Diploma in Occupational Therapist Assistant & Physiotherapist Assistant
Centennial College
Key Information
Campus location
Toronto, Canada
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
CAD 2,721 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
May 2024
* tuition 2 semesters Canadian students; CAD 15,693 - tuition 2 semesters International students
Introduction
- Program Code: 9151
- School: School of Community and Health Studies
- Credential: Ontario College Diploma
- Program Type: Post-secondary program
- Program Length: 2 years/ 4 semesters
- Location: Story Arts Centre
At Centennial College's Occupational Therapist Assistant & Physiotherapist Assistant (OTA & PTA) program, you'll learn to support people whose ability to function and adapt has been impaired or compromised due to injury, illness, or conditions affecting participation in daily activities.
Through training in this health care diploma program, which will consist of current theoretical knowledge and practical experiences, you'll develop competencies to become a compassionate, client-centred and reflective rehabilitation practitioner who will be prepared with the knowledge and skills to work in the dynamic health care field.
The faculty members of this college health care program are experienced occupational therapists and physiotherapists working in their field of expertise and will ensure you'll have the educational tools, training and hands-on experience necessary to meet career challenges with enthusiasm, professionalism, and current evidence-based industry knowledge and skills. High academic standards and personal attention are two standout features of this program.
Once you complete the Occupational Therapist Assistant & Physiotherapist Assistant program, you'll have the knowledge, skills and ability to work under supervised practice with registered occupational therapists and physiotherapists to provide rehabilitation services to improve people's quality of life.
Note: The Occupational Therapist Assistant & Physiotherapist Assistant Diploma Program at Centennial College has been accredited by the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program (OTA & PTA EAP) in collaboration with Physiotherapy Education Accreditation Canada (PEAC) and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT). The status of Accreditation was granted to the program on November 30, 2019, for the period until November 30, 2025.
Admissions
Curriculum
Semester 1
- COMM-170/COMM-171 College Communications 2
- GNED General Education Elective
- OTPT-100 Introduction to Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy
- OTPT-102 Anatomy and Physiology
- OTPT-103 The Health Care System
- OTPT-104 Normal Function and Movement
- OTPT-105 Issues in Healthy Aging
Semester 2
- GNED-500 Global Citizenship: From Social Analysis to Social Action
- OTPT-201 Orientation to Rehabilitation Practice
- OTPT-202 Conditions Impacting Function 1
- OTPT-204 Introduction to Physiotherapy Interventions - Therapeutic Exercises
- OTPT-205 Human Lifespan Development
- OTPT-206 Occupational Therapy Therapeutic Skills – Part 1
- OTPT-207 Establishing Therapeutic Communication
Semester 3
- OTPT-301 Rehabilitation Practice 1
- OTPT-302 Conditions Impacting Function - 2
- OTPT-303 Physiotherapy Skills - Therapeutic Modalities
- OTPT-304 Occupational Therapy Therapeutic Skills – Part 2
- OTPT-308 Mental Health Concepts and Techniques
Semester 4
- COMM-180 College Communications 3
- GNED General Education Elective
- OTPT-401 Rehabilitation Practice 2
Minimum Grade Required: Minimum grade "C" is required for all courses, including OTPT, COMM and GNED courses. All OTPT courses in any semester are prerequisites for the next semester.
Program Outcome
Program Highlights
- Additional areas of instruction and development will include respect and caring for the uniqueness of individuals, effective communication, critical thinking and decision-making.
- You will participate in several fieldwork experiences that will provide opportunities for the supervised application of skills in clinical settings with a range of client populations. The facilities at which you will be able to complete placement vary, and when combined, offer diverse experiences in both occupational therapy and physiotherapy disciplines.
- The diversity of your placements will allow you to experience what your career can entail and help you to discover your areas of interest.
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes describe what graduates of the program have demonstrated they can do with the knowledge and skills they have achieved during their studies. The outcomes are closely tied to the needs of the workplace. Through assessment (e.g., assignments and tests), students verify their ability to reliably perform these outcomes before graduating.
- communicate appropriately and effectively, through verbal, nonverbal, written and electronic means, with clients, their significant others, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, 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.
Career Opportunities
Career Outlook
- Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant (OTA & PTA)
- Physiotherapist Assistant
- Occupational Therapist Assistant
- Rehabilitation Assistant
Education Pathways
Qualified Occupational Therapist Assistant & Physiotherapist Assistant program graduates may be eligible to participate in pathway programs with partnering institutions. These pathway programs allow you to receive degree credit for learning obtained at Centennial College. Please note that each partner pathway has a specific minimum grade requirement in order to qualify for transfer credits, which are assessed by the receiving partner institution.
Placement Partners
The Occupational Therapist Assistant & Physiotherapist Assistant program's clinical fieldwork placement partners include Baycrest Health Sciences, Bridgepoint Active Healthcare, Chester Village, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Humber River Hospital, Lakeridge Health, Lifemark Clinics, Michael Garron Hospital, North York General Hospital, Runnymede Healthcare, Sheppard Village, Scarborough Health Network, Sunnybrook Health Sciences, Toronto Rehab Institute, Trillium Health Partners, Unity Health Network, and University Health Network Hospitals.
Areas of Employment
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Community Care
- Schools
- Seniors' residences
- Rehabilitation centres
- Clinics
- Outpatient clinics
- Private industry
Student Testimonials
English Language Requirements
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