Occupational Therapist Assistant/Physiotherapist Assistant

 

With ever-increasing numbers of aging people requiring assistance to continue a full life, the need has never been greater for physiotherapists, occupational therapists and their assistants. Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist Assistants work with registered physiotherapists (PT's) and occupational therapists (OT's) to enable clients to cope with their limitations in movement, daily function, activity and/or occupational performance, whether temporary or permanent. While a great deal of work these days is with seniors, there's also much to be done with those recovering from surgery, health conditions such as cancer or stroke, and chronic conditions such as arthritis. You can help people get back into their lives - as a Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist Assistant.

 

Program Highlights

As a PTA and OTA, you'll help awaken people's physical potential - and learn more about yourself in the process. Throughout the deliberately broad-based four-semester program, you'll learn how to assist clients to achieve their health goals.

Rather than focus your studies exclusively on the physical therapy or occupational therapy streams, you will develop the ability to work with both professions.

 

Word from the Workplace

"Two graduates of the program work in our clinic, enabling us to dramatically increase our efficiency. With these assistants as part of the team, our Physiotherapists can delegate prescribed treatments and programs. This allows us more time for manual techniques, monitoring individual exercise programs and treatment planning."
Brenda Wilson-Rupay, B.H.Sc. P.T.
Clinic Co-ordinator
Lindsay Physiotherapy Services, Lindsay, Ontario

 

Why Choose Fleming?

Fleming offers a two-year program where you'll get cross-training in both physical and occupational therapy. Graduates will be critical thinkers with demonstrated problem solving abilities, strong interpersonal and communication skills and will possess a solid foundation in relevant health sciences.

St. Joseph's at Fleming
St. Joseph's at Fleming is the first long-term care facility built on a college or university campus. This new, 200-bed home on our Peterborough campus sets the standard for compassionate care and innovation. Students from more than 20 programs participate in clinical field practice, applied research, and volunteer initiatives within or associated with the facility. St. Joseph's at Fleming also houses the college's Institute for Healthy Aging, which promotes learning and research about best practices in healthy aging, geriatric and long-term care, and creates opportunities for intergenerational programming.

 

Work Experience

In three of the four semesters, you will participate in field experience, which will give you the opportunity to put your in-class studies to work. Faculty can arrange at least one placement in an area of interest, if you so desire. Many field and clinical agencies require you to submit a current police records check, which is available from your local police department upon payment of a fee. In addition, you will be required to provide a current Standard First Aid Certificate, a current Basic CPR Certificate (level C) and Proof of Immunization. In many settings, a flu shot is also required.

 

What it Takes to Succeed

As with other health-care professions, PT and OT Assistants have to be compassionate, empathetic, and have a genuine concern for people. There are a few other qualities and skills which will help you in the program and your future career:

• emotional maturity
• trustworthiness
• respect for diversity (age, gender, ethnicity, etc.)
• ability to maintain boundaries
• problem solving ability
• strong interpersonal skills
• good organization and communication skills
• ability/willingness to work long hours

Students will be required to complete a personal health review and acquire CPR (C level) and Standard First Aid Certification prior to classes. Students would benefit by having basic computer skills including e-mail, word processing, file management and internet web browsing.

 

Career Opportunities

You'll work as a PTA and/or OTA for such healthcare providers as:

• acute care general hospitals
• rehabilitation and convalescent facilities
• nursing homes, long term care facilities
• community care
• mental health agencies
• vocational rehabilitation programs
• community and government health agencies
• physiotherapy clinics
• schools

 

Minimum Admission Requirements

 OSSD with the majority of credits at the College (C) and Open (O) level, including:

• 2 College (C) English courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)
• 2 College (C) Science courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12) 

When (C) is the minimum course level for admission, (U) or (U/C) courses are also accepted.

Recommended:

• Grade 11 and 12 University/College (UC) Science.

(Although not required for admission, recommended courses will help prepare you for this program).

Mature Students
If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission. 
All applicants will be required to achieve course credit in the mandatory sciences, through Secondary School or through Academic Upgrading programs.

 

Selection Process

 

Related Programs

Considering a range of careers in the healthcare field? The Personal Support Worker, Massage Therapy or Practical Nursing programs may also appeal to you. Upon graduation from the OTA/PTA program, you might also consider taking more education at the university level to become a physical or occupational therapist.

 

Health Requirements

You should be in good physical and mental health. Independent physical mobility and manual dexterity are essential. If you have a complex medical history, we strongly advise you to discuss your concerns with the program co-ordinator, and to consult with your doctor.

Immunization Requirements

This program has immunization requirements. For more information, and to print the required immunization form, please see the Immunization Information page.

