Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant
Health Studies
Gain the theoretical knowledge and practical skills you need to be successful as a rehabilitation assistant.
Rehabilitation assistants work under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist or physiotherapist in various healthcare settings.
In the Occupational Therapist Assistant / Physical Therapist Assistant program (OTA/PTA) you'll develop an understanding of the human body, the concept of rehabilitation, and the therapeutic interventions and modalities used to treat various conditions. You'll apply these skills in a clinical setting during your practicum placements, preparing you to enter the field upon graduation.
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September 2027
Prince of Wales Campus
Program Length
2 Years
Credential
Diploma, Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant
Canadian Tuition
International Tuition
Canadian Applicants
Accepting Applications
International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit
Accepting Applications
Other International Applicants
Accepting Applications
Don’t have the courses you need to get into this program? Visit our Academic Upgrading section to learn how to upgrade high school credits or get your high school equivalency credential (CAEC).
This program has degree pathways, giving you the opportunity to receive credit for your 黑料老司机 diploma when you continue your education. For a complete list of agreements, visit the Degree Pathways page.
| Partner Institution | Credential | Details of Agreement |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Bachelor of Science | Graduates receive 30 credit hours towards a Bachelor of Science degree | |
| Bachelor of Commerce | Graduates receive 30 credit hours towards a Bachelor of Commerce degree. | |
| Bachelor of Human Resources Labour Relations | Graduates receive 30 credit hours towards a Bachelor of Human Resources Labour Relations degree. | |
| Bachelor of Management | Graduates receive 30 credit hours towards a Bachelor of Management degree. | |
| Bachelor of Professional Arts | Graduates receive 30 credit hours towards a Bachelor of Professional Arts degree | |
| Bachelor of Arts in Human Kinetics | Graduates will receive up to 30 credit hours toward a Bachelor of Arts in Human Kinetics | |
| Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics | Graduates will receive up to 30 credit hours toward a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics | |
| Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Health | Graduates will receive up to 30 credit hours toward a Bachelor of Arts & Sciences in Health | |
| Bachelor of Applied Management | Graduates will receive up to 60 credit hours toward a Bachelor of Applied Management degree. |
SAFE-1005
An overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act...
0
ANAT-1000
An introduction to the structure and function of the body in its normal, healthy state. It serves as the basis for understanding pathophysiology and altered body states caused by illness. Students examine individual body organ systems, their components and processes, and how they interrelate.
3.00
COMM-1220
Effective interpersonal communication skills are essential in the healthcare field in order to establish effective relationships with clients, families and other health-care professionals. In Practice Skills - Communication, developing an awareness of personal communication style and skills is coupled with respect for others and an awareness of cultural diversity in learning how to maintain professional boundaries. The development of active listening, interviewing, verbal and non-verbal communication skills and conflict management skills is achieved through role-playing in simulated clinical situations.
3.00
NCPR-1002
Students complete Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training and certification.
0.00
ORNT-1120
Orientation to Rehabilitation examines the conceptual framework that supports the practice of rehabilitation and the specific roles of the OTA/PTA within this framework. Areas explored include disability, ethical and professional behavior, teamwork and therapeutic relationships. Medical terminology and clinical documentation practice are introduced as foundational skills and are built upon throughout the program. These conceptual and practical foundations are reinforced by a series of observational visits to selected clinical settings as well as the development of a fieldwork portfolio that will serve as a basis for successful clinical fieldwork and professional employment upon graduation.
4.00
PRCT-2000
Practicum 1 involves a practicum placement in a clinical facility as well as a short classroom component. Reflective learning tasks are used to reinforce concepts during and after the placement through online discussion board participation and self-evaluation. Under the supervision of a licensed physiotherapist or occupational therapist, the learner will apply both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the clinical environment.
4.00
PRCT-2200
Practicum 2 provides the learner with an opportunity to integrate both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in a clinical setting. Demonstration of entry-level occupational therapist assistant and physiotherapist assistant skills will be required.
10.00
PROF-1130
In Introduction to Healthcare Delivery, the role of the healthcare worker in Canada's changing healthcare system is examined in light of a number of broad trends including the impact of an aging population, ongoing pressures to privatize Medicare services, increased consumer involvement in healthcare issues and the increased emphasis on home care. Special attention is paid to the delivery of healthcare services in Prince Edward Island as learners grapple with the ethical and moral issues surrounding the cost of healthcare, issues of patient rights and the impact on current rehabilitation practices. Effective research and computer skills will be applied to examining these trends in healthcare.
