APTA Nebraska Podcast

A lot can change in a few weeks when policy, courts, and payment systems collide, and that is exactly what we unpack with a clear set of wins for physical therapy in Nebraska. Brad Dexter and APTA Nebraska President Nick Weber start with a quick summer check-in, then move straight into the updates our members have been watching closely: student loans, Medicaid reimbursement, and the advocacy work...

We celebrate Nebraska’s new PT and PTA graduates while making the case for staying connected through APTA to strengthen the profession and reduce burnout. We also break down timely state and federal policy updates that could shape workforce, reimbursement, postpartum care, and access to physical therapy across Nebraska.  • Graduation season highlights and why association membership keeps the PT co...

Get a recap from the APTA Nebraska Spring Conference as we break down key business meeting updates, chapter priorities, and what’s ahead for the profession across Nebraska. We also highlight Nebraska-led research and connect with conference sponsors who are partnering with therapy teams to develop practical orthotic and prosthetic solutions that improve patient care and outcomes.  • Recognizing aw...

We talk with Cole Meadows, the new EPSIG president, about how early-career PTs and PTAs in Nebraska can find mentors, build community, and grow into confident clinicians. We also share an easy way to connect in person and why simply showing up can change your first five years of practice.  • New EPSIG leadership and what the executive team is focused on • Why early professionals benefit from netwo...

We share a quick president’s desk update with the wins, gaps, and next steps shaping physical therapy across Nebraska. We cover the Capitol visit, where the medical liens bill stands, why our ballot needs more names, and how to stay connected through conference season and new APTA resources.  • Takeaways from Legislative Day and strong student participation  • Status of LB 1012 medical liens bill...

Brad is joined by APTA NE President Nick Weber and two rural hospital CEOs, Robert Dyer and Chris Nichols, who began as physical therapists share how mentorship, risk, and relentless networking moved them from the clinic to the role of CEO in rural hospitals. We unpack the realities of running critical access hospitals, from Medicare Advantage pressures to building student pipelines and modernizin...

What keeps a rural physical therapist energized when every day brings a new challenge, and a new patient story? In this episode, we sit down with Holly Hildebrand and Brittany McClary, Central District co-chairs for APTA Nebraska, to explore how small hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics deliver big outcomes across central Nebraska. From pediatrics to post-stroke care, the...

What if the best doorway to better care is the one that meets you where you already are—at home, at work, or in the hours between feedings and sleep? We sit down with PTA Michelle Lueking, a former music teacher whose path from choir room to clinic shaped a fresh take on pelvic health, chronic illness, and accessible physical therapy. Michelle shares how a mobile-plus-clinic model removes barriers...

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...

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 facu...

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 part...

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, fundi...

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 •...

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 strengthe...

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 commit...

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...

APTA Nebraska delegates share insights from the House of Delegates, revealing how key votes on professional policies and bylaws shape the future of physical therapy practice across the state and nation. The podcast explores the inner workings of APTA governance and highlights critical changes that impact all physical therapists and assistants.  If you're interested in getting involved with AP...

Amber Herrington and Jen Bruursema share their journeys as physical therapists and their work with APTA Nebraska's Education Committee, working to unite Nebraska's PT community through continuing education and professional development. • Amber owns a mobile physical therapy practice, bringing care directly to patients after 14 years in outpatient neuro rehab • Jen specializes in geriatri...

Ryan Hardin and Brett Burton share their journeys from McCook, Nebraska through PT school and various career paths before ultimately returning to their hometown to practice physical therapy at McCook Community Hospital. • Both attended University of Nebraska for athletic training and UNMC for physical therapy • Brett's path included a sports residency in Idaho and working with professional at...

The APTA Nebraska podcast provides critical updates on recent healthcare legislation and upcoming events for physical therapists throughout the state. This legislation brings a 2.5% Medicare fee increase for 2026 while highlighting concerns about rural hospital closures and changes to student loan programs. • Recent "Big Beautiful Bill" signed with 2.5% Medicare fee schedule increase for...

The APTA Nebraska membership committee shares their diverse backgrounds and motivation for joining the organization while highlighting the benefits of engagement for physical therapists at all career stages. Members discuss how building professional relationships across practice settings and geographical areas creates a stronger, more connected PT community in Nebraska. • Committee members include...

Mike Stodden and Wendy Bloomhuff of Rock Valley Physical Therapy share their journeys in private practice and innovative solutions for overcoming administrative barriers to provide exceptional patient care. The conversation reveals how passion for patient relationships drives practice decisions, while exploring the challenges of insurance requirements, administrative burdens, and practice manageme...

The APTA Nebraska podcast discusses recent graduates, state advocacy, and prosthetics initiatives while providing important timeline updates for members and highlighting opportunities for engagement. • Congratulations to 2025 PT and PTA graduates, with reminders about patience during the four-week licensure process • Announcement of an All-District meeting featuring House of Delegates information...

Three early-career physical therapists share their journeys navigating the first years of practice, discussing both the rewards and challenges they've encountered along the way. We explore how APTA Nebraska's Early Professional Special Interest Group (EPSIG) provides mentorship and community support for PTs and PTAs in their crucial first five years. • Kirsten, Joel, and Cole reveal what...

APTA Nebraska's Student Special Interest Group (NSSIG) executive board shares their journeys to leadership and why professional engagement matters for PT students and new graduates. • Student leaders from NSSIG discuss their paths to executive board positions • Service backgrounds range from extensive leadership experience to first-time involvement • Board members emphasize that professional...