To become a Physician Assistant (PA) in Maine (ME) one must successfully graduate from an accredited PA program.
After completing the program, passing the national certification examination is essential. State licensure is also required to practice as a PA in Maine. Ongoing education and licensure renewal are necessary to maintain your PA career.
Listed below are the top accredited Physician Assistant Schools in, Maine.
Top Accredited PA Schools in Maine 2024
Selecting an ARC-PA-accredited school in Maine is crucial for a quality PA education and the certification path. It ensures that the program meets established standards, enhancing the competence of future PAs.
In Maine, there is 1 accredited PA school, and it holds full accreditation without any provisional or probationary status.
| School | City | ARC-PA | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of New England | Biddeford | Yes | Program Page |
The majority of institutions utilize the CASPA web-based application system. It is imperative to verify the application deadlines on the CASPA website.
University of New England, Biddeford
- 716 Stevens Avenue Biddeford, ME 04005
- (207) 602-2855
The University of New England in Biddeford is a private institution with a spacious campus that can accommodate 6,434 students. For students seeking convenience, on-campus housing is available.
Their Physician Assistant program, accredited by ARC-PA, spans 24 months and maintains a class size of 50 students, providing a comprehensive education. Upon completion of the program, graduates are awarded a Master of Science in Physician Assistant.
In terms of costs, the tuition and fees for the PA Program exceed $115,000. Prospective students can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline of October 1st.
Certification and License Requirements
After graduating from an accredited PA program in Maine, aspiring Physician Assistants (PAs) must meet the certification requirements. To be eligible for the certification exams, they need to complete the requisite coursework and clinical experience. Certification is a prerequisite for state licensure as it verifies the individual’s competence to practice.
PAs in Maine can take these certification exams, such as the PANCE, at designated test centers, provided by the certifying organizations. Successful completion allows them to apply for state licensure, ensuring the safety and quality of healthcare services.
Licensure
Once you have graduated from an accredited program and achieved certification it is required by Maine law that you obtain a license to work as a Physician Assistant there.
PAs in Maine work closely with physicians under a written supervision agreement that defines their scope of practice. These agreements must meet statutory requirements and all delegated services must align with the supervising physician’s scope of practice. Notably, PAs in Maine have the authority to prescribe and dispense Schedule II – V drugs and controlled substances as long as they fall within the guidelines set by their supervising physicians and written agreements. They do not have a separate Controlled Substances License.
The Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine governs the licensing of Physician Assistants in Maine. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Address: 137 State House Station, 161 Capitol St., Augusta, ME 04333-0137
Phone: (207) 287-3601
Website: https://www.maine.gov/md/licensure/pa-license
Physician Assistant Salary in Maine
In 2024, there were 770 individuals employed as Physician Assistants in Maine, with an average salary of $126,630. This translates to an hourly wage of $60.88, marking a 1.07% difference from the national average of $125,270.
Between 2018 and 2022, the average salary for Physician Assistants in Maine increased by $16,600, reflecting a 15% rise. In the same period, employment figures grew by 50, which corresponds to a 7% increase.
Looking ahead, the Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates a substantial 27% employment growth for physician assistants between 2022 and 2032.