 

Additional Costs

Books and supplies are most expensive in the first year of the program (approximately $1,200). Second year textbooks are an additional $250.

 

University Transfer Agreements

• University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Course	Hours
Semester 1
Introduction to Physiology	75.00
Basic Clinical Skills I	60.00
Communications for Community Development & Health	45.00
Concepts in Health Care	45.00
Field Experience Preparation I	15.00
Interpersonal Skills	45.00
Introduction to Psychology	45.00
Introductory Anatomy	60.00
Semester 2
Basic Clinical Skills II	60.00
Clinical Pathology	60.00
Communicating at Work	45.00
Field Experience Preparation II	30.00
Regional Anatomy	120.00
Therapeutic Exercise	60.00
General Education Elective
Semester 3
Effective Problem Solving	45.00
Essential Skills for the OTA	105.00
Essential Skills for the PTA	105.00
Field Experience I	100.00
Strategies for Communication Disorders	15.00
General Education Elective
Semester 4
Clinical Case Studies	90.00
Field Experience II	200.00
Field Experience III	195.00
Introductory Computing	45.00
Selected Topics in Rehabilitation	60.00

Semester 1

Introduction to Physiology

Course Number: SCIE018

In this course, students are introduced to fundamental concepts of homeostasis, cell physiology and the most relevant elements of the structure and function of the basic tissues of the body. Emphasis will be placed on the biology of the components of the musculoskeletal system: cartilage, bone, and muscle. An overview of the nervous system and the physiology of nerve impulse conduction are included.

Units: 75.00
Hours: 75.00

Basic Clinical Skills I

Course Number: HLTH035

This course contributes to the learning outcomes, knowledge and skills required to function as a safe, competent physiotherapist and occupational therapist assistant.This course examines normal functional movement and its components. The course develops the learner's ability to correctly observe, facilitate and enhance functional movement through proper handling techniques.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Communications for Community Development & Health

Course Number: COMM079

Communications for CD&H, a mandatory Communications course, focuses on improving reading and writing skills through a number of assignments related to the helping professions. Students will demonstrate skills in summary and essay writing as well as research techniques, including appropriate documentation of sources. The principles of style, structure, content, and mechanics constitute the overall framework of the course.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Concepts in Health Care

Course Number: HLTH065

This introductory course provides an overview of major issues that impact the health care system both in Canada and abroad. Students will examine various federal and provincial legislative regulations and frameworks that health care professionals operate within. The roles of various healthcare providers will be compared and contrasted. Issues impacting all healthcare providers such as accountability, interdisciplinary team work, advocacy, documentation, and confidentiality will be examined. This course will provide a fundamental understanding of your selected healthcare profession, and how it functions within the larger healthcare system.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Field Experience Preparation I

Course Number: FLPL084

This course focuses exclusively on the roles of the physiotherapist, occupational therapist and their assistants.

Units: 15.00
Hours: 15.00

Interpersonal Skills

Course Number: SOCI069

This course helps the learner to interact effectively with individuals and groups in the workplace by gaining an understanding of the variables that can influence the outcome of the interaction. Enhanced understanding of oneself, the challenges that rehabilitation clients face, and the therapeutic relationship are the cornerstones of this exploration.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Introduction to Psychology

Course Number: SOCI036

This course offers a systematic approach to exploring human behaviour. The concepts and empirical findings are examined using a variety of theoretical approaches. Major topics include perception, motivation, learning, memory, intelligence, and personality.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Introductory Anatomy

Course Number: SCIE022

Introductory Anatomy is an introduction to the study of the anatomy (structure) of the human body. This course includes some microscopic anatomy but focuses primarily on the macroscopic anatomy of all body systems and brief related physiology.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Semester 2

Basic Clinical Skills II

Course Number: HLTH036

This course contributes to the attitudes, knowledge and skills required to function as a safe, competent physiotherapist and occupational therapist assistant. Enhanced awareness of the challenges clients face will be fostered, along with the skills necessary to collaboratively address these. A major component of the course involves collecting and reporting relevant client information.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Clinical Pathology

Course Number: SCIE061

This course introduces learners to a variety of health conditions that may result in physical or mental impairments, activity limitations or participation restrictions. Learners will gain an understanding of the various conditions that they are likely to encounter as physiotherapist and occupational therapist assistants, the relevant treatment precautions as well as an overview of any treatment goals relevant to rehabilitation.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Communicating at Work

Course Number: COMM002

This course will enable you to continue to improve your general communication skills to meet the learning outcomes demanded by the assignments in this course, as well as the expectations of other subjects and eventual career employment. This course emphasizes concepts of critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they apply to processes fundamental to effective communication. You will continue to reinforce speaking, writing, reading, and listening techniques common to the expectations demanded by the work place of your career choice by applying, at a more sophisticated level, principles of style, structure, mechanics and techniques (for orals).

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Field Experience Preparation II

Course Number: FLPL085

This learning experience presents a theoretical framework and required skills for practising as a physiotherapist and occupational therapist assistant student in a field placement setting, in a safe manner through supervised, directed activities.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Regional Anatomy

Course Number: SCIE125

This course examines the anatomy of the vertebral column, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, upper limb, lower limb, head and neck. The study of the structures of the musculoskeletal system (bones, ligaments, joints and muscles) and the peripheral nervous system are emphasized. The description of each region is completed with an outline of its arteries, veins and lymph drainage. Regional Anatomy is a pre-requisite for advancement to semester three in the Massage Therapy and Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist Assistant programs.

Units: 120.00
Hours: 120.00

Therapeutic Exercise

Course Number: HLTH038

The course introduces learners to principles, types, goals and specific applications of exercise and adaptations that may be required to match individual client profiles. Therapeutic tools used in exercise and mobility programs will be described and demonstrated and learners will assess the benefits and appropriate use of these tools.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Semester 3

Effective Problem Solving

Course Number: MGMT002

This is an advanced course in problem-solving techniques. Personal factors and group characteristics will be examined as they relate to the problem-solving and decision-making process. A range of strategies and techniques will be explored and students will have opportunities to employ these strategies in addressing 'real' problems.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Essential Skills for the OTA

Course Number: HLTH041

This course will elaborate on the concepts, techniques and approaches used in the provision of occupational therapy services. Learners will integrate knowledge regarding evaluation and treatment of the occupational performance areas and the performance components in the implementation of a comprehensive intervention plan based on clients' requirements, abilties, and expected occupational performance/roles. Learners will acquire hands-on experience with a variety of therapeutic techniques used in the management of acute and chronic musculosketetal, neurological, cardiorespiratory and mental conditions.

Units: 105.00
Hours: 105.00

Essential Skills for the PTA

Course Number: HLTH042

This course will elaborate on the concepts, techniques, and approaches used in the provision of physiotherapy services. Learners will integrate knowledge regarding evaluation and treatment of a variety of acute and chronic musuloskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory conditions. Students will gain hands-on experience with a variety of therapeutic techniques, including applied modalities.

Units: 105.00
Hours: 105.00

Field Experience I

Course Number: FLPL086

This course provides the student with an opportunity to perform selected skills in a workplace setting under the supervision of an occupational therapist and/or physiotherapist. Two 7-week placements in two different settings are to provide for integration and reinforcement of theory and skills learned in semesters one and two.

Units: 100.00
Hours: 100.00

Strategies for Communication Disorders

Course Number: HLTH040

This course examines specific communication disorders and strategies that may be used by assistants with a wide variety of clients.

Units: 15.00
Hours: 15.00

Semester 4

Clinical Case Studies

Course Number: HLTH043

This course is designed to promote the critical thinking, problem solving and decision making skills that will be used in the provision of assigned physiotherapy and occupational therapy services. Small groups will explore clinical cases across specific age groupings: infants, children, young adults, middle years adults and senior adults.

Units: 90.00
Hours: 90.00

Field Experience II

Course Number: FLPL087

This course allows the students to perform selected skills in a workplace setting under the supervision of an occupational therapist and/or physiotherapist. Two 7-week placements in two different settings are to provide for integration and reinforcement of theory and skills learned in Semesters 1, 2 and 3.

Units: 200.00
Hours: 200.00

Field Experience III

Course Number: FLPL088

This course allows the student to perform selected skills in a workplace setting under the supervision of an occupational and/or physiotherapist. A five-week full-time placement in one setting provides for integration and reinforcement of theory and skills learned in all previous semesters of study.

Units: 195.00
Hours: 195.00

Introductory Computing

Course Number: COMP345

Working in the Windows XP environment, this computer course introduces the student to computer basics (computer terminology, e-mail, Internet, file management) and the application and use of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software. Through the extensive use of hands-on activities, students will gain sufficient knowledge and experience to make productive use of computers as a tool in both college and workplace environments.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Selected Topics in Rehabilitation

Course Number: HLTH044

This course will integrate a variety of topics relevant to the practice of the physiotherapist and occupational therapist assistant. Selected themes from previous courses will be examined in greater depth, including a community link to promote positive attitudes on the part of the clients, their significant others and the public toward different levels of occupational performance.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00