Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapy Assistant
The two-year Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Ontario College Diploma program equips you with the knowledge and skills to work alongside an Occupational Therapist and/or Physiotherapist with the goal of helping individuals to overcome movement limitations and perform their daily activities with independence.
- Our state of the art labs and leading edge rehabilitation equipment like the Biodex Balance and Mobility System assists in gaining valuable practical experience
- The Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre hosts day programming on site for seniors with early onset dementia providing students with an experience to practice with seniors
- Launched a placement in collaboration with the Dementia Society to provide students with experience to learn about dementia and support the needs of our growing senior population
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2024
No
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
Through classroom theory, group activities, practical labs, and clinical experience, you prepare to work with individuals of all ages, who are coping with health limitations. A key component of the program is the real-world exposure gained with the more than 500 hours of clinical placement. An assortment of clinical experiences, strategically integrated into the curriculum, provide you with opportunities for hands-on learning to strengthen your clinical skills and foster professional growth.
Graduates of this dual-trained program have the ability to support the delivery of both occupational therapy and physiotherapy services wherever they are offered. A graduate may find employment in the following environments:...(read more)
Overview
The two-year Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Ontario College Diploma program equips you with the knowledge and skills to work alongside an Occupational Therapist and/or Physiotherapist with the goal of helping individuals to overcome movement limitations and perform their daily activities with independence. Occupational Therapist Assistants and Physiotherapist Assistants play vital supporting roles in the assessment, planning and implementation of therapeutic care across a variety of healthcare environments. The versatile set of skills learned and applied throughout the program are becoming increasingly valuable as the demand for both healthcare and rehabilitation services continue to grow.
Through classroom theory, group activities, practical labs, and clinical experience, you prepare to work with individuals of all ages, who are coping with health limitations. A key component of the program is the real-world exposure gained with the more than 500 hours of clinical placement. An assortment of clinical experiences, strategically integrated into the curriculum, provide you with opportunities for hands-on learning to strengthen your clinical skills and foster professional growth.
Graduates of this dual-trained program have the ability to support the delivery of both occupational therapy and physiotherapy services wherever they are offered. A graduate may find employment in the following environments:
- hospitals
- rehabilitation centers
- private clinics
- home care
- schools
- assisted-living facilities
- long-term care
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Find fullfillment in helping others.
- Enjoy the challenges of working with individuals with various needs.
- Possess good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Function well in a team environment.
- Possess strong problem-solving skills.
- Enjoy physical and hands-on work.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
ENL0073
Course Name:
Interpersonal Communication Skills in Rehabilitation
Course Description:
Communication is an important skill for all members of the healthcare team as this skill is essential for the safe and effective delivery of... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL1813S
Course Name:
Communications 1
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT0238
Course Name:
Rehabilitation and the Health Care System
Course Description:
The role of the rehabilitation professional in Canada is evolving to meet the growing health care needs of its shifting population. A rehabi... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT0239
Course Name:
Rehabilitation Concepts Through the Lifespan
Course Description:
Rehabilitation can occur at every age and takes on a variety of forms. Students examine the principles of rehabilitation across the lifespan... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT0240
Course Name:
Introduction to Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy
Course Description:
The OTA PTA works under the direction of the Occupational Therapist and/or Physiotherapist to deliver assigned interventions and optimize qu... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
HLT0256
Course Name:
Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology for Health Care
Course Description:
A fundamental understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human body is essential for success in health care. Students use a systemat... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MGT8100
Course Name:
Career and College Success Skills
Course Description:
To succeed at college, in the workforce, and in the community, we must adapt to changing environments, manage our time effectively, study ef... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED1623
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT0241
Course Name:
OTA Therapeutic Skills: Musculoskeletal
Course Description:
Occupational therapy aims to promote the participation in meaningful life roles for individuals living with musculoskeletal conditions. Thro... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
HLT0242
Course Name:
PTA Therapeutic Skills: Musculoskeletal
Course Description:
Musculoskeletal rehabilitation aims to restore functional independence through the treatment of the skeletal and muscular systems. Through a... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
HLT0243
Course Name:
Fundamentals of the Musculoskeletal System
Course Description:
A strong foundational knowledge of the musculoskeletal system is crucial for professionals working in rehabilitation. A series of class acti... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
HLT0244T
Course Name:
Musculoskeletal Conditions
Course Description:
A musculoskeletal condition can impact an individual's ability to function and participate in society. Through a series of presentations and... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
WKT0006S
Course Name:
Seminar 1
Course Description:
Taking time to learn from others and to reflect on one's knowledge and skills is essential to the ongoing growth and development of a rehabi... + Read More
Hours:
30.0
Code:
WKT0066P
Course Name:
Clinical Placement 1
Course Description:
Placement experiences allow for the discovery of the role of the OTA PTA and the application of clinical skills. The introductory placement ... + Read More
Hours:
45.0
Code:
GED1623
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HLT0245
Course Name:
OTA and PTA Therapeutic Skills: Cardiorespiratory and Complex Conditions
Course Description:
Cardiorespiratory rehabilitation specializes in the prevention, restoration, and compensation for individuals with diseases and injuries in ... + Read More
Hours:
64.0
Code:
HLT0246
Course Name:
Cardiorespiratory and Complex Conditions
Course Description:
In the rehabilitation environment, individuals can present with a variety of cardiorespiratory and complex conditions. Through presentations... + Read More
Hours:
32.0
Code:
HLT0247
Course Name:
Fundamentals of the Cardiorespiratory System
Course Description:
A foundational knowledge of the cardiorespiratory system is essential for the understanding of various conditions that can arise. Students u... + Read More
Hours:
32.0
Code:
HLT0248
Course Name:
Concepts in Mental Health
Course Description:
Regardless of age, education, income level or culture, many individuals will experience a mental health challenge in their lifetime. Student... + Read More
Hours:
32.0
Code:
HLT0249
Course Name:
Professional Practice in Rehabilitation
Course Description:
A professional in rehabilitation is committed to demonstrating respect, compassion, integrity, accountability, and the promotion of client-c... + Read More
Hours:
24.0
Code:
WKT0007P
Course Name:
Clinical Placement 2
Course Description:
Practising therapeutic skills in a real-life rehabilitation environment is an important part of the learning process. During clinical placem... + Read More
Hours:
258.0
Code:
WKT0007S
Course Name:
Seminar 2
Course Description:
Preparedness and self-reflection are important qualities for success in the health care field. Through a series of seminars, students prepar... + Read More
Hours:
4.0
Code:
HLT0250
Course Name:
PTA Therapeutic Skills: Neurological
Course Description:
Neurological physiotherapy focuses on the treatment of individuals with conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord and nervous system. Thro... + Read More
Hours:
60.0
Code:
HLT0251
Course Name:
OTA Therapeutic Skills: Neurological
Course Description:
Neurological occupational therapy aims to optimize function for individuals with conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nervous sy... + Read More
Hours:
60.0
Code:
HLT0252
Course Name:
Fundamentals of Neurological Structures
Course Description:
The effective treatment of an individual with a neurological condition requires an understanding of the structures and functions of the nerv... + Read More
Hours:
40.0
Code:
HLT0253
Course Name:
Communication and Function
Course Description:
Neurological conditions can result in impairments in different aspects of human communication and function. Through interactive activities, ... + Read More
Hours:
30.0
Code:
HLT0254
Course Name:
Neurological Conditions
Course Description:
In the rehabilitation environment, individuals can present with a variety of neurological conditions. Through presentations and case studies... + Read More
Hours:
40.0
Code:
WKT0008P
Course Name:
Clinical Placement 3
Course Description:
A consolidating field placement allows students to continue to acquire and refine their clinical skills and professional behaviours. Through... + Read More
Hours:
258.0
Code:
WKT0008S
Course Name:
Seminar 3
Course Description:
Lifelong learning is required by health care workers to remain current and to provide safe and effective care. Through a series of seminars,... + Read More
Hours:
4.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may find employment as an occupational therapist assistant/physiotherapist assistant (OTA/PTA), OTA, PTA, or a rehabilitation assistant.
Pathways
Please note: There may be more pathways available for this program than are listed here. Please use our Pathways search tool to see every option.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Communicate appropriately and effectively, through verbal, nonverbal, written and electronic means, with clients, their significant others, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and members of the interdisciplinary health care team and others.
- Participate in the effective functioning of interdisciplinary health care teams to optimize client physical and occupational functions.
- Establish, develop, maintain, and conclude client-centred, therapeutic relationships.
- Promote a safe environment that prevents or minimizes potential physical or mental harm to the client, therapist assistant and others.
- Practice in a legal, ethical, and professional manner within the role of a therapist assistant.
- Document client records in a thorough, objective, accurate, and timely manner within the role of the therapist assistant.
- Engage in reflective practice and ongoing professional development activities to maintain and enhance competence.
- Perform the roles and responsibilities of the therapist assistant effectively through the application of relevant knowledge of health sciences, psychosocial sciences, health conditions, resource management, and clinical procedures.
- Contribute to the occupational therapist`s or physiotherapist`s assessment of the client and the development, implementation and modification of intervention/treatment plans.
- Maximize the client`s occupational performance by accurately and safely implementing the interventions, and related tasks under the direction and supervision of the occupational therapist.
- Maximize the client`s physical function by accurately and safely implementing the interventions, and related tasks under the direction and supervision of the physiotherapist.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2024/2025 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
Books and supplies cost approximately $400 per year for the program.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- Mathematics Grade 11 (MBF3C or equivalent).
- Biology Grade 11 or 12.
- All applicants must complete an assessment of their knowledge and skills through the Test Centre, and pay an exam fee. Results from the Algonquin College Health Program Admissions Test (AC-HPAT) will be utilized to establish minimum eligibility and applicant ranking. The AC-HPAT can only be written once per academic cycle. For further information on the HPAT and how to book your assessment, please visit Algonquin`s Test Centre.
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 105, minimum of 105 in Literacy and 85 in Production.
Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/.
International Applicants: International applicants who meet the program eligibility requirements are required to complete preparatory courses (4 months in duration): Introduction to Canadian Health Studies (ICHS). Students who successfully complete the introduction will then proceed to their original health program of choice. The ICHS requires applicants to submit an academic IELTS score.
Please click this link for more information: https://www.algonquincollege.com/healthandcommunity/ICHS/.
Police Records Check Documentation:
Though not an admission requirement, applicants must note important information listed below regarding Police Records Check program requirements.
Students must provide the College with a current Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS) prior to the deadline identified by the department and students are responsible for any associated costs. If this documentation is not submitted on time, students may not be placed and registration in the program will be jeopardized. If you register in the program without a clear PRCSVS and as a result are unable to participate in placement, you will not be able to graduate and will be asked to withdraw.
Field Placement Eligibility:
Field placements occur in first and second year of the program.
Hospital and Field Placements/Outreach require Health and Safety, N95 Mask fit, WHMIS and OWHSA training. There are additional costs associated with training that should be anticipated by students which are not covered by tuition fees.
To be eligible for placement, you must submit proof of Standard First Aid certification, CPR level C, PRCSVS, and complete immunizations through ParaMed and pay associated costs. ParaMed services are the third-party provider who collects all field placement documentation for the School of Health and Community Studies.
Students may be expected to travel outside of their immediate area of residency. It is the student`s responsibility to arrange transportation and incur all costs associated with fieldwork placement. As well, there is a potential for evening and/or weekend labs.
Should you require further information, please contact the Program Chair.
Application Information
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT AND PHYSIOTHERAPY ASSISTANT
Program Code 1623X01FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
Successful completion of medical and non-medical requirements is mandatory prior to starting any clinical experience. Requirements include Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certificate, Vulnerable Sector Police Check and up-to-date vaccination record.
Students and graduates of this program are required to engage in various physical tasks to facilitate the rehabilitation of individuals with various needs. Prior to enrolling in the OTA/PTA program, it is important for students to understand and acknowledge the demands associated with the scope of the OTA/PTA profession. Physical demands can include the ability to assist individuals in moving from one surface to another, to aid them with walking, and support them while using mobility or adaptive equipment. It can also include the ability to operate mechanical equipment safely, move efficiently between different care areas, and recognize and respond appropriately to situations that pose potential risks to client safety.
Individuals who have questions about these demands should contact the program coordinator to discuss how this may impact their ability to fully participate in the program.
Contact
Tim Tosh
Program Coordinator
Room A131H
Tim is a graduate of McGill University completing his studies first in Anatomy and then Physiotherapy. Over the last two decades, he has practiced as a physiotherapist across a variety of settings including the hospital and various orthopedic and sports clinics. He has also been active in the Ottawa community working as a trainer for various sports teams and community events. He recognizes that learning is a lifelong process and recently completed a Master’s in Rehabilitation from McMaster University where he focused on the emerging role of the OTA PTA in our health care system.
Danijela Subara
Professor
Room A131G
Danijela is a graduate of the University of Ottawa, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science and a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. She is a full-time professor in the OTA PTA Program and is passionate about creating positive classroom environments and engaging students in learning. She has diverse experience as an occupational therapist in physical and mental health care settings, with a variety of populations including children, adults and the elderly. She practiced occupational therapy across various settings including the hospital (acute care and rehabilitation), community and outpatient clinics.