Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Ontario College Diploma program
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
This two-year program at Georgian College prepares students to become dual-trained Occupational Therapist Assistants (OTAs) and Physiotherapist Assistants (PTAs). Graduates are equipped to work under the supervision of occupational therapists and physiotherapists, assisting them in teaching and enabling clients to effectively cope with temporary or permanent movement and daily functioning limitations. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills through a mix of classroom, laboratory, and field placements. Graduates are eligible to write the national certification exams for OTAs and PTAs.
Program Outline
Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Ontario College Diploma program at Georgian College
Degree Overview:
Program Description:
This two-year program prepares students to become dual-trained Occupational Therapist Assistants (OTAs) and Physiotherapist Assistants (PTAs). Graduates are equipped to work under the supervision of and in collaboration with occupational therapists and physiotherapists, assisting them in teaching and enabling clients to effectively cope with temporary or permanent movement and daily functioning limitations.
Learning Approach:
The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills through a mix of classroom, laboratory, and field placements. It utilizes an inter-professional approach to meet the needs of clients in acute and community settings.
Objectives:
- Provide students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to function as competent OTAs and PTAs in complex healthcare environments.
- Prepare graduates to work collaboratively with occupational therapists and physiotherapists in assisting clients with movement and functional limitations.
- Equip graduates to effectively teach and enable clients to cope with their limitations, whether temporary or permanent.
- Foster a strong understanding of the inter-professional approach to client care in various settings.
Outline:
Semester 1 Courses:
- OCPT 1004 – Introductory Rehabilitation Concepts
- OCPT 1005 – Essentials of Client-centered Practice
- OCPT 1006 – Treatment Techniques
- OCPT 1007 – Treatment Fundamentals
- OCPT 1008 – Clinical Anatomy and Physiology
- OCPT 1017 – Human Movement Fundamentals
- One Communication Course
- One General Education Course
Semester 2 Courses:
- OCPT 1009 – Neuro-Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
- OCPT 1010 – Rehabilitation Across the Lifespan
- OCPT 1011 – Assistive Technology
- OCPT 1012 – Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving
- OCPT 1013 – Community Rehabilitation
- OCPT 1014 – Professional Development
- One Communication Course
- One General Education Course
Semester 3 Courses:
- OCPT 2001 – Advanced Clinical Skills
- OCPT 2002 – Psychosocial Aspects of Rehabilitation
- OCPT 2003 – Gerontology
- OCPT 2004 – Research and Evidence-Informed Practice
- OCPT 2005 – Leadership and Advocacy
- One Communication Course
- One General Education Course
Semester 4 Courses:
- OCPT 2006 – Mentorship and Supervision
- OCPT 2007 – Professional Issues and Ethics
- OCPT 2008 – Complex Care
- OCPT 2009 – Fieldwork 1
- OCPT 2010 – Fieldwork 2
- One Communication Course
Assessment:
- Ongoing assessment through assignments, quizzes, presentations, and practical demonstrations.
- Comprehensive final examinations for each course.
- Performance evaluations during field placements.
- Demonstration of competencies required for the OTA and PTA professions.
Teaching:
- Experienced faculty with expertise in occupational therapy and physiotherapy.
- Emphasis on hands-on learning through labs, simulations, and field placements.
- Guest speakers from the healthcare field.
- Small class sizes for personalized attention.
Careers:
- Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA)
- Physiotherapist Assistant (PTA)
- Work in a variety of healthcare settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Long-term care facilities
- Community agencies
- Schools
- Private clinics
- Competitive salaries and job opportunities.
Other:
- Program is accredited by the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program (OTA & PTA EAP).
- Graduates are eligible to write the national certification exams for OTAs and PTAs.
- Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.
- Strong focus on professional development and ethical practice.
- Opportunities for research and scholarly activities.
Additional Information:
- The program requires students to have a current immunization record, Level HCP CPR certification, and Standard First Aid certification.
- Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to field placements.
- Placements may vary in length and schedule, including weekends and evenings.
- Phone: 705.722.5152
- Email: recruitment@georgiancollege.ca
