Payment isn’t just a line item; it’s the backbone of access, workforce stability, and clinical viability. We break down how APTA’s 2030 strategy centers on reimbursement, why Nebraska is aligning closely with those priorities, and what that means for clinics from Omaha to the Panhandle. The throughline is simple and urgent: fair payment helps patients start sooner, keeps practices open, and makes it possible for new grads to stay in the profession they trained for.

We also spotlight a surge of advocacy from students and young professionals around the federal “professional” designation that affects graduate loan access for PT, OT, nursing, and PA programs. Thirty thousand messages in a week moved the needle and drew legislative attention, showing how coordinated action can reshape policy conversations. On the state front, we unpack LB1012, a bill granting PTs the ability to file medical liens after events like auto accidents or falls. That change lets patients begin therapy immediately while giving clinics confidence they’ll be reimbursed once settlements close—a practical fix that reduces delays and downstream costs.

Looking ahead, we preview February 3 Advocacy Day at the Capitol. We close with professional growth highlights: a spring conference in Omaha featuring an Oxford debate on competency-based education, plus member courses in digital health, wearables, AI, and primary care PT that connect directly to evolving practice. Subscribe and share to help more colleagues plug in!

This episode features updates from three of Nebraska's PT and PTA program directors, detailing recent developments within their institutions. Discussion points include program structure (e.g., small cohorts, hybrid options), expansion of clinical and community partnerships, and active research serving real-world patient needs. We also delve into new course offerings, notable student and faculty awards, dual-campus access, and hands-on learning initiatives focused on developing clinical judgment.

Links:

• Nebraska Methodist College PTA Program: Physical Therapist Assistant Associate's Degree Program
• Clarkson College PTA Program: Physical Therapist Assistant Program
• UNMC PT Program: Physical Therapy Program

Don't forget to subscribe, share, and join the discussion because together we're driving the future of physical therapy forward

A candid update on how APTA Nebraska is sharpening strategy, growing representation with an extra delegate seat, and preparing for a tough legislative session while building community through events and student engagement. We share clear ways to step in, from elections to testimony to simple member perks that help clinics thrive.

• 2026–2028 strategic plan timeline and focus
• Jingle Bell Run partnership and student rivalry energy
• Added House of Delegates seat and special election
• Mentorship for new delegates and membership growth
• Campus visits and PTA program insights from Northeast Community College
• Legislative outlook amid state budget deficit and access risks
• How member and patient stories move policymakers
• Member benefits with Dell Technologies and UPS
• Holiday schedule pause and return in the new year

Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and join the discussion

We unpack burnout in physical therapy with new Nebraska data and lived stories, moving from clear definitions and risk factors to practical fixes for clinicians and leaders. The conversation closes with concrete resources, ongoing research, and an invitation to act together.

• Defining burnout across emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced accomplishment
• Nebraska study design, funding, and why the state focus matters
• Frequency of engagement vs burnout in PTs
• Demographics linked to risk, including early career and debt
• Workload, autonomy, and leadership support as primary drivers
• Cultural red flags like leaderboards and misaligned incentives
• Personal costs to health, empathy, and career decisions
• Individual strategies for sleep, exercise, nutrition, and boundaries
• Organizational actions: assess, listen, redesign metrics, protect flexibility
• Advocacy through APTA for reimbursement and regulation change

Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and join the discussion. Because together, we’re driving the future of physical therapy forward.

Episode Links:

The Emotional PPE Project https://emotionalppe.org/

988 Lifeline / National Suicide Prevention Website https://988lifeline.org/

A Multiple Methods Study to Describe the Manifestation of Burnout of NE Physical Therapists: https://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/etd/791/

Manuscript citation: Sleddens N, Beam E, Meyer KP, Stamler LL, LaFramboise LM, Sayles H, Wengel SP 2025 Examining the frequency, severity and associated factors of burnout in Nebraska physical therapists. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice [In Press] https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2025.2571795.

Matt Janssen, PT, DPT shares how wound care, pain science, and community ties shape meaningful outcomes. We explore belief change, access barriers, and why advocacy lets clinicians stay focused on patients.

• Career path from orthopedics to wound care and pain science
• How pain neuroscience reframes persistent pain and guides care
• Building therapeutic alliance to change beliefs and behaviors
• Real patient wins: from cane to deadlifts and burpees
• Wound care realities: audits, denials, and prevention gaps
• Compression coverage barriers for venous insufficiency
• Combating misinformation and overreliance on imaging
• Role of APTA membership in advocacy and stability
• Invitation for members statewide to share their practice stories

Hey, if you have a great story that you want to share, you want to share about your practice, please get a hold of me. I would love to interview you. I'd love to share what you have going on with the rest of our state too.

Have an idea or topic for the podcast? Connect with Brad! bradley.dexter@unmc.edu

Brad and Nick catch up to share updates and insights from Nick’s recent road trip across Nebraska. We talk about what Nick heard on the road, how personal testimony can drive policy change, and why strong member turnout matters for reimbursement and workforce advocacy. Plus, we dig into new clinical practice guidelines, a Blue Cross payment timing update, and upcoming events designed to strengthen community and professional voice.

In this episode:
• Statewide advocacy themes from recent town halls
• What we can learn from midwives’ testimony strategy
• September highlights and the October family event
• Omaha’s upcoming neurological PT conference
• Leadership retreat details and timing
• Expanding library of clinical practice guidelines
• Blue Cross payment cycle changes—and how to prep for cash flow impacts
• Strategic plan survey priorities and member feedback
• Burnout, purpose, and finding joy in care

Links:

Soap Note

The Nebraska Foundation for Physical Therapy promotes research and advancement of the physical therapy profession throughout the state through strategic funding and support programs. Rashelle Hoffman, Foundation President and Creighton University assistant professor, explains how the Foundation's mission directly impacts Nebraska's PT community.

• Foundation structured around four committees: fundraising, finance, awards, and research
• Scientific Dissemination Award provides $1,500 for presenting research at conferences (rolling applications)
• George Blanton Research Grant offers up to $10,000 for two-year research projects (deadline: October 1st)
• Current Blanton grant project explores implementing lifestyle medicine assessments in outpatient PT
• PT students Tanner Ruda and Janae Pope share their experiences presenting research at CSM with Foundation support
• Fundraising initiatives include an auction at April 10-11 state meeting at UNMC's Truhlson Events Center
• Wayne Purdue Fellowship recognizes cumulative donations starting at $500 level
• New research funding opportunities being developed for the coming year

Visit the APTA Nebraska website for application materials and contact information. The Foundation welcomes new fundraising ideas and encourages applications for the October 1st Blanton Grant deadline.

Episode Links:

• https://aptanebraska.org/NE_Foundation_For_PT

Mikayla Grocki, Mary McMillan Scholarship Award winner, shares her journey from student athlete to award-winning physical therapist alongside her faculty mentor Dr. Rashelle Hoffman from Creighton University. Their conversation reveals how balancing academics with research and service opportunities can create exceptional physical therapy professionals while preventing burnout.

• The Mary McMillan Scholarship Award honors the APTA's first president by recognizing six students nationally who demonstrate scholastic excellence, leadership, and significant contributions to the profession
• Mikayla's background as a collegiate soccer player informed her understanding of movement, eventually leading to her passion for working with older adults
• Research and service activities became outlets that fueled Mikayla's education rather than creating additional stress
• Mikayla participated in all aspects of research projects from screening participants to manuscript preparation and conference presentations
• Finding the right balance between academics and extracurricular activities is crucial for preventing burnout while still developing professionally
• Leadership opportunities can be found in small settings and don't require organizing large events
• APTA membership provides valuable networking, professional resources, and up-to-date information on regulatory changes
• Presenting research at CSM allowed Mikayla to connect with professionals across specialties and geographic regions