Maine has 2 accredited Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) schools approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) in 2024.
After completing one of these programs, the next step to becoming a licensed PTA in the state involves passing the national certification exams. These exams are mandatory for obtaining your license to practice as a physical therapist assistant in Maine.
On this page you will find detailed information on these top PTA schools as well as further information on the requirements for aspiring PTA’s in the state.
How to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Maine
- Graduate from an Accredited PTA program
- Pass local Maine and/or National Certification Exams
- Obtain your license to work as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Maine
- How much do Physical Therapist Assistants make in Maine?
Top Accredited Physical Therapy Assistant Schools in Maine
There are currently just two fully accredited PTA programs in Maine. See below.
| College Name | Address | Accredited Until |
|---|---|---|
| Kennebec Valley Community College | Fairfield | 6/30/2028 |
| University of Maine at Presque Isle | Presque Isle | 6/30/2029 |
You can also browse the map below to view all schools offering physical therapy assistant programs in Maine and neighbouring areas.
Physical Therapy Assistant Certification Exam Requirements in Maine
Once you have graduated from an accredited PTA program in Maine, you will need to obtain a license to work as a physical therapist assistant there. To obtain your license, it is a requirement that you have successfully passed additional certification exams.
Maine does not have any requirement to undertake any local state-level jurisprudence exams. However, all candidates seeking initial licensure in the state must complete the National Physical Therapy Examinations (NPTE).
The purpose of the NPTE exams is to ensure a minimum standard or knowledge and competence after graduation and before entering the workplace. The NPTE exams are developed and administered by the US Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
Maine PTA License Requirements
To obtain a license as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in Maine, graduates of an educational program accredited by CAPTE and approved by the Maine Department of Professional & Financial Regulation – Board of Physical Therapy must apply. The license is renewed annually, and continuing education is not required for renewal, ensuring that PTAs meet the necessary standards for ongoing licensure.
Once you have graduated from an accredited program, it is required by Maine law that you obtain a license to work as a Physical Therapist Assistant in the State. The Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation regulates the licensing of Physical Therapist Assistants in Maine. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Address: Gardiner Annex/ 76 Northern Ave 35 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0035
Email: physicalthrpy.lic@maine.gov
Phone: (207) 624-8603
Website: https://www.maine.gov/
Update 2018: The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) has recently launched the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact for PTs and PTA’s.
The purpose of the compact is to essentially create an interstate license that will allow a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant to practice outside of the state in which they obtained their license.
Average Physical Therapy Assistant Salary in Maine
| State | Maine |
|---|---|
| Salary | $58,800 |
| Hourly Wage | $28.27 |
| Bottom 10% of Earners | $50,280 |
| Top 10% of Earners | $68,870 |
| # Employed | 480 |
In Maine, the average salary for Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) in 2022-2023 is $58,800, showing a 6% variance below the national average of $62,770. The average hourly wage is $28.27. Among the 480 employed PTAs in the state, the top 10% earn $68,870, while the bottom 10% earn $50,280. These figures illustrate the income distribution within the profession, indicating a modest deviation from the national average.
In Maine from 2018 to 2022, the average salary for Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) increased by $4,830, reflecting a 9% change. Employment experienced significant growth during the same period, with an additional 150 PTAs employed, marking a 45% increase. Looking ahead, there is a projected 22% growth in PTA employment in Maine from 2020 to 2030, indicating sustained demand and potential expansion in the field.
PTA Salaries and Employment in Maine by Metro Area
The table below breaks down the salary and employment of physical therapist assistants by Metro area across the state.
| City | Employed | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Bangor | 50 | $54,860 |
| Lewiston-Auburn | 40 | $56,060 |
| Portland-South Portland | 80 | $56,700 |