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!
Program Highlights
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 fastest-growing occupations in the nation.
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 and a passion for the profession.
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.
Real-World Experience, Training that Pays it Forward
Participate in clinical experiences, both in the lab and in the field. Real world training provides the most in-depth and broad educational opportunities, preparing you for a career ahead.
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.
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
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
Matthew Papsadora
- Location
- South Hall 214
- Phone
- (207) 768-9678
- matthew.papsadora@maine.edu
Tracie Papsadora
- Location
- South Hall 217
- Phone
- (207) 768-9542
- tracie.papsadora@maine.edu
Other Important Links
EXPECT to Finish in Four
EXPECT to Finish in Four
PTA Program Offerings
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!