Program Goals

1. Graduates will go on to take the national Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy certification exam and become state-licensed physical therapist assistants.
2. Meet Aroostook County region PTA employment needs.
3. Provide individualized PTA education with information and skills that are accurate and current
4. Provide local community services through educational partnerships with regional employers.
5. Graduate ethical PTAs committed to excellence and lifelong learning.

Program Objectives

1. There will not be more than 20% technical phase attrition rate due to academic reasons.
2. Licensure examination pass rate of at least 85% averaged over two years.
3. Employment rate of at least 90% averaged over two years.
4. Licensed graduates in the state of Maine will remain in good ethical and legal standing with the State’s Office of Licensing and Registration.
5. PTA students and faculty will provide/participate in annual community services including balance screens and health fairs.
6. 80% of employer surveys will indicate that they would hire UMPI PTA graduate if the need arises.
7. All PTA faculty will maintain a minimum of 75% favorable course evaluations.
8. Each clinical site will maintain favorable student evaluations.
9. All PTA faculty will attend at least one continuing education seminar/workshop annually and present to PTA/allied health departments
10. The program will be 100% compliant with CAPTE requirements.

PTA Graduate Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

1. Professional Communication: The student will demonstrate effective, accurate, and professional verbal, nonverbal, and written communication in all aspects of health care.
2. Professionalism: The student will demonstrate behavior in a professional, legal, and ethical manner in all situations.
3. Data Collection: The student will competently and safely collect data as needed to carry out the physical therapy plan of care under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist.
4. Interventions: The student will competently and safely implement select components of intervention identified in the physical therapy plan of care under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist.
5. Clinical Problem Solving: The student exhibits sound clinical decision making abilities within the PT plan of care while carrying out the PT plan of care.
6. Participation in Clinical Environment and Practice Management: The student demonstrates proficient knowledge and skills to participate in clinical provider safety, interprofessional collaboration, quality assurance, organizational planning and operation, billing and payment.