3.00
PROF-2230
In Professional Practice, reflective learning tasks are used to reinforce concepts during and after Practicum 3. Desired skills and behaviours will be identified to assist learners in developing learning goals and applying ethical practice in their role as occupational therapist assistant and/or physiotherapist assistant. Preparation for seeking employment will also be covered.
3.00
PSYC-1110
In Life Span Development, all stages of normal human development from conception to death are studied from a developmental psychological perspective with a focus on human behaviour and cognitive, social and personality development. The prenatal, family and environmental influences on developmental psychology and the use of developmental psychological concepts and theories in the application of rehabilitation are also addressed. Personal experiences and observations by the learners are incorporated to help identify the different concepts and stages in developmental psychology.
3.00
RHAB-1140
Identifying and describing the medical terminology, structure and function of the key body systems involved in human movement is essential in the practice of rehabilitation therapy. Anatomy of Movement is an introductory course on functional movement with emphasis placed on describing and analyzing the functionality of the skeletal, muscular and peripheral nervous systems including gross movements and surface anatomy. Learners develop observational and client handling skills through hands-on experience by palpating and moving the structures of the body to gain an appreciation of the three dimensional nature of the body and its movement potential.
2.00
RHAB-1150
In Fundamentals of Client Care, safe client-handling techniques and effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills are developed through the integration of theory and practice emphasizing the principles of client-centred care. In the laboratory, safe practices and infection control measures are applied to all activities including the safe lifting, transferring and positioning of clients, using wheelchairs and conducting range of motion exercises. Biomechanical principles in rehabilitation and client monitoring practices are also examined in order to promote safe client contact in the workplace.
2.00
RHAB-1210
Applied Client Care will provide learners with opportunities to further develop and practice safe client-centred care. Skills-based elements include wheelchair fitting and maintenance, sewing adaptation, and ambulation with gait aids. Identifying components of normal and abnormal gait, as well as client instruction, will also be covered.
1.00
RHAB-1230
In Practice Skills - Modalities, the many uses and applications of therapeutic modalities in rehabilitation and client-centred care are practiced in a lab setting as learners focus on the healing process, the physical agents affecting or impeding healing and the client's response to treatment. Learners will draw on their knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology while studying the rationale for selecting and using different modalities ranging from hydrotherapy, ambulatory aids, electrical stimulation, mechanical traction, ultrasound and the use of hot and cold packs.
2.00
RHAB-1240
In Practice Skills - Occupational Therapy Assistant Foundations, core concepts and principles are explored providing the occupational therapy assistant (OTA) with a solid foundation in the history, theory and basic clinical skills required for providing client-centred care. The relationship between a client's cognitive, visual, sensory or perceptual impairment is examined in relation to three important occupational performance areas: self care, leisure and productivity/work. Activity analysis, grading, environmental assessment techniques and teaching and learning styles are emphasized in developing and implementing occupational therapy interventions to help clients live independently.
2.00
RHAB-1250
Therapeutic exercise is the most common intervention used in rehabilitation practice. In Practice Skills - Exercise, anatomical knowledge and exercise theories are integrated to provide the rationale for various exercise techniques. Through the use of scenarios, learners will develop the skills necessary to apply and modify exercise techniques safely to meet the needs of clients in response to changes in physical status, or based on direction by the supervising therapist.
2.00
RHAB-1260
In Health Conditions 1, the benefits of rehabilitation intervention are examined by focusing on a variety of health conditions commonly treated by rehabilitation ranging from soft tissue injuries, bone and joint problems, strokes, to pain syndromes. Using case studies, learners research these health conditions and identify how impairment in body function and structure can limit and restrict a client's ability to perform simple tasks or participate in everyday activities. The emphasis is on understanding medical, surgical and rehabilitation management of these conditions and applying that knowledge to optimize client outcomes with the parameters of the role of the occupational therapy assistant and the physical therapy assistant.
6.00
RHAB-2120
In Practice Skills - Mental Health Concepts, the core principles, concepts, and processes of occupational therapy are applied to clients with mental health issues. The occupational therapist assistant (OTA) applies knowledge of psychiatric diagnoses and treatment models to interventions, to promote occupational performance and improve independence while providing client-centred care.
2.00
RHAB-2130
In OTA Advanced Practice Skills the core concepts, principles and processes of occupational therapy are applied to clients with cognitive, neuromuscular and musculoskeletal conditions. Splinting, adaption fabrication, activity analysis and meaningful activities for restoring occupational performance in one-on-one and group settings will be practiced.
2.00
RHAB-2140
Concepts and practice skills of therapeutic exercise and physical modalities from previous courses in the Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant program are applied to both simple and complex health conditions. Focus will be placed on applying interventions as part of a comprehensive client-centred treatment plan in a simulated clinic setting.
2.00
RHAB-2150
Communication Disorders provide an overview of common speech, language, and swallowing disorders throughout the lifespan. Emphasis will be placed on basic interventions and practical strategies that promote effective communication and function with individuals who have these disorders.
1.00
RHAB-2160
Health Conditions 2 uses a case study approach to focus on a variety of health conditions commonly treated by rehabilitation interventions ranging from neurological, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions to health conditions involving multiple body systems. The spectrum of intervention types are related to the functional impairments associated with the health conditions.
4.00
RHAB-2240
Practicum Consolidation provides learners with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to integrate the theory and practical skills covered during the Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant program through the completion of a standardized clinical examination and case study presentation.
1.00
You'll learn strategies to work with individuals with communication disorders, physical limitations, and mental health conditions. Your classroom is specifically designed to provide you with access to the tools and technologies required to address client needs. This mock rehab clinic/classroom is equipped with everything from wheelchairs and walkers to a kitchen and a bathroom so you can put the theories you learn into practice.
You will participate in 16 weeks (610 hours) of supervised practicum. These experiences will consolidate the theoretical knowledge and skills you learned in the classroom and lab and provide you with the opportunity to practice in a health care setting (clinic, hospital, long-term care facility, etc.). Depending on placement availability, you may be required to go out of province (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, or Newfoundland and Labrador) or to various locations across PEI. You may be scheduled to attend practicum shifts early mornings, days, or evenings. Transportation to and from practicum sites is the responsibility of the student. As well, all practicum costs are the responsibility of the student. There are no guarantees students will be placed at a preferred location or with a preferred shift schedule. Please note that public transit does not always align with your shift or location schedule.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
The OTA/PTA program at 黑料老司机 is dedicated to the philosophy of holistic patient care, emphasizing the importance of treating patients as individuals with unique needs and circumstances. The program believes the best rehabilitation outcomes are achieved through a collaborative approach involving the patient, their family, and a team of healthcare professionals. The program is committed to providing students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to support therapist assistants in delivering high-quality care to patients. The program strives to instill in the students the importance of ethical practice, ongoing professional development, and cultural competence. The program graduates are prepared to work as part of a healthcare team and make a positive impact on the lives of their patients by promoting their independence, autonomy, and overall well-being.
The mission of the OTA/PTA program is to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become effective members of the healthcare team, promote health and wellness, and improve the quality of life of individuals with disabilities or functional limitations.
The 黑料老司机 OTA/PTA program strives to provide a learner-centred, experiential approach to education, delivered in a variety of learning environments. The program educates qualified, professional individuals and prepares them to be important members of an interprofessional team in the dynamic healthcare industry.
Contributing to the health, wellness and quality of life of rehabilitation clients through an innovative and student-centred Occupational Therapist Assistant/Physiotherapy Assistant Program. Graduates of the program are competent and compassionate healthcare professionals who provide quality care to clients in various healthcare settings.
黑料老司机 has a rich history in Prince Edward Island. We honour that legacy by ensuring the skills and applications we offer prepare students to be leaders in their chosen fields.
We will ensure our faculty and students have access to the latest techniques, trends and technologies so when they enter the healthcare workforce, they are prepared to assist their clients with both their current and future needs.
We will encourage continuous learning, teamwork, and open communication for our students and faculty and staff will model these attributes. Our program and college are part of our greater provincial community and we will continue to be an active member of all communities
The Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant program at 黑料老司机 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 awarded to the program on November 30, 2024 for the period until November 30, 2030.
For further information, or to contact the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program, visit .
Although this program was challenging at times, there was always help nearby - whether it was one of my amazing instructors, or a friendly peer. The program really provided all the necessary learning tools, such as a variety of equipment to practice with, and more than enough reading material. I feel so grateful to have had the experience of meeting all my peers and becoming one big family, and I truly feel 黑料老司机 has fully prepared me to confidently enter the workforce!
Hailey, Class of 2021
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