Requirements for Licensure
To apply for licensure as a physical therapist based on completion of an approved education program, you must submit:
A completed 
application;
Licensure fee;
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;
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);
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
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:
A completed application;
Licensure fee;
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;
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 172 Nebraska Administrative Code (NAC) 137 - 003.02 for an outline of curriculum requirements and hours needed for a substantially equivalent program;
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);
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:
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
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
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;
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
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:
A completed application;
Licensure fee;
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);
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;
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 ;
Proof of citizenship, lawful permanent residence, and/or immigration status information; and
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:
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:
A completed application;
Certification fee;
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;
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);
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
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:
A completed application;
Certification fee;
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);
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;
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 ;
Proof of citizenship, lawful permanent residence, and/or immigration status information.
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:
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; Statutes Relating to Medical Records; and Regulations 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
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:
Submit a completed reinstatement;
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
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.
Beginning November 2009, pass the Nebraska Law Tutorial with a score of 100%.
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
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, NE68509-4986
Application for Licensure as a Physical Therapist
Application for Certification as a Physical Therapist Assistant
Duplicate/Reissue Form
Name Change Form
Physical Therapist Reinstatement Application
Physical 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 ( click Tutorial in blue to follow the link to the Tutorial) 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 certificate.
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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 written request with your notarized signature along with a copy of the legal document verifying name change to:
Licensure Unit
Physical Therapy
PO Box 94986
LincolnNE68509-4986
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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 request 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
LincolnNE68509-4986
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Rules and Regulations/Statutes
Regulations relating to the Practice of Physical Therapy - 172 NAC 137
Statutes relating to Physical Therapy
Statutes relating to the Uniform Credentialing Act
Regulations relating to Mandatory Reporting
Mandatory Reporting Forms
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NE Law/Jurisprudence Examination Study Materials
Candidate Information Booklet for NE Law Examination
Nebraska Law Examination Content Outline
Statutes relating to Physical Therapy
Statutes Relating to Medical Records
Regulations relating to the Practice of Physical Therapy - 172 NAC 137
Statutes relating to the Uniform Credentialing Act
Statutes relating to the Uniform Credentialing Act for Mandatory Reporting
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: