Occupational Therapist Assistant & Physiotherapist Assistant

Program Overview

Fanshawe's Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant program prepares students to support occupational therapists and physiotherapists in assessing, treating, and caring for clients with musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, and neurological conditions. The program utilizes a variety of educational platforms, including in-person and virtual classrooms, as well as a state-of-the-art clinical laboratory and other Fanshawe resources. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to work in various healthcare settings, helping clients improve their quality of life.

Program Outline

Outline:

• The program prepares students to work under the direction of occupational therapists and/or physiotherapists to support the therapeutic assessment, treatment and care of clients.
• The curriculum is delivered through a variety of educational platforms including in-person and virtual classrooms as well as in-person laboratory instruction, with a focus on the role of the OTA/PTA in supporting clients with musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory and neurological conditions.
• Students in the program have access to a brand new, purpose-built clinical laboratory that has ten treatment cubicles and the latest equipment.
• The program also leverages many other Fanshawe resources including the Health Sciences “Activities of Daily Living” Apartment which simulates a patients' living space (kitchen, living room, bathroom) and equipment offered by the Simulation Lab (ie Pregnancy Suits).
• All of these resources support an effective student environment for learning and adds to their preparation to successfully work with patients and the healthcare system.

Careers:

• Graduates of Fanshawe’s Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant program have the knowledge and skills to help clients cope with their limitations and improve their quality of life.
• They can pursue careers as a physiotherapy assistant or occupational therapy assistant in a variety of settings including:
• retirement homes
• long-term care facilities
• rehabilitation clinics
• hospitals
• mental health agencies
• nursing homes
• physiotherapy clinics
• child treatment centres
• home care services