✔️ Page updated: August 18th, 2023
This page has all of the information laid out in steps, including application forms, and fees to become a physical therapist assistant in Maine and get licensed.
All PTA licensing in Maine is regulated by the State of Maine Professional and Fnancial Regulation.
Below are the requirements to become a licensed PTA in Maine.
PTA License Requirement | Required in Maine? |
|---|---|
| Complete Accredited PTA Program | Yes |
| Send Certification of Completion of Education Directly from School to State PT Board | Yes |
| Mail passport style photo to State PT Board (with application) | Yes |
| Complete PTA License Application | Yes |
| Pay non-refundable application fee | Yes, $200 (Or pay $315 for 2 yeas) |
| Complete Jurisprudence Exam | Yes |
| Pass the National Physical Therapy Assistant Exam (NPTAE) | Yes, $370 |
Maine PTA License Application
For detailed information and instructions to become a PTA in Maine, see the board’s Application form. To download the form, right click the icon to the right and then click on “Save As” to save the PDF file.
Maine PTA Board Contact Info
Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation
35 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
(207) 624-8689
physicalthrpy.lic@maine.gov
More PTA Info for Maine:
Learn how to become a physical therapist assistant in 7 steps completing all education and licensing requirements.
Step 1. Earn Your Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Degree
To become a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Maine, the first step is to earn a PTA degree. Aspiring PTAs should enroll in a two-year associate’s degree program in physical therapist assisting that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and approved by the Maine Board of Examiners in Physical Therapy. You can enter your zip code below to see programs near you.
You can also use these resources to research CAPTE Accredited PTA Programs:
Maine offers two options for earning a PTA degree. Students can choose to attend either Central Maine Community College or Kennebec Valley Community College, both of which offer accredited PTA programs.
The coursework in these programs covers a wide range of subjects, including Anatomy & Physiology, Introduction to Kinesiology for the PTA, and Pathology. These courses provide students with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to assist physical therapists in providing services to patients.
Upon completion of the PTA program, students are awarded an associate’s degree and are eligible to sit for the national licensing examination. Passing this examination is a requirement for licensure as a PTA in Maine.
Overall, earning a PTA degree is an essential step in becoming a licensed PTA in Maine. By enrolling in an accredited program and completing the necessary coursework, individuals can gain the educational credentials needed to embark on a rewarding career in physical therapy.
Step 2. Apply for and Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTAs
Once you have completed the necessary education requirements and obtained your PTA license in Maine, the next step is to apply for and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTAs. This exam is a crucial component in the process of becoming a licensed PTA in the state of Maine.
To begin the application process, you will need to submit the exam application to the State of Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation. This application will require you to provide personal information, educational credentials, and any relevant work history. Additionally, you will need to pay the required fees associated with the exam application.
Supporting documents such as official transcripts from your PTA educational program will also need to be provided. These transcripts serve as a confirmation that you have completed the necessary education credits to be eligible for the exam. In some cases, a letter of intent may be requested as well.
The NPTE-PTA exam itself consists of questions that assess your knowledge and skills in various areas of physical therapy. It is important to familiarize yourself with the content and format of the exam in order to prepare effectively. The passing score for the NPTE-PTA exam is a minimum of 600.
By successfully completing the application process and passing the NPTE-PTA exam, you will have met the examination requirement to become a licensed PTA in Maine. This allows you to provide services to patients in a variety of healthcare facilities such as outpatient clinics, acute care settings, and health agencies.
Keep in mind that maintaining your PTA license in Maine also requires license renewal and continuing education activities to stay updated with the latest advancements in the field of physical therapy.
Step 3. Submit Your Application for PTA Licensure in Maine
To obtain PTA licensure in Maine, applicants must complete the application process administered by the Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation. The application form can be downloaded from the office’s website. Along with the completed form, applicants must submit a $30 license fee and a $21 criminal background check fee.
In addition to the fees, several documents and pieces of information are required for the application. Official transcripts from the applicant’s physical therapist assistant educational program must be submitted, as well as exam scores from the Federation of State Boards. Applicants must also provide a signed statement regarding any criminal convictions.
It is important for applicants to carefully review the application instructions and ensure that all required documents and fees are submitted in a timely manner. Failure to do so may result in delays in processing the application. Once the application is received and reviewed by the Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation, a determination will be made regarding the applicant’s eligibility for PTA licensure in Maine.
In summary, those seeking PTA licensure in Maine can download the application form from the Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation website. The completed form, along with the required fees and documents, must be submitted to initiate the application process.
Step 4. Establish Your Career as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Maine
As a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Maine, you have various career options available to you. These include working in independent physical therapy practices, hospital systems, and outpatient clinics.
In independent physical therapy practices, you can work alongside physical therapists to provide services to patients. This setting allows you to have a direct impact on patients’ rehabilitation journeys and work closely with a team to provide personalized care.
Hospital systems also offer opportunities for PTAs, particularly in acute care settings. In these environments, you may assist in providing care to patients who have recently undergone surgery or are recovering from an illness or injury. Working in hospitals allows PTAs to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team and gain experience in a fast-paced healthcare setting.
Outpatient clinics are another option for PTAs in Maine. These clinics focus on providing rehabilitation and therapy services to patients who do not require hospitalization. In this setting, PTAs may help patients regain their mobility and functionality through exercises and other treatment modalities.
Facilities that have posted job offers for PTAs in Maine include Central Maine Medical Center, Central Maine Healthcare, and Maine Medical Center. These institutions often seek qualified PTAs to join their teams and provide high-quality care to patients.
By exploring these career options and seeking job offers at various facilities, PTAs in Maine can establish themselves in rewarding careers that contribute to improving patients’ lives.
Step 5. Renew Your Physical Therapist Assistant License Every Year
Renewing your Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) license in Maine is a crucial step to maintain your professional standing and continue practicing. It is essential to complete the renewal process annually.
To renew your PTA license, there are a few requirements and steps you need to follow. Firstly, ensure that you have completed the necessary continuing education credits. Maine requires licensed PTAs to complete 15 education units every year. These credits can be obtained through various educational activities such as courses, workshops, and seminars.
Next, make sure to gather all the required documents before starting the renewal process. You will need to provide your official transcripts and evidence of your education courses to the Maine Board of Physical Therapy. Additionally, you will need to complete a criminal background check.
Once you have fulfilled all the requirements, you can proceed with the online renewal process. It is crucial to keep your contact information up to date with the Board as they will send you a renewal notice when the time comes. To renew online, visit the Maine Board of Physical Therapy website and follow the instructions provided. Pay the required renewal fee promptly to avoid any late fees.
Renewing your PTA license on time is important to ensure that you can continue providing services to patients. By following the renewal process and keeping your information updated, you can maintain your license and stay compliant with the regulations set by the Board.
Why Be a PTA in Maine?
Maine has 2 PTA Programs available, which not quite as many as some other states. However, there are many jobs and salaries range from $54,500 to $71,200 annually. Learn more about becoming a physical therapist assistant in Maine by clicking the links below.
More PTA Info for Maine:
