Jessica Niemann is the Director of the Physical Therapist Assistant program. She is a proud alumna of Clarkson College and graduated with her Associate of Science degree in PTA in 1999 and Bachelor of Science in Health Care Services degree in 2016. She received her Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Concordia University in 2019.
Before becoming an instructor in the PTA program, Ms. Niemann worked as a PTA at an academic medical center in the outpatient and inpatient physical therapy settings for 15 years. During that time, she also served as the Education Coordinator of the physical therapy department. She is a Certified Physical Therapy Clinical Educator and a current member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the APTA Nebraska chapter. She is an active member of the Physical Therapist Assistant Educator Special Interest Group and serves on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee for the APTA Nebraska chapter.
Outside of the College, Ms. Niemann enjoys family time with her husband and two daughters. Her hobbies include hiking, running, baking, and spending time with friends.
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." - Mahatma Gandhi
I view my work through a lens of service to others so that students, faculty, and beyond may grow, contribute, and reach new heights.
PTA 106 Introduction to Physical Therapy
PTA 213 Professional Leadership Seminar
PTA 450 Clinical Leadership and Practice Integration
Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching; Clarkson College
Academic Excellence Award for the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Services; Clarkson College
Physical Therapist Assistant Clinical Excellence Award; Nebraska Physical Therapy Association
Presenter, “Development of a Clinical Reasoning Assessment Tool for Physical Therapist Assistants.” 18th Annual Physical Therapy Educational Leadership Conference in Philadelphia, PA, Oct 2023
Presenter, "PT-PTA Teaming: Collaborative Interdependence To Improve Outcomes and Profitability" Creighton University, July 2023
Presenter, “2023 International Women’s Day Panel Discussion”, Clarkson College Diversity Council, Mar 2023
Presenter, “Integrating Intraprofessional Student Collaborative Experiences to Increase Access to Physical Therapy Services and Improve Profitability”, 2022-2023 PTA Educator Special Interest Group Webinar Series, Mar 2023
Presenter, “The Culture of Adoption”, Cultural Café, Clarkson College Diversity Council, Mar 2022
Presenter, “The Big Picture: Utilization of the PT-PTA Model”, American Physical Therapy Association – Nebraska Chapter Lunch and Learn, Jan 2022
Presenter, “Strategies for Work Life Balance”, Faculty Development Day, Clarkson College, Dec 2017
Presenter, “Treatment of Back and Pelvic Pain for the Pregnant Patient” Alegent Creighton Health, Jun 2013