As an occupational therapist/physiotherapist assistant, the graduate will provide assistance to occupational therapists, physiotherapists and clients in a variety of health care settings, such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools, public and private clinics, mental health facilities, and home care programs.

This program is delivered over five academic terms and prepares the graduate to become an occupational therapist/physiotherapist assistant following graduation. Upon successful completion of this diploma through the following program outcomes, the students will be able to:

• apply a variety of communication strategies to effectively and respectfully build positive relationships through verbal, nonverbal, written and technological means with clients, their families; occupational therapists; physiotherapists; other health care providers and team members
• establish, develop, foster, maintain and bring closure to client-centered, positive therapeutic relationships while demonstrating sensitivity to the individual and his/her culture
• perform responsively and effectively through application of disciplinary knowledge that contributes to the development, implementation and modification of intervention and/or treatment plans while under the supervision and in collaboration with the occupational therapist and/or physiotherapist
• practice in a legal, ethical and professional manner demonstrating conduct that meets expectations of members of society and the profession
• collect, document and complete client records in a thorough, objective, accurate and non-judgemental manner. Through effective interpretation and communication of this data, students will participate in determining client progress toward specific outcomes as established in the plan of care by the occupational therapist and/or physiotherapist
• recognize and apply principles that support safety in the workplace and will adhere to all guidelines, procedures, protocols and standards to ensure personal safety and contribute to the safety of others
• maintain, enhance and share their knowledge, skills and attitude through self reflective practice, use of available learning resources, networking and self directed learning to continue to be lifelong learners.

1. Academic requirements:

A minimum of:

• 60% in ELA 30-1 or 75% in ELA 30-2 or equivalent
• 60% in Biology 30 or equivalent; and
• 50% in another 30 level math or science course

2. Non-Academic requirement

• Immunization to be completed prior to program start date

3. Additional requirements

• In addition to the above requirements the applicant must provide evidence of current CPR certification at the Health Care Provider level and Standard First Aid. You must re-certify CPR each year.

Note: While not an admission requirement for the program, applicants are advised that they will be required to provide a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check to most agencies where they will be placed for practicum experiences. The existence of a Criminal Record may prevent practicum placement, program completion, professional licensure and therefore affect future employment prospects. It is the decision of each agency or institution to accept or reject a student for placement or observation experience based on the results of the criminal record check.

You must pass all courses and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00

Year 1

• OPTA 102 Presenting Conditions I
• OPTA 105 Professional Communications I
• OPTA 106 Professional Communications II
• OPTA 110 Professional Practice I
• OPTA 114 Concepts in Mental Health
• OPTA 116 Anatomy & Physiology
• OPTA 120 Therapeutic Skills I
• OPTA 125 Rehabilitation Concepts
• OPTA 130 Practicum I
• PSYC 205 Lifespan Development

Year 2

• OPTA 202 Presenting Conditions II
• OPTA 210 Professional Practice II
• OPTA 215 Communication Impairment
• OPTA 220 Therapeutic Skills II
• OPTA 230 Practicum II
• OPTA 302 Presenting Conditions III
• OPTA 320 Therapeutic Skills III
• OPTA 330 Practicum III