The University’s Physical Therapist Assistant program provides an option for local residents who want to pursue healthcare careers close to home. Our unique 1+1 format allows students from out of the region the opportunity to complete prerequisites close to home and attend class at UMPI for only one year to complete the PTA degree.  Our small class size and dedicated faculty will allow ample time and attention to perfect each student’s clinical skills and unique individual needs. The PTA program allows the University to offer more instruction in the STEM areas; careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math are the largest growing job sector in Maine. The primary objective of our program is to graduate skilled clinicians who will go on to take a national certification exam and become licensed to work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist as a state-licensed physical therapist assistant. We are looking for academically strong students who are excited at the prospect of a challenging and rewarding career in physical therapy!

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Program Highlights

Accreditation

The Physical Therapist Assistant program at the University of Maine at Presque Isle is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org.  If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call 207-768-9678 or email matthew.papsadora@maine.edu.

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EXPECT generous scholarships

EXPECT generous scholarships

Welcome to the PTA Program!

The Physical Therapist Assistant program is a 2-year degree program consisting of 5 semesters of coursework including 3 student clinical experiences in various physical therapy settings.  Our PTA program is a unique educational experience in which you truly become a family with your classmates.  You will spend the last year of the program with the same students and two faculty members to dive deeper into specific physical therapy assistant practice.  The experience is beyond education here at UMPI where you become a close knit group of friends for life that become professional colleagues once graduated.

Learn From Experienced Practitioners

Core faculty for the program are licensed physical therapists with Doctorate degrees within the field.  Each faculty member has diverse experience within the field of physical therapy with expertise in neurology, orthopedics and specialty training.  The program also utilizes the knowledge and skills of local facilities and practitioners to provide additional training to our students beyond that of entry-level expectations.

EXPECT an education tailored to your needs

EXPECT an education tailored to your needs

Use the Latest Technology

Utilizing our inpatient and outpatient equipment in the lab will prepare students to be proficient in their skills and seamlessly integrate into the clinical environment.  The lab space offers all of the usual modalities seen in a traditional outpatient clinic, hi-low tables, and a traction table.  Our inpatient simulation lab allows students ideal space to practice the hands-on skills necessary to be safe and competent with the equipment seen in these settings.

Real-World Experience, Training that pays it forward

With UMPI’s PTA program, you’ll get at least 3 off-campus clinical experiences, getting hands-on learning while making a real impact in the local community. Our program works with community employers, schools and other organizations. In addition to the facilities on campus to provide hands-on learning, our program is affiliated with numerous clinical sites throughout the state and country.  We have contracts with placements that encompass the entire realm of physical therapy in order to provide depth and breadth of clinical experience for our students.

Future Careers, So Many Options

Our Physical Therapist Assistant program prepares students for future careers as physical therapist assistants in many settings, including in:

Hospitals

Physical therapy private practices

Rehabilitation facilities

Outpatient clinics

Public and private schools

Colleges and universities

Sports medicine clinics

And more…

Student Collaboration

The PTA program, along with our other allied health offerings at UMPI, provide lab space that closely resembles what students will see when entering the workforce.  These varying environments within the UMPI campus allow us the opportunity to collaborate with other degree programs and simulate real world scenarios where PTA’s, Nursing and Lab Techs may work together to treat the same patient. 

Mission Statement

The mission of the UMPI PTA program is to provide a comprehensive and rigorous educational experience where students are committed to excellence, professional development and lifelong learning. Our graduates will be prepared to become licensed physical therapist assistants and provide ethical, high quality, services under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. Our program is committed to public service and meeting the needs of the Aroostook County region through educational and service driven partnerships with community employers, schools, and organizations.

Program Facilities

gentile hall weight room

Gentile Hall

AT Room

PTA Lab

The Role of the Physical Therapist Assistant

The exciting field of physical therapy is a dynamic allied health profession dedicated to helping people of all ages, from infancy to the elderly. Physical therapy promotes health, prevents injury, reduces pain, and restores function and/or mobility. A physical therapist assistant (PTA) is a member of the health care team who, under the supervision and direction of the physical therapist, provides patient treatments and other services to people of all ages. The clinical knowledge and skills of a PTA include:

  • Therapeutic exercises for rehabilitation and injury prevention
  • Functional training for mobility and self-care at home, work, and in the community
  • Manual therapy techniques
  • Application of assistive devices including canes, walkers, and wheelchairs
  • Use of hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, hot and cold therapies

Faculty

Photo of Matthew Papsadora

Matthew Papsadora

Director and Assistant Professor of Physical Therapist Assistant Program
Location
South Hall 214
Phone
(207) 768-9678
Email
matthew.papsadora@maine.edu

Tracie Papsadora

Assistant Professor of PTA
Location
South Hall 217
Phone
(207) 768-9542
Email
tracie.papsadora@maine.edu

EXPECT to Finish in Four

EXPECT to Finish in Four

PTA Program Offerings

Earn your Physical Therapist Assistant A.S., which will prepare you to be a skilled clinician working under the direction of a physical therapist in settings including hospitals, schools, and out-patient clinics.

Choosing the B.S. in Exercise Science with the Self-Designed concentration allows students to prepare for a career in Exercise Science–graduating prepared for certifications in strength and conditioning, corrective exercise, personal training, and group fitness instruction–and earn a minor in PTA.

What can you do with a degree in PTA?

Next Step: Admissions

We’re so excited that you’re considering the University of Maine at Presque Isle! As a student at UMPI, we want your experience to be anything but ordinary! So what makes UMPI extraordinary? Our Learning Environment, Our Student Engagement and Our Location!

No matter what stage of life you are in, we can help you take the plunge into higher education and put you on YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS!