Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a PT and a PTA?
The physical therapist (PT) is responsible for the evaluation and development of a treatment plan for the client. The PT also determines which portions of the treatment plan can be safely assigned to the physical therapist assistant (PTA). The term assistant can be misleading. As a PTA, you will work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist (PT). The PTA carries out the plan of care developed by the PT with the amount of supervision required by his/her level of experience and applicable laws. As a PTA, you will be the "front line" clinician of physical therapy services and must use good problem solving and judgment skills to effectively help the patients in your care.
Currently a Masters degree is required to become a physical therapist. In June 2000, the APTA House of Delegates endorsed Vision 2020 that supports the Doctorate degree as the required degree for the physical therapist. Maine has two educational programs for physical therapist  Husson College in Bangor and the University of  New England in Westbrook both accept students into their doctoral programs.  An Associate degree is required to become a physical therapist assistant.  KVCC has the ONLY PTA program in Maine.

Can I enroll in the PTA Program at KVCC part-time or evenings?
PTA Program courses are not offered in the evening, or part-time.
.
How much time is required for studying outside of class?
It is a conservative estimate that students should plan to study a minimum of two hours for each hour of classroom instruction. Some students may find this adequate while others may need to devote more time. In addition, students are required to complete competency assessments for clinical skills taught in the laboratory courses. Students should expect to commit to several hours of practice in order to demonstrate their ability to safely perform these important skills.  It is strongly recommended that you apply for financial aid or assistance in the form of a loan or scholarship to reduce the number of hours you need to work. You will find a link to the financial aid web page in "Links".

Once I graduate, can I transfer to a PT school?
The accreditation standards for PTA and PT programs are quite different and most PTA Program credits are not accepted in transfer by physical therapy programs. Non-program courses such as English, Math, Humanities, and Social Science courses may be accepted for transfer credits.  Please view the Health Science Preparation Certificate in the Programs of Study link.

How many of the program graduates find jobs?
The PTA Program at KVCC enjoys a strong reputation in the physical therapy community. Therefore, KVCC graduates are sought after when job opportunities become available. Depending upon the practice setting in which you are interested, full-time and part-time employment options are available state and nationwide. Typically, the placement rate is near 100%.