction, you must submit:

1.   A completed pdf iconapplication;

2.   Licensure fee;

3.   A copy of a driver's license or an official birth or marriage certificate to show evidence of having attained the age of majority (19);

4.   Your NPTE scores by completing the Score Transfer Service Request by registering via the internet at www.fsbpt.net/pt, if the jurisdiction does not provide the scores. The passing score is a scaled score that is greater than or equal to 600 on the National Physical Therapist Examination;

5.   Pass the Jurisprudence (NE Law) Examination with a score of 600 or above. An applicant needs to register to take the Jurisprudence (NE Law) Examination at www.fsbpt.net/pt ;

6.   Proof of citizenship, lawful permanent residence, and/or immigration status information; and

7.   Your licensure information by having another licensing or certifying  jurisdiction submit to the Department:

A certification that the applicant is duly licensed or certified, that his or her license or certificate has never been suspended or revoked, and that so far as the record of the agency is concerned, the applicant is entitled to its endorsement on a form provided by the Department or on a form provided by the other state licensing office. (Certifications from each jurisdiction or state where applicant is currently or previously licensed is required.) Such certification shall include:

  • The nature of disciplinary actions, if any taken against the applicant’s license or certificate;

  • The date of the applicant’s license or certificate;

  • Documentation of the requirements for licensure or certification in the other jurisdiction which are currently in effect and which were in effect at the time the license was issued.

In addition, if the jurisdiction does not provide the examination and education information on their certification, you must submit the following:

1.   An official transcript (official means issued and sealed by the issuing institution) showing completion of an approved program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association or by an equivalent accrediting agency as determined by the Board. If you are a foreign trained applicant, refer to the Rules and Regulations relating to physical therapy for curriculum requirements and an outline of hours which equate to a substantially equivalent program.

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Requirements for Certification

To apply for certification as a physical therapist assistant based on completion of an approved education program you must submit:

1.   A completed pdf iconapplication;

2.   Certification fee;

3.   An official transcript (official means issued and sealed by the issuing institution) showing completion of an approved program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association;

4.   A copy of a driver's license or an official birth or marriage certificate to show evidence of having attained the age of majority (19);

5.   Pass the certification examination with a scaled score that is greater than or equal to 600 on the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination and a score that is greater than or equal to 600 on the Jurisprudence Examination (NE Law). An applicant needs to register to take the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination and the Jurisprudence (NE Law) Exam at https://www.fsbpt.net/pt/ ; and

6.   Proof of citizenship, lawful permanent residence, and/or immigration status information.

To apply for certification as a physical therapist assistant based on a certificate in another jurisdiction, you must submit:

1.   A completed pdf iconapplication;

2.   Certification fee;

3.   A copy of a driver's license or an official birth or marriage certificate to show evidence of having attained the age of majority (19);

4.   Your National Physical Therapist Assistant scores by completing the Score Transfer Service Request by registering via the internet at www.fsbpt.org, if the Jurisdiction does not provide the scores. The passing score is a scaled score that is greater than or equal to 600 on the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination;

5.   Pass the Jurisprudence (NE Law) examination with a minimum score of 600 or above. An applicant needs to register to take the Jurisprudence (NE Law) Examination at www.fsbpt.net/pt ;

6.   Proof of citizenship, lawful permanent residence, and/or immigration status information.

7.   Your licensure information by having another licensing or certifying jurisdiction submit to the Department:

  •       A certification that the applicant is duly licensed or certified, that his or her license or certificate has never been suspended or revoked, and that so far as the record of the agency is concerned, the applicant is entitled to its endorsement on a form provided by the Department or on a form provided by the other state licensing office. (Certifications from each jurisdiction or state where applicant is currently or previously licensed is required.) Such certification shall include:

  •       The nature of disciplinary actions, if any taken against the applicant’s license or certificate;

  •       The date of the applicant’s license or certificate;

  •       Documentation of the requirements for licensure or certification in the other jurisdiction which are currently in effect and which were in effect at the time the license was issued.

In addition, if the jurisdiction does not provide the examination and education information on their certification, you must submit the following:

1.   An official transcript (official means issued and sealed by the issuing institution) showing completion of an approved program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association.

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Commencing Practice

A physical therapist assistant who is certified by the Department may not commence practice without being supervised by a physical therapist licensed in Nebraska.

