Call For Speakers: 2027 APTA NE Conference

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Call For Posters: 2027 APTA NE Conference

Share Your Work at the APTA Ne Annual Conference

2027 APTA Nebraska Annual Education Conference

April 2-3, 2027 | UNMC’s Truhlsen Events Center, Omaha NE

The call for poster abstracts for the next APTA-NE Chapter Annual Conference is open!

Poster abstract submission deadline: September 13, 2026 11:59 p.m. CT

Do you have innovative, unique research or a project that advances physical therapy practice? We want to hear from you!

APTA Nebraska invites members to submit a poster abstract for presentation at the 2027 Annual Conference. This is a great opportunity to showcase your work, share your insights with colleagues, and contribute to the growth of our profession.

Whether you’re a seasoned clinician, an educator, or a student, your perspective matters.

Posters will be displayed at a specific time during the conference, with presenters scheduled for one hour. Poster abstracts for the APTA-NE 2027 Annual Education Conference must be submitted online through the APTA-NE submission site. The decision to accept or reject a poster abstract resides with the APTA-NE education
committee.

If a poster is accepted for presentation, the presenter(s) must register at the full conference rate. There is a discounted rate of $50 for up to two poster presenters, with each additional presenter subject to paying the full rate.

Poster abstracts submissions are limited to 3,000 characters for the text, including spaces. This does not include authors, institutions, or references. 

Abstract submissions must contain the following:

• Title (15 words maximum)

• Speaker information (Name, degrees/credentials, institution, city, state, speaking experience for each speaker, and biographical information for each speaker)

• Conflict of interest disclosure

• For research reports, include: purpose/hypothesis, subjects, materials/methods, results, conclusions, clinical relevance, references

• For case study reports, include: background and purpose, case description, outcomes, discussion, references

• For special interest reports, include: purpose, description, summary of use, references

• For theory reports, include: theory/body, references
  Important things to remember when submitting your proposal:

• Your speaker information will be shared with participants exactly as submitted. Ensure accuracy before finalizing your submission.

• Poster format is highly encouraged to be in the Better Poster format.

• Minimum of seven bibliographic references in AMA format, no more than seven years old (2020 and later)

• If you are a student in your final year, use your personal email and not your school email.

Acceptance of Poster Presentation Responsibilities

If your poster abstract is accepted for presentation at the APTA-NE Annual Education Conference, you will be notified via email and required to register for the conference. All presenters must meet the deadlines for submission. If you cannot meet a deadline, you must contact APTA-NE at [email protected] with notification. Please reference your submission title in all communications.

Deadlines

• Poster abstract submission to APTA-NE submission site: September 13, 2026, 11:59 p.m. CT

• Notification of acceptance/rejection to poster presenters: October 19, 2026, 11:59 p.m. CT

• Registration for conference: March 1, 2027, 11:59 p.m. CT

Submit here. 

Episode 26: Fireworks, Fee Schedules & a 20% Raise

EPISODE 26: Fireworks, Fee Schedules & a 20% Raise

Big NE win: Medicaid therapy codes get a 20% increase. How did it happen, and what could it change for private practices and patient access? Press play, should other states copy this approach?

Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2461726/episodes/19441395 

Volunteer Opportunity: NE Senior Games in Kearney

Hello Nebraska Physical Therapy community, 

We hope this email finds you well and enjoying the summer months. We’ve got an exciting event coming to central Nebraska...  

Have you heard about the Nebraska Senior Games? This event has been giving seniors the opportunity to achieve greater value and quality in their lives by staying healthy, active and fit – and it’s been hosted in Kearney since 1989! 

Hundreds of adults 50 and over will be converging on Kearney, NE August 5-9 to participate in the 2026 Nebraska Senior Games!  

Physical Therapy professionals and students from across the state will be coming together to provide the Sustained Athlete Fitness Exam (SAFE) for the Games participants – and we need YOU! 

To volunteer to help with the SAFE, please sign up on SignUp Genius at the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508044DADAF22ABFB6-62825696-nebraska#/. 

1-2 hour slots are available August 6 and August 8. 

If you can’t make it to interact with the athletes but still want to help with this amazing event, we’ve got some additional needs for supplies and healthy snacks. 

If you’d like to contribute in this way by supplying any of the needs listed below, please use the sign-up link above. You may also reach out to Tessa Wells at (308) 440-2447 to coordinate the pick-up/drop-off of supplies.  

·                     Any amount of financial sponsorship to cover printing costs for data sheets and SAFE Report Cards 

·                     Portable treatment tables (needed at KHS or Kearney SportsPlex) 

·                     Healthy snacks 

o        Protein bars, Lara bars, packages of mixed nuts, fruit strips, electrolyte packets, bottles of water or Gatorade, etc.  

Sponsors and donors will receive FREE advertising at the SAFE screening events, including an 8.5x11 flyer at the SAFE Registration and check-out tables.  

Thank you for your time and consideration.  

To good health,  

Tessa & Betsy 

Tessa Wells and Betsy Spieler 
SAFE Co-Coordinators at Nebraska Senior Games 

Membership SOAP Note: May 2026

We’re excited to announce that the new edition of the Membership SOAP Note is now available! Visit the link below to read the latest updates, including a warm welcome to new members, key advocacy efforts, and upcoming educational opportunities. Stay informed and connected—check it out today!

SoAp note

Episode 25: Medicare Cuts & Postpartum PT Walk Into A Bar

EPISODE 25: Medicare Cuts And Postpartum PT Walk Into A Bar

Postpartum physical therapy is still underused, yet outcomes can change fast with the right care. We cover bipartisan federal legislation plus the push to repeal MPPR. Hit play then reply: what should PT advocate for next?

Join Us for the EPSIG Spring Social!

We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming EPSIG Spring Social—an opportunity to connect, unwind, and build relationships within our physical therapy early professional community.

Who: EPSIG members, graduating students, and EPSIG mentors
When: April 30 | 7:00–8:30 PM
Where: Sonny’s (1905 S 67th St, Omaha, NE)

Come enjoy great conversation, expand your network, and connect with peers and mentors in a relaxed setting. Pizza will be provided by EPSIG for all attendees!

We hope to see you there!

Membership SOAP Note: March 2026

The March 2026 issue of the Membership SOAP Note is now available! This month, you’ll find key updates, including important information about the upcoming annual conference. Click here to stay informed and get all the details!

Episode 21: From The Treatment Table To The Corner Office

E21 - From Treatment Table To Corner Office

What happens when clinicians run health systems? We sit down with two Nebraska hospital CEOs who started as physical therapists and built their leadership playbooks on the habits they learned in the clinic: listening hard, loading problems just enough to adapt, and trusting teams to grow. Their stories span cross-country moves, imposter syndrome, and the moment mentorship nudged them from “department head” to “you’ll be sitting in this chair someday.”

Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2461726/episodes/18799511

APTA’s Annual All-Member Meeting is April 16 - Register Today

Join APTA’s Annual All-Member Meeting to hear directly from association leadership about the state of the profession and the work of your association.

 What You’ll Gain

• A direct update from the President on where the association is headed
• Clear insights into APTA’s financial health and investments in member impact
• Learn about APTA's strategic priorities from the Board of Directors, focusing on advancing payment, empowering members, and evolving practice
• Highlights of major wins and milestones from the past year
• A first look at upcoming initiatives, programs, and opportunities you can take advantage of

Whether you are a long-time member or new to APTA, this meeting is your front-row seat to the future of physical therapy and your role in shaping it. Click the button below to submit your questions.

Event Details

Date: April 16, 2026 

Time: 7:00–8:30 p.m. ET 

Cost: Free for members and non-members 

Recording Availability: This webinar will be available for on-demand viewing after the live event

Don’t miss these critical discussions. Register today.

Episode 20: From Clinics To Community

Episode 20

From Clinics To Community: How Two Physical Therapists Lead, Serve, And Grow Care In Rural Nebraska

Ever wonder how small-town hospitals deliver big-impact rehab? Hear Holly and Brittany share frontline stories, advocacy wins, and why central Nebraska is a PT powerhouse. Listen now and tell us: what surprised you most?

https://lnkd.in/g99itzvk

Your Voice. Your Vote. Your Association.

APTA Nebraska members — it’s time to cast your vote!

Elections for APTA Nebraska and the EPSIG (Early Professional Special Interest Group) are now open. This is your opportunity to help shape the leadership and direction of your professional community.

We encourage every member to participate and make their voice heard.

🗳 Elections Close: March 31
✍️ Write-in candidates are welcome for open positions
📄 View candidate statements, see all open positions and VOTE here.

Strong leadership starts with engaged members. Take a few minutes today to review the candidates and submit your ballot.

Thank you for investing in the future of APTA Nebraska!

SOAP Note: January 2026

The January 2026 SOAP Note is here! APTA Nebraska President Nick Weber has shared the latest updates, insights, and news to keep you connected and informed as we kick off the new year.

Take a few minutes to catch up on what’s happening across APTA NE and what’s ahead for our community.

👉 Read the January 2026 SOAP Note

Foundation Seeks Input on Silent Auction - Take The Brief Survey

The Nebraska Foundation for Physical Therapy is exploring the possibility of hosting a silent auction at the APTA NE Annual Conference, and we’d love your input.

Your feedback will help us understand interest, preferred formats, and how a silent auction could best support the Foundation’s mission. The survey is brief and should take just a few minutes to complete.

👉 Take the short survey here.

Your responses will directly inform planning decisions and help ensure any fundraising efforts align with what members find valuable and engaging.

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and support the Nebraska Foundation for Physical Therapy.

