Occupational Therapist & Physiotherapist Assistant, Diploma

Program Information
Credential: 
Diploma
Duration: 

2 years

Delivery: 
Main Campus
Program Cost Estimates: 

Contact Information

Contact Name: 
Sharon Hamilton
Contact Title: 
Associate Dean
Contact Phone: 
403.342.3400 OR 1.888.732.4630
Contact Email: 
inquire@rdc.ab.ca
Related Careers

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.

The Program

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.
Transfer Features

University of Calgary
Occupational Therapist & Physiotherapist Assistant Diploma Graduates will be considered for entrance into the University of Calgary's 10 full course equivalent Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation program.

Thompson Rivers University – Open Learning
Occupational Therapist & Physiotherapist Assistant Diploma graduates may be accepted into the Bachelor of Health Science program at Thompson Rivers University.

Transfer arrangements are different at each university and you are advised to consult the Alberta Transfer Guide, your Chairperson, academic advisors and the university to which you will transfer for more information.

Requirements
Admission Requirements: 

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 a 30 level math course (Math 30-1 or Math 30-2, Math 30 Applied or equivalent) or another 30 level science course

Note: In addition to the program admission requirements applicants, whose first language is not English, must demonstrate English language proficiency.

Other Requirements: 

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 Police Information Check (also known as a Criminal Record Check) including a Vulnerable Sector Check to most agencies where they will be placed for practicum experiences. The existence of police information or 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 police information check.

Note: Students with Study Permits that are admitted to a program that has a practicum or clinical placement in childcare, primary/secondary school teaching or health service field occupations must complete their Medical Authorization as required by Citizenship and Immigration Canada one month prior to the start of classes.

Note: Students must complete a minimum of one third (167 hours) of their practical training in each area (OT or PT) and will be placed in a variety of therapeutic environments, which may include:  hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, private rehabilitation clinics/services, and home care and community care services.

Graduation Requirements: 

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

Accreditation

The Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist Assistant Program at Red Deer College has Candidacy Status and can now take the next step towards accreditation by the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program (OTA & PTA EAP). Having Candidacy Status does not mean that the Occupational Therapist Assistant/Physiotherapist Assistant Program will be accredited once the process is finished, but that the first step is complete.

Program Content
Year 1 Course Descriptions
  • OPTA 102 Presenting Conditions I
  • INTP 104 Healthcare Communications I
  • INTP 105 Healthcare 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

OPTA 102

Fundamentals of the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system with application to a selection of disabling conditions based on broad diagnostic categories and encompassing musculoskeletal conditions specific to all populations. Prerquisites: OPTA 116 and OPTA 125

OPTA 105

Development of verbal and non-verbal communication and active listening skills relative to rehabilitation and social situations. Health care issues related to privacy; communication; and inter-professional collaboration are addressed in relation to team building; conflict resolution; professionalism; teaching and learning.

OPTA 106

Development of communication skills; individually and in group settings; exploring the relationship between values; beliefs and effective interpersonal communication in a variety of therapeutic and healthcare settings. Learners will develop and use effective communication techniques; that demonstrate personal awareness; empathy; respect and active listening skills. Prerequisite: OPTA 105

OPTA 110

Understand the diversity of roles within the health care system by comparing medical models and the rehabilitation model of care. Explain and discuss the principles that guide rehabilitation and become familiar with the organization of the provincial and federal health care systems as well as the roles; responsibilities and interpretations of health professionals.

OPTA 114

Introduction to mental health and illness in particular; psychiatric disability both as a primary diagnosis and as a secondary diagnosis in the case of those with a physical disability. Familiarization with characteristics of psychiatric disability; general management of common disorders; service provision and mental health practice through client-centered approach. Prerequisites: OPTA 105 and PSYC 205

OPTA 116

An introduction to the normal structure and function of the human body using a systematic approach.

OPTA 120

Application of therapeutic activities/interventions to promote performance for treating patients/clients who possess impairments resulting from musculoskeletal disorders. Principles of activity selection; planning and application will be applied to related functional disabilities. The use of assistive devices to enable functional independence will also be addressed. Prerequisites: OPTA 105; OPTA 116 and OPTA 125

OPTA 125

An introduction to rehabilitation concepts that are applied across the life span. Health status; wellness; and influencing factors are examined with a concurrent review of health care and the services provided. Includes the basic theories and rationale of therapeutic interventions for treating patients/clients due to musculoskeletal disorders.

OPTA 130

An introduction to the professional rehabilitation environment providing applied experiences in the area of musculoskeletal injuries. Prerequisites: OPTA 102; OPTA 106; OPTA 114 and OPTA 120

PSYC 205

Physical; cognitive; social and personality development from conception to death are explored from a developmental psychological perspective. Theories; research; and applications about lifespan development will be covered.

Year 2 Course Descriptions
  • 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

OPTA 202

Fundamentals of neurological structures focusing on the central and peripheral nervous system with application to a selection of disabling conditions based on broad diagnostic categories and encompassing neurological conditions specific to all populations. Course also includes discussion of the basic concepts of function; health; and disease processes related to these systems. Prerequisite: OPTA 102 and OPTA 120

OPTA 210

Ethical issues in occupational therapy and physiotherapy will be explored along with documenting therapeutic interventions involving the recording of relevant client information accurately and effectively. Using OSCE (objective structured clincial examination) students will be assessed in the area of musculoskeletal; neurological; mental health and cardio-respiratory rehabilitation in a variety of therapeutic environments. Prerequisite: OPTA 110

OPTA 215

A review of communication challenges associated with neurological and sensory impairments that inhibit effective communication. Focus is on practical skills that will enhance communication with people who have speech and language impairment.

OPTA 220

Theory and the application of therapeutic strategies/ interventions employed in the rehabilitative treatment of adult patients/clients with motor and/or sensory impairments resulting from neurological and/or mental health disorder. Application of a variety of intervention strategies to promote functional independence; occupational performance and active living. Prerequisites: OPTA 102 and OPTA 120

OPTA 230

Applied throry to further develop skills related to neurological rehabilitation and/or mental health. Application of and expansion upon a variety of intervention strategies working with clients presenting a neurological and/or mental health condition. Prerequisites: OPTA 202; OPTA 215 and OPTA 220

OPTA 302

Fundamentals of normal physiological function and disorder. This includes an overview of the endocrine and lymphatic systems; as related to the structure and function of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and disabling conditions specific to pediatric; adult and geriatric populations. Prerquisites: OPTA 102 and OPTA 101

OPTA 320

Theory and application on how to improve functional abilities and prevent further disability of clients with circulatory; respiratory and endocrine disorders. Includes physiological aspects of the disease processes and its impact on functional performance. Introduction and application of intervention strategies to assist clients to achieve optimal functional independence. Prerequisites: OPTA 202 and OPTA 220

OPTA 330

Application of accumulated knowledge and skills in a variety of complex rehabilitation environments to further understand and promote their role as an OTA/PTA. Prerequisites: OPTA 210; OPTA 302 AND OPTA 320