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Examination Requirements

Nebraska Jurisprudence (NE Law) Examination

The applicant is required to review the Physical Therapy Statutes and Regulations; the Uniform Credentialing Act; pdf iconStatutes Relating to Medical Records; and pdf iconRegulations Governing Mandatory Reporting for the Jurisprudence (NE Law) examination. The passing score must be greater than or equal to 600. An applicant needs to register to take the Jurisprudence (NE Law) Examination at https://www.fsbpt.net/pt/ The application packet may be obtained by contacting Irene Eckman at irene.eckman@nebraska.gov or (402) 471-2299.

National Physical Therapist/National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination

Applicants are required to pass the National PT/PTA Examination with a scaled score that is greater than or equal to 600. To be eligible to sit for the national examination the applicant must apply for licensure/certification to practice as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant to Licensure Unit. Applicants must also register and pay online to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy for the national examination at: https://www.fsbpt.net/pt/    Additional information regarding the national PT/PTA examination can be found at www.fsbpt.org. If you have passed the national PT/PTA examination, requests to have your scores transferred to Nebraska can be made at https://www.fsbpt.net/pt/

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Certification Licensure Reinstatement

A.  An individual whose credential has expired, been placed on inactive status, voluntarily surrendered unrelated to discipline, been placed on lapsed status or non-disciplinary revocation may apply for reinstatement at any time.  The applicant must: 

1. Submit a completed reinstatement;

2. Obtain 20 hours of acceptable continuing education for physical therapists and 10 hours of acceptable continuing education for physical therapists assistants according to 172 NAC137; and

3. Pay the fee(s):

  •         If the credential is expired, inactive, lapsed or non-disciplinary revocation, the reinstatement fee of $35 and the renewal fee; or

  •         If the credential was voluntarily surrendered, the renewal fee. 

4. Beginning November 2009, pass the Nebraska Law Tutorial with a score of 100%.

B.    An individual whose credential was suspended or limited may apply for reinstatement at any time. An individual whose credential has been revoked may apply for reinstatement after a period of two years has elapsed from the date of revocation.  An individual whose credential was voluntarily surrendered in lieu of discipline may apply for reinstatement according to the order entered by the Director. To apply for reinstatement, the individual must contact the Licensure Unit for further direction. (402-471-2299)

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Fees

pdf icon Fee Schedule

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Applications

These forms may be completed online, however, they cannot be submitted via e-mail due to the fact that all applications and forms require original signatures. If you complete the form online, you must print the form and mail it to the address below.

Fees (if applicable) are payable to the "Licensure Unit".

Licensure Unit
PO Box 94986
Lincoln, NE 68509-4986

pdf iconApplication for Licensure as a Physical Therapist
pdf iconApplication for Certification as a Physical Therapist Assistant
pdf iconDuplicate/Reissue Form
pdf iconName Change Form
pdf iconPhysical Therapist Reinstatement Application
pdf iconPhysical Therapist Assistant Reinstatement Application

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Renewal Information

Physical Therapist Renewal:   

All physical therapists licenses expire November 1 of each odd-numbered year. The Department shall send each licensee at least 30 days prior to November 1 of each odd-numbered year, a renewal notice at the licensee’s last known address of record. A physical therapist must pay the renewal fee and attest to completion of 20 hours of acceptable continuing education taken during the preceding 24 month period. The licensee may also choose to place his/her license on inactive status by returning the completed renewal notice. Commencing on November 1, 2009 each physical therapist and each physical therapist assistant must successfully complete the Nebraska Law Tutorial before November 1, 2011. The Nebraska Law Tutorial is a free, online open book tutorial developed by the Board for the purpose of assuring that all physical therapists and physical therapist assistants understand the Physical Therapy Practice Act and the Physical Therapy Regulations, 172 NAC 137. Successful completion means a score of 100%. Each licensee or certificate holder is required to maintain a copy of his/her Nebraska Law Tutorial Examination.

Physical Therapist Assistant Renewal:   

All physical therapist assistant certificates expire November 1 of each odd-numbered year. The Department shall send each certificate holder at least 30 days prior to November 1 of each odd-numbered year, a renewal notice at the certificate holder’s last known address of record. A physical therapist assistant must pay the renewal fee and attest to completion of 10 hours of acceptable continuing education taken during the preceding 24 month period. The certificate holder may also choose to place his/her certificate on inactive by returning the completed renewal notice. Commencing on November 1, 2009 each physical therapist and each physical therapist assistant must successfully complete the Nebraska Law Tutorial before November 1, 2011. The Nebraska Law Tutorial is a free, online open book tutorial developed by the Board for the purpose of assuring that all physical therapists and physical therapist assistants understand the Physical Therapy Practice Act and the Physical Therapy Regulations, 172 NAC 137. Successful completion means a score of 100%. Each licensee or certificate holder is required to maintain a copy of his/her Nebraska Law Tutorial Examination.

Inactive means that you cannot practice but may represent yourself as having an inactive license. To change from inactive to active status you must meet renewal requirements which are in effect at the time status change is requested.

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Continuing Competency

On or before November 1 of each odd-numbered year, each physical therapist and each physical therapist assistant who is in active practice must:

Complete continuing education hours to renew a license or certificate during the preceding 24 month period. Each physical therapist must complete 20 hours of continuing education and each physical therapist assistant must complete 10 hours of continuing education during the preceding 24 month period. For more information regarding acceptable continuing education see the rules and regulations pertaining to physical therapy.  Commencing on November 1, 2009 each physical therapist and each physical therapist assistant must successfully complete the Nebraska Law Tutorial before November 1, 2011. The Nebraska Law Tutorial is a free, online open book tutorial developed by the Board for the purpose of assuring that all physical therapists and physical therapist assistants understand the Physical Therapy Practice Act and the Physical Therapy Regulations, 172 NAC 137. Successful completion means a score of 100%. Each licensee or certificate holder is required to maintain a copy of his/her Nebraska Law Tutorial Examination.

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Name and Address Change

To change your address go to the Licensure Unit web page to ‘UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS (DEMOGRAPHICS)’ at http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/crl/crlindex.htm or contact Irene Eckman at (402) 471-2299 or e-mail at irene.eckman@nebraska.gov.   If you wish to change your name on your Credential, you must mail a pdf iconwritten request with your notarized signature along with a copy of the legal document verifying name change to:

Licensure Unit
Physical Therapy
PO Box 94986
Lincoln NE 68509-4986

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Duplicates/Reissue

Duplicates: A duplicate large license or small license card may be requested at the time of initial licensure. A $10.00 fee, per document, is required.

Reissue: A large license and/or small license card may be reissued when the licensee requests: additional documents; replacement of original document(s) due to loss, mutilation or destruction; or replacement of document(s) due to a name change.

To request a reissued license, you must submit a pdf iconrequest for reissuance, and include a fee in the amount of $10.00 per document. Submit said request to:

Licensure Unit
Physical Therapy
PO Box 94986
Lincoln NE 68509-4986

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Rules and Regulations/Statutes

pdf icon Regulations relating to the Practice of Physical Therapy - 172 NAC 137
pdf icon Statutes relating to Physical Therapy
pdf icon Statutes relating to the Uniform Credentialing Act
pdf icon Regulations relating to Mandatory Reporting
pdf icon Mandatory Reporting Forms

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NE Law/Jurisprudence Examination Study Materials

pdf icon Candidate Information Booklet for NE Law Examination
pdf icon Nebraska Law Examination Content Outline
pdf icon Statutes relating to Physical Therapy
pdf icon Statutes Relating to Medical Records
pdf icon Regulations relating to the Practice of Physical Therapy - 172 NAC 137
pdf icon Statutes relating to the Uniform Credentialing Act
pdf icon Statutes relating to the Uniform Credentialing Act for Mandatory Reporting
pdf icon Regulations relating to Mandatory Reporting

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Board Information

The Board of Physical Therapy advises the Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health, Licensure Unit on all issues related to the regulation of physical therapy. Board member composition and length of terms follows::

Membership: 3 physical therapists
1 public member
Length of Term: 5 years, no more than 2 consecutive full 5-year terms.
Professional Requirements: Been actively engaged in practice of his/her profession in the State of Nebraska, under a license issued in this state, for a period of 5 years just preceding his/her appointment.
Public Member:
  1. Be a resident of this state who has attained the age of majority;
  2. Represent the interests and viewpoints of consumers; and
  3. Not be a present or former member of a credentialed profession, an employee of a member of a credentialed profession, or an immediate family or household member of any person presently regulated by such board.

The Board of Physical Therapy meets at least 1 time per year – see Board meeting schedule for meeting dates and times. Meetings are open to the public, with the exception of investigational matters. Minutes of meeting are available here or by contacting Bill Wisell at (402) 471-2299 or by e-mail at bill.wisell@nebraska.gov

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Board of Physical Therapy Advisory Opinions

pdf icon Nebraska Board of Physical Therapy Opinion on Sharp Wound Debridement

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Contact Us

Office Address:
Mailing Address Physical Address
Department of Health and Human Services
Division of Public Health
Licensure Unit
PO Box 94986
Lincoln, NE 68509-4986		 Nebraska State Office Building
301 Centennial Mall South
14th and M Streets
3rd Floor
Lincoln, Nebraska

Phone: (402) 471-2115
Fax: (402) 471-3577

Office Hours:

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (central time)
Monday through Friday

Physical Therapy Licensing Questions:

Irene Eckman, Health Licensing Specialist
Phone: (402) 471-2299
e-mail: irene.eckman@nebraska.gov

Physical Therapy Scope of Practice Questions:

Diane Hansmeyer, Section Administrator
Phone: (402) 471-2299
e-mail: diane.hansmeyer@nebraska.gov

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Other Related Contacts

Nebraska Physical Therapy Association
PO Box 540427
Omaha, NE 68154-0427
Phone: (402) 491-3660
e-mail: npta@npta.org
www.npta.org

Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
Administrative Offices
509 Wythe Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
tel: (703) 299-3100
fax: (703) 299-3110
www.fsbpt.org

Exam Application Processing &
Score Transfer Service
509 Wythe Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel: (703) 739-9420
Fax: (703) 739-9421
www.fsbpt.net/pt/TransferScores.cfm

American Physical Therapy Association
1111 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-1488
Phone: (703) 684-2782 or (800) 999-2782
TDD: (703) 683-6748
Fax: (703) 684-7343
www.apta.org

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Brochures

pdf icon Chemical Dependency in Health Care Professionals

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Certification/Verification

Certification and Verification information can be obtained by checking the website at: www.dhhs.ne.gov/lis/lisindex.htm

OR

To request either a certification or verification or your license to be sent to another state licensing agency, send your request in writing along with the proper fee to the our office. Checks should be made payable to Licensure Unit.

Certification

  1. Fee - $25.00
  2. Certification includes:
    1. Name
    2. Profession
    3. License number
    4. Issuance date
    5. Expiration date
    6. Whether the license was granted by examination, waiver, or reciprocity
    7. Examination information, if available
    8. Whether disciplinary action has been taken against the license. If so, the type(s) and date(s) of the action will be included.
    9. SEAL of the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services

Verification

  1. Fee - $5.00
  2. Verification includes:
    1. Name
    2. Profession
    3. License Number
    4. Expiration Date
    5. Department Staff Signature

A verification does not include the SEAL of the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services nor information relating to discipline, school, or examination.

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Licensee Assistance Program

The Licensee Assistance Program (LAP) is an assessment, education, referral, case management, and monitoring service designed to help licensees, certificate holders, and registrants of the State of Nebraska work through substance abuse/addiction problems.

The LAP services are free. However, in some cases treatment from a community resource agency may be needed. If further assistance is needed, the LAP Coordinator will help refer the Licensee to the most appropriate agency. When a treatment referral is made, those expenses become the responsibility of the Licensee.

This program was established by pdf icon Neb. Rev. Stat. § 38-175 and is funded by the addition of $1.00 per year to the current fee for each license issued, renewed, or reinstated.

LAP telephone number: (800) 851-2336 or (402) 354-8055. You may also visit their website at www.lapne.org.

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Complaints

How do I file a complaint? To file a complaint, see the Investigations Division web site: www.dhhs.ne.gov/reg/investi.htm

What activities must be reported by a licensee, certificate holder, or registrant? Every credentialed person who has first-hand knowledge of unlicensed, illegal or unethical activities is required to report (includes self-reporting) within 30 days of the occurrence. Failure to report may result in discipline. To view additional information relating to mandatory reporting, click on the options below:

Mandatory Reporting shall not apply:

  • to the spouse of the person,
  • to a practitioner who is providing treatment to such person in a practitioner-patient relationship concerning information obtained or discovered in the course of treatment unless the treating practitioner determines that the condition of the person may be of a nature which constitutes a danger to the public health and safety by the person's continued practice, or
  • when a credentialed person who is chemically impaired enters the Licensee Assistance Program authorized by pdf icon Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-172.01 except as provided in such section.

How is a complaint reviewed, and what is the disciplinary process? The following provides information relating to the complaint, investigative, and disciplinary process.

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