PTA Schools in Maine (ME)

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) offers a competency-based degree that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience. The curriculum includes patient simulations in the laboratory and actual patient treatments in clinical education centers across Maine under the supervision of clinical instructors.

Physical Therapist Assistants assist with treatment interventions, including therapeutic exercises, functional training, use of adaptive equipment, wound management, and physical agents. They gain these skills through comprehensive academic and clinical education.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Graduates have an 89% graduation rate, 92% pass rate on licensing examination, and a 100% employment rate based on a two-year average for 2023-2024.

Career opportunities for graduates include hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics among others. However students should note that certain internship sites may limit or deny privileges to those with criminal records; similarly licensing boards may refuse to issue licenses based upon prior offenses.

Technical requirements for success include physical ability to lift patients as well as visual acuity to identify changes in patients’ skin color amongst other abilities. Students are also required to provide proof of immunization against various diseases and agree to work American Data Bank (Complio) which will perform a criminal background check.

The University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) offers a Physical Therapist Assistant program, one of only two in the state. The unique 1+1 format allows students to complete prerequisites close to home and then attend UMPI for just one year to finish their degree. This program aims to graduate skilled clinicians who will become licensed physical therapist assistants after passing a national certification exam.

Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and plenty of hands-on experience both in the lab and in real-world clinical settings. The PTA program uses cutting-edge technology including an in-patient simulation room for interactive learning opportunities.

Collaboration is encouraged with other allied health professionals like nursing and exercise science students, simulating workforce conditions. Graduates are prepared for various employment settings such as hospitals, public schools, nursing homes or outpatient clinics.

Faculty members hold Doctorate degrees within the field and have diverse expertise areas including neurology and orthopedics. Students get training beyond entry-level expectations thanks to partnerships with local facilities and practitioners.

This rigorous education prepares students not only academically but also instills commitment towards excellence, professional development & lifelong learning.

UMPI’s PTA program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

PTA Careers in Maine

Maine offers diverse opportunities for physical therapist assistants (PTAs) across various settings, reflecting the state’s unique geography and community needs.

• In urban areas like Portland, PTAs can find employment in outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and hospitals, providing essential care to patients recovering from surgeries, injuries, or chronic conditions.
• In contrast, rural regions such as Aroostook County may present opportunities in home health care, where PTAs travel to deliver services in patients’ homes, addressing accessibility challenges.
• Additionally, skilled nursing facilities in towns like Bath and Rockland rely on PTAs to support elderly residents’ mobility and rehabilitation needs, underscoring the critical role they play in enhancing the quality of life across Maine’s population.

Comparing PTA Schools in Maine

There are a few of considerations when choosing physical therapy assistant schools. Here’s a quick list of a few of the most crucial considerations to take into account as you research for your physical therapy assistant school:

• School size
• Passing-rates of the National License test
• Class and lab-room facilities
• College costs and potential opportunities for financial aid
• University admission requirements

While you take all these physical therapy assistant program factors into consideration, it may be helpful to survey present-day college students in addition to former students of the physical therapist assistant programs of curiosity. Also, talking to businesses who have actually employed these graduates may give you additional insight to each schools strengths & weaknesses.

More PTA Info for Maine:

ME PTA Licenses
ME PTA Salaries