Northeast's Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Associate of Applied Science degree program is dedicated to preparing student to work as valuable healthcare providers who are employable in any physical therapy setting. The program blends innovative technology with small class sizes to deliver personalized, hands-on training in a fun, supportive, and engaging environment. Led by expert faculty, students build confidence and clinical competence through interactive learning experiences. The curriculum covers essential topics such as anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, neuroscience, pathology, ethics, professionalism, and developing empathy for patients from diverse backgrounds and cultures—equipping graduates with the skills needed to thrive in the workforce. Program graduates will be well prepared to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTAs.
Why Students Choose This Program
Northeast’s Physical Therapist Assistant program provides a high-quality, affordable education with hands-on training and low tuition costs. Graduates are ready to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTAs and are fully prepared for a successful career in physical therapy.
Students benefit from personalized instruction and one-on-one mentorship from experienced faculty who bring real-world clinical experience into the classroom. With decades of combined expertise in both clinical practice and teaching, our instructors are committed to student success, helping build confidence and competence for future careers.
The program fosters a supportive, student-centered atmosphere where small class sizes encourage collaboration and academic growth. A culture of teamwork, group study sessions, and engaging class activities create a close-knit community, allowing students to support and motivate each other throughout their educational journey.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities and Courses
Hands-on learning is at the heart of Northeast’s Physical Therapist Assistant program. Students train with advanced technology and equipment in realistic clinical simulations, preparing them for success in the field. Real-world experience is emphasized through direct patient interaction in labs, clinical facility visits, and community-based learning. Classes frequently involve working with actual patients—both in the classroom and on-site—giving students valuable exposure early in their education. The program also encourages professional development through participation in state legislature, continuing education (CEU) opportunities, community service, and health promotion activities. To further enhance learning, students utilize cutting-edge tools like virtual reality for immersive training and the state-of-the-art Anatomage Table for a deep, interactive exploration of human anatomy. These experiences equip graduates with the clinical skills and confidence to thrive as professionals.
Program Details
2 years (71 credits)
Courses are offered in-person.
Enrollment in this program is limited and based on the date of completed requirements for acceptance into this program.
- Read the Application Packet carefully to ensure your application is complete.
- In order to complete the training, students must be able to perform the PTA Essential Functions and Physical Demands. Students are required to complete a physical exam, required vaccinations, tuberculosis test, a criminal background check, and a drug screen in order to perform clinical experiences during the second year of the program.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
CPR Certification
Program graduates will be well prepared to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs). Passing the NPTE is required for certification/licensure in Nebraska and all other states prior to practicing as a PTA. In Nebraska, graduates must also successfully complete the Nebraska Jurisprudence Assessment Module (NE JAM) and submit a Physical Therapist Assistant Certification Application. Other states may require additional or different jurisprudence or state law assessments related to physical therapy practice. The Northeast curriculum is designed to help students understand and navigate these state-specific certification/licensure requirements. Ongoing continuing education is also required to maintain certification/licensure.
To assist students in determining whether the Northeast curriculum meets certification/licensure requirements in the state where they intend to practice, please review the information on the Northeast Community College State Licensure webpage and consult that state’s professional licensing board. State licensing boards make the final determination regarding eligibility for certification/licensure and permission to sit for required examinations.
If you have questions regarding whether the Northeast PTA curriculum will prepare you for certification/licensure in the state where you intend to work, please contact Laura Schwanebeck at lauras@northeast.edu or (402) 844-7326.
|
Name |
Organization |
|---|---|
|
Emily Afrank, DPT |
Family Physical Therapy |
|
Stacey Aldag |
Northeast Community College |
|
Lindsey Chapman, PTA |
Jacobsen Therapy Services |
|
Jami Doele, OTR/L, CHT |
Faith Regional Health Services |
|
Bryan Doke, PT, DPT |
Rangeland Rehab |
|
Maggie Earney, PTA |
Rangeland Rehab |
|
Barb Engberg, PT |
Live Well Physical Therapy |
|
Robby France, PT, DPT |
Brown County Hospital |
|
Lindsey Little, PTA |
Cherry County Hospital |
|
Patrick Meuret, PT, DPT |
Faith Regional Health Services |
|
Kaitlyn Rittscher, PTAQ |
Northeast Nebraska Physical Therapy |
|
Laura Schwanebeck, MPT |
Northeast Community College |
|
Tere Siedschlag, PTA |
Northeast Community College |
|
Marci Woehler, PTA |
Wayne Country View Care and Rehabilitation |
The Northeast PTA program was established in 1994. The program received a 10-year full accreditation status in 2020 and will seek re-accreditation in 2029-2030.
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Northeast Community College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 402-844-7326 or email PTA@northeast.edu.
File a complaint: Northeast Community College | CAPTE
Accreditation Validation: CapteValidation | APTA
|
|
Graduation Year |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2-Year Avg. for 2023-2024 |
|
First-Time NPTE Pass Rate: Northeast Candidates |
88.9% |
100% |
72.7% |
85.0% |
|
First-Time NPTE Pass Rate: All U.S. Accredited Candidates |
77.4% |
79.2% |
80.3% |
79.7% |
|
Ultimate-Attempt NPTE Pass Rate: Northeast Candidates |
100% |
100% |
81.8% |
90.0% |
|
Ultimate-Attempt NPTE Pass Rate: All U.S. Accredited Candidates |
93.0% |
94.2% |
91.5% |
92.8% |
|
1-Year Employment Rate: Northeast Candidates |
100% |
88.8% |
88.8% |
88.8% |
|
Graduation Rate: Northeast PTA Program Graduates |
57.1% |
66.6% |
90.9% |
76.9% |
|
Graduation Rate: All U.S. Accredited Graduates |
82.8% |
83.9% |
84.5% |
84.2% |
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