Occupational Therapist Assistant & Physiotherapist Assistant
- Credential:
- Ontario College Diploma
- College Code:
- CONS
- School:
- Health & Life Sciences
- Program Code:
- 1111
- Accelerated Delivery:
- No
- Campus:
- DO
- Academic Year:
- 2019 / 2020
About the Program
This program is designed to prepare students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to perform their role as occupational therapist assistants and physiotherapist assistants (OTAs and PTAs). OTAs and PTAs are primarily responsible for implementation of treatment plans to promote physical functioning or to enhance participation in activities of daily living for individuals with a wide range of health conditions. The program integrates classroom theory with hands-on practical skills learning in living lab settings. To enhance critical thinking, decision making and leadership skills, the program makes use of diverse learning opportunities such as small group case-based learning, simulation exercises, applied learning projects and e-learning. Exposure to clinical experiences across a variety of clinical settings is integrated into the curriculum to ensure students have an opportunity to apply skills in a supervised setting.Program Information
Length: Two-year Ontario College Diploma programDelivery Sequence: Doon (Kitchener) - September/2019 - Fall | Winter | Fall | Winter
Location: Doon (Kitchener)
Start: September
First-Year Capacity: 50
Note:
- Admission requirements for this program may be met by completing Conestoga's Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas. However, students wishing to pursue a degree after graduation from this diploma program should consider enrolling in a Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees program to meet admission requirements.
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or 19 years of age or older with mature student status (See Mature Student definition for details.)
- Grade 12 compulsory English, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Communications (COMM1270)
- Grade 12 Mathematics, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Mathematics (MATH1395)
- Grade 11 or 12 Biology, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Biology (SCIE1010)
- Grade 11 or 12 Physics or Chemistry, C or U, or equivalent; OR Grade 12 Exercise Science (PSE4U); OR Grade 12 Kinesiology (PSK4U); OR Grade 11 or 12 Science (SNC3M or SNC4M); OR Conestoga College Preparatory Chemistry (SCIE1030)
- For more information on preparatory programs, visit Academic Upgrading
Admission Procedures
- An academic strength is calculated by averaging the submitted marks of required subjects. If more than one mark is received for a required subject, the highest mark will be used in the calculation.
- Ten (10) additional marks are added to each Advanced level, OAC, U, U/C, and post-secondary course used in the calculation of academic strength.
- A sound mathematical and English background is important for success in this program and is considered during the admission selection process. Minimum cutoffs may apply.
Program Requirements
- A working knowledge of word processing and/or keyboarding is required as the program curriculum makes use of computer-assisted learning and computer technology in clinical/field placement experiences.
- Mandatory practicum health and safety requirements must be completed by students prior to student field/clinical placements. Successful placement completion is required for students to progress to program completion. To qualify for field/clinical placement learning experiences, students must present the following by the deadline indicated on the practicum package which will be distributed in class at the beginning of year one:
- A complete immunization record including MMR, Tdap, Varicella, and Hepatitis B. Seasonal flu vaccination is required during flu season (October - March).
- TB Testing: Evidence of current 2-step or previous 2-step + current 1-step if more than one year has passed since 2-step testing.
- Standard First Aid and CPR - HCP level
- An annual Police Check for Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS). Police Checks must be clear of any unpardoned criminal offences. An unclear criminal record may result in the inability to participate in field placement/clinical which will jeopardize progress in the program. Acceptance for placement is at the discretion of the agency; some agencies may request students to provide a VSS completed within six months of placement start date. Students with criminal records are advised to meet with the program chair for academic counselling to determine program suitability.
- Health care workers are to be in good health. It is recommended that you contact the program coordinator if you have health-related issues to ensure that you are aware of the physical and emotional requirements of this program and occupation.
- Applicants should display integrity, reliability, maturity, self-direction, self-discipline, determination, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, poise and leadership attributes.
- Applicants are advised that a latex-free environment in the college or clinical setting is NOT guaranteed.
- Attendance in classroom, skills lab and clinical experiences is essential.
- Applicants are advised that the program makes use of self-directed/independent study in the delivery of some courses and portions of other courses throughout the program.
- In addition, students are responsible for costs associated with respirator fit testing required for clinical practice.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition fee details for the 2018-2019 year are listed below. Fees for the next academic year are unavailable at this time. Books and supplies are additional.
Domestic Fees
Estimated fees based upon the previous academic year (2018 / 2019) for Occupational Therapist Assistant & Physiotherapist Assistant - Program # 1111
| Description | Winter 2019 |
|---|---|
| Full-time Program Tuition | $1498.00 |
| Student Priority Fee | $50.65 |
| Recreation/Athletics Fee | $70.50 |
| Graduation/Alumni Services Fee | $28.45 |
| Administration Fee | $25.90 |
| Technology Enhancement Fee | $142.75 |
| CSI Capital Development Fee | $72.65 |
| CSI Association Fee | $110.00 |
| CSI - Advocacy Fee | $5.75 |
| CSI Health Plan Fee | $0.00 |
| Health Documentation Fee | $0.00 |
| ONE Card Fee | $12.75 |
| CSI Legal Protection | $0.00 |
| Session Total | $2017.40 |
| Year Total | $4463.80 |
| Description | Winter 2019 |
|---|---|
| Full-time Program Tuition | $1498.00 |
| Student Priority Fee | $50.65 |
| Recreation/Athletics Fee | $70.50 |
| Graduation/Alumni Services Fee | $28.45 |
| Administration Fee | $25.90 |
| Technology Enhancement Fee | $142.75 |
| CSI Capital Development Fee | $72.65 |
| CSI Association Fee | $110.00 |
| CSI - Advocacy Fee | $5.75 |
| CSI Health Plan Fee | $0.00 |
| Health Documentation Fee | $0.00 |
| ONE Card Fee | $12.75 |
| CSI Legal Protection | $0.00 |
| Session Total | $2017.40 |
| Year Total | $4437.80 |
International Fees
Estimated International fees based upon the previous academic year (2018 / 2019) for
Occupational Therapist Assistant & Physiotherapist Assistant - Program # 1111
| Description | Winter 2019 |
|---|---|
| International Program Tuition | $6000.00 |
| Student Priority Fee | $50.65 |
| Recreation/Athletics Fee | $70.50 |
| Graduation/Alumni Services Fee | $28.45 |
| Administration Fee | $25.90 |
| Technology Enhancement Fee | $142.75 |
| CSI Capital Development Fee | $72.65 |
| CSI Association Fee | $110.00 |
| CSI - Advocacy Fee | $5.75 |
| CSI Health Plan Fee | $0.00 |
| Health Documentation Fee | $0.00 |
| ISR | $375.00 |
| ONE Card Fee | $12.75 |
| CSI Legal Protection | $0.00 |
| CSI International Health Fee | $0.00 |
| Session Total | $6894.40 |
| Year Total | $14702.80 |
| Description | Winter 2019 |
|---|---|
| International Program Tuition | $6000.00 |
| Student Priority Fee | $50.65 |
| Recreation/Athletics Fee | $70.50 |
| Graduation/Alumni Services Fee | $28.45 |
| Administration Fee | $25.90 |
| Technology Enhancement Fee | $142.75 |
| CSI Capital Development Fee | $72.65 |
| CSI Association Fee | $110.00 |
| CSI - Advocacy Fee | $5.75 |
| CSI Health Plan Fee | $0.00 |
| Health Documentation Fee | $0.00 |
| ISR | $375.00 |
| International Health Insurance | $0.00 |
| International Health Fee | $0.00 |
| ONE Card Fee | $12.75 |
| CSI Legal Protection | $0.00 |
| CSI International Health Fee | $0.00 |
| Session Total | $6894.40 |
| Year Total | $14676.80 |
Financial Assistance
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a needs-based program designed to help Ontario students cover the cost of post-secondary education. Funded by the federal and provincial governments, OSAP is intended to promote equality of opportunity for post-secondary studies through direct financial assistance for educational costs and living expenses. These interest-free loans are intended to supplement your financial resources and those of your family. The majority of students apply for loan assistance via the OSAP website. Students can also print the application booklet through the OSAP website.For more information, please visit Financial Services/Awards.
Graduate Opportunities
Graduates are prepared to enter the health-care industry working in various health-care settings (e.g., hospitals, retirement homes or long-term care facilities, private rehabilitation clinics and other health-related community agencies) as an occupational therapist and physiotherapist assistant under the supervision of a licensed physiotherapist or occupational therapist. This two-year diploma program is not a direct route to becoming a registered OT or PT. Applicants are advised to seek career counselling support to determine appropriate pathways for entry into the master's degree program to become a registered OT and/or PT if this is a route they wish to take.On average, 95% of graduates from the last three years (2015 to 2017) found employment within six months of graduation.
For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home
Pathways & Credit Transfer
Conestoga pathways enable students to build on their academic achievements in order to earn a degree or additional credential. Pathways are formed through agreements between Conestoga programs or partner institutions. View the transfer agreement opportunities for this program.Often applicants have earned credits from another college or university that may allow a student to be granted advanced standing or exemption. Learn more about credit transfer opportunities at Conestoga.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
Conestoga recognizes prior learning of skills, knowledge or competencies that have been acquired through employment, formal and informal education, non-formal learning or other life experiences. Prior learning must be measurable at the required academic level and meet Conestoga standards of achievement for current courses. Challenge exams and portