Physical Therapist Assistant, AS

Degree Completion Plans The University’s Physical Therapist Assistant program provides a new option for local residents who want to pursue healthcare careers close to home. The program received its full accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education [CAPTE] in Fall 2013 following a two-year accreditation process. Its first cohort of students graduated in December 2013. Program Director Christopher Rolon developed the Associate degree program and brought it through the two-year accreditation process. The PTA program will allow 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.

Welcome to the PTA Program!

Our PTA program is one of only two programs of its kind in the state of Maine, giving you a close-to-home opportunity for a career in one of the 20 fastest-growing occupations in Maine.
So many options

Physical Therapist Assistants enjoy all kinds of employment settings, from hospitals and public schools to nursing homes and out-patient clinics.
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.
Learn from experienced practitioners

You aren’t just learning from professors who really care about your progress (with lots of 1-on-1 time built in), you’re learning from licensed practitioners with years of experience in the career field.
Use the latest technology

Our PTA program features a fully-equipped training lab that includes an in-patient simulation room so we can provide students with as many interactive learning opportunities as possible.

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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.

Current High School Students

High school juniors and seniors interested in UMPI PTA are urged to take courses in biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, writing and math. Students finishing their high school senior year should contact UMPI’s Admissions Office prior to graduation and complete a university application. Once the high school student has been accepted to UMPI, he/she should contact the PTA program director to discuss the program and prepare for the first semester at college. High school graduates planning to register for human anatomy and physiology (Bio 261) during his/her first fall semester of general education will be expected to prepare for this course through self-directed study over the summer. In order to complete this preparation, the student will need to purchase the workbook “Get Ready for A&P” 3rd ed. by Lori K. Garrett available online or at the UMPI campus bookstore. Once the student has completed the workbook, he/she needs to take and pass the book’s cumulative post-test with an 80%. Results of each student’s post-test need to be sent to the PTA program director at christopher.rolon@maine.edu PRIOR to the start of the fall semester.

High school students applying to UMPI should also contact Financial Aid as soon as possible to discuss individual circumstances and financial needs.

NOTE: Submitting a formal application to UMPI through the Admissions Office is the first step for high school graduates. Applying for admission to the university is NOT an application to the PTA program. Only current UMPI students who have successfully completed all 30 credits of required general education may apply to complete the final 45 credits of technical academic and clinical coursework.

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), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org.

Degree Completion Plans