Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) in Maine perform a variety of job tasks, such as helping patients regain mobility after injuries or surgeries.
PTAs can work in different healthcare settings such as nursing homes, hospitals, sports medicine clinics, and schools across the state.
If you want to improve someone’s life, you can consider becoming a physical therapist assistant.
This guide explores the steps you can take to become a physical therapist assistant in Maine.
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How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Maine: A Step-by-Step Guide
The first step of becoming a PTA in Maine begins by fulfilling all the license requirements determined by the Maine Board of Examiners in Physical Therapy (MBEPT).
To obtain a license to practice as a PTA in Maine, here are the steps to follow.
Enrol for a PTA Degree
Choose a PTA school accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and complete a two-year associate’s degree.
These schools are approved by the Maine Board of Examiners in Physical Therapy.
Prospective PTAs can pursue an Associate in Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant (AAS) or Physical Therapist Assistant, Associate of Science (AS).
Your training will include classroom coursework and clinical practice to help students gain hands-on experience in physical therapy.
Your coursework can include the following subjects:
- Introduction to Kinesiology for the PTA
- Anatomy and physiology
- Kinesiology for the PTA
- Pathology
- Neuroscience
The associate’s degree includes 14-16 credits covering full-time clinical experience.
All candidates must have criminal-free backgrounds to practice as PTAs in Maine.
They should also have proof of immunization and hold certification in Basic Life Support.
Students should undertake clinical practice in different settings across Maine including outpatient centers, hospitals, and nursing homes.
Apply for a License
Once you complete your PTA program, you need to apply for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and make sure you pass it to get a practicing license.
The exam is administered through the National Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (NFSBPT) in Maine.
You can apply to write an exam online and pay a $25 application fee.
If you are yet to graduate from your PTA program, you can attach your “Letter of Intent to Graduate” to show that you have completed your PTA program.
Be sure to attach all relevant supporting documents to your application.
You need to constantly check the Office of Professional and Occupation Regulation website to see if your application has been approved.
When your application is being reviewed, your status will be “Pending” and it changes to “Pending Examination” once you have been approved to sit for the exam.
Register with NPTE and pay the $400 exam fee once you have been approved.
You need to obtain a score of at least 600 on the exam to pass it.
The exam consists of 200 items that must be completed in four hours.
The NPTE-PTA exam covers the following items:
- Safety & Protection; Professional Responsibilities; Research (6%)
- Diseases/Conditions that Impact Effective Treatment (28%)
- Interventions (30.7%)
- Equipment & Devices; Therapeutic Modalities (14.7%)
- Physical Therapy Data Collection (20.7%)
Submit Application For License
Once you pass the exam, you can submit your application to practice as a PTA in Maine.
Download the application form from the Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation website and pay $30 for a license and $21 for a crime check.
If you have a conviction, provide a signed written statement.
Any application with alterations will be rejected.
Check the website of the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation to see if your license has been approved.
The status changes to “Active” and you can get your physical license within 14 days.
When you obtain a license, you can launch your professional career as a physical therapist assistant in Maine.
Maintain Your License
Be sure to renew your PTA license when it expires on March 31 every year.
You will receive a reminder from the board to renew your license at least 30 days before it expires.
You can renew your license online for $30.
A late application will attract a fee of $50, or you may be forced to reapply for a new license if you fail to renew it for more than 90 days.
Physical Therapist Assistant Schools in Maine
Maine has only two CAPTE-accredited PTA schools including the following:
Kennebec Valley Community College
This institution offers the lowest tuition and is open to students from different age groups ranging from 17 to 60.
The classes are small to ensure optimum attention to individuals.
Students should pay $144 per credit hour, and the course takes two years to complete.
University of Maine at Presque Isle
The University of Maine at Presque Isle is another CAPTE-accredited PTA school in Maine.
Students are expected to complete their degree in two years for a fee of less than $10,000.
Top 2 Schools in Maine
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Kennebec Valley Community College | 92 Western Ave, Fairfield, ME 04937, United States |
| University of Maine at Presque Isle | 181 Main St, Presque Isle, ME 04769, United States |
Salary for a PTA Technician in Maine
A qualified physical therapist assistant earns an average salary of $63,000.
The salary ranges between $57,400 and $69,000 depending on factors like location, skills, experience, and certifications.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Physical Therapist Assistants in Maine
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Portland | $62,801 |
| Lewiston | $62,201 |
| Bangor | $58,201 |
| South Portland | $62,801 |
| Auburn | $62,201 |
| Saco | $62,701 |
| Biddeford | $62,501 |
| Windham | $62,801 |
| Augusta | $59,901 |
| Westbrook | $62,801 |
Regional Salary in Maine
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor, ME | 60 | $56,880 | $27.35 | $68,340 | $50,280 |
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME | 50 | $61,730 | $29.68 | $69,230 | $50,840 |
| Portland-South Portland, ME | 140 | $60,570 | $29.12 | $72,080 | $51,880 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
University of Maine at Presque Isle
You can choose between a bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree, and it takes you five semesters or between two years and two and a half years to complete the course.
How do you obtain a license to practice as a PTA in Maine?
You need to complete your PTA program first and then apply for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
Once you pass the exam, you will get your license and start practicing as a PTA.
Where do PTAs get work in Maine?
Qualified PTAs play a crucial role in providing patient care and treatment to people seeking to regain their mobility in different healthcare settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes.
There is a growing demand for physical therapist assistants in Maine since they offer indispensable services in our lives.
A PTA is responsible for helping patients regain mobility following an injury or surgery.
If you want to join this lucrative industry, you can follow the steps outlined above.
In two years, you will become a qualified PTA to practice in Maine.