Sincerely,
Nebraska Foundation for Physical Therapy
in partnership with APTA Nebraska

Call for Nominations: 2026 APTA NE Awards

APTA Nebraska is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Annual Association Awards. These awards recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the physical therapy profession and to APTA Nebraska.

Nominations are reviewed and voted on by the Board of Directors, and award recipients will be honored at the APTA Nebraska Annual Conference in April.

AWARDS:

• Achievement in Education Award

• Clinical Excellence Award – PT

• Clinical Excellence Award – PTA

• Friend of Physical Therapy Award

• Mary Ellen Sacksteder Award

For detailed information on each award, click here.

Submit a nomination online.
The nomination deadline is February 22, 2026.

Questions may be directed to the Nominating Committee Chair, Jake VanLaningham: 

Call For Candidates: Shape the Future of APTA Nebraska. Run For Office.

2026 Call for Candidates for Office

Episode 18 Available Now

APTA NE Legislative Day is Feb 28 - Plan To Attend

You’re invited to join us for APTA Nebraska Legislative Day on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in Lincoln.

The day will begin with breakfast and conversation before heading to the Nebraska State Capitol to meet with state senators and advocate for issues impacting the physical therapy profession.

Schedule
• 7:30–8:45 AM – Breakfast at Billy’s Restaurant, Lincoln
• Following breakfast – Walk to the Nebraska State Capitol to meet with senators

Legislative Day is an important opportunity to connect directly with policymakers and ensure the voices of PTs and PTAs are heard. We encourage all members to attend.

Plan to attend and represent our profession at the Capitol.

EPSIG Pub Night - Jan 29

APTA Nebraska Early Professionals Pub Night Social

The APTA NE Early Professional Special Interest Group (EPSIG) invites you to join us for a Pub Night Social. Come enjoy a casual evening of networking, conversation, and connection with fellow early-career physical therapists, PTAs, and experienced PT mentors.

This meet-up is a great opportunity to:

• Connect with other early professional PTs and PTAs

• Build meaningful professional relationships and expand your network

• Learn from PT mentors in an informal setting

• Enjoy FREE food

Event Details
🗓️ January 29, 2026
⏰ 7:00–9:00 PM
📍 DJ’s Dugout, 777 N 114th St, Omaha, NE

Whether you’re new to the profession or looking to grow your connections within APTA Nebraska, we’d love to see you there!

Welcome 2026 NSSIG Executive Board

APTA Nebraska is pleased to announce and welcome the newly elected Nebraska Student Special Interest Group (NSSIG) Executive Board. We extend our congratulations and appreciation to these student leaders for their commitment to serving Nebraska’s PT and PTA student community.

Please join us in welcoming the 2026 NSSIG Executive Board:

• Anna Walter, President

• Brianna Johnson, Vice President

• Aidan Gantenbein, Secretary

• Seanna Patterson, Treasurer

NSSIG has seen tremendous growth and impact in recent years thanks to the dedication, creativity, and advocacy of its student leaders. We are confident this new Executive Board will continue that strong momentum while bringing fresh ideas, perspectives, and energy to the organization.

The Executive Board will participate in a formal transition process, including a transition meeting later this month to ensure a smooth and successful start to their term.

Thank you to each of these students for stepping into leadership roles and for their continued commitment to advancing the student voice within APTA Nebraska. We look forward to supporting the NSSIG Executive Board as they lead the organization into its next chapter.

Vote Now: NSSIG 2026 Officer Elections Open

APTA NE NSSIG Members,

The Nebraska Student Special Interest Group (NSSIG) 2026 Officer Elections are approaching, and we encourage all NSSIG members to participate.

Voting is open through December 31. All current NSSIG members are eligible to cast a vote.

Please review the candidate statements here and then cast your vote at the link below.

Your participation helps shape the future leadership and direction of APTA NE's NSSIG. Please take a few moments to review the candidates and submit your ballot during the voting period.

VOTE TODAY

Thank you for your engagement and continued support of NSSIG.

Episode 16 Available Now

Episode 15 Available Now

Episode 14 Available Now

ATTN: Central & Western District Members - PT Day of Service - Donate To The Food Pantry

Episode 13

Episode 10 Available Now

Behind the Scenes at APTA's House of Delegates: How Nebraska Shapes National PT Policy

Nebraska delegates share key APTA policy changes that affect YOUR practice. From unified PT/PTA Code of Ethics to PTAs gaining board positions, these decisions shape physical therapy's future. What changes are you most excited about?
hashtag#ptpolicy hashtag#physicaltherapy hashtag#HealthcareInnovation

Listen here or where ever you get your podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gqdDzUwV

Episode 9:

Episode 8:

Episode 7:

Podcast Episode 6 Is Live

Membership Soap Note - January 2025

We are happy to share the January 2025 Membership SOAP Note. This issue is packed with valuable updates, insights, and timely information about elections, advocacy and more.

We encourage you to take a few moments to read through the SOAP Note and stay up-to-date with the dynamic activities and initiatives of APTA NE.

Warm regards!