Interdisciplinary Therapy Assistant

Program Overview

This interdisciplinary therapy assistant program prepares graduates for careers in healthcare, providing direct and indirect client care under therapist supervision. Graduates can work in various settings, including clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers, and may be referred to as therapy assistants, rehabilitation assistants, or health care assistants. The program emphasizes teamwork, communication, and the ability to assist clients with physical and rehabilitation needs.

Program Outline

Careers:

Graduating interdisciplinary therapy assistants will have the ability to work within both the public and private health-care systems as multi-skilled professionals. The key role of therapy assistants is to provide direct and indirect client care which focuses on recovering function through rehabilitation under the supervision of a therapist. The therapy assistant also plays a key role in collaborating and communicating with all stakeholders to optimize services, and in continually maintaining and enhancing their level of competency. Settings can include private clinics, hospitals, continuing care centres, rehabilitation centers, clinics, and home care. Employers advertise for therapy assistants frequently using the following terms:

• therapy assistants
• rehabilitation assistants
• physical therapy assistants
• occupational therapy assistants
• health care assistants
• therapy aides
Applicants should assess their ability to fulfill the demands of the therapy assistant occupation. As a therapy assistant, you must be able to:
• work shifts and weekends
• be on your feet for extended periods of time
• use your knees, back, and arms to assist clients
• lift 30 pounds
• touch and provide care for clients of all ages, cultures, and genders
• manage time and resources in a busy work setting
• communicate and collaborate effectively in a team
• enjoy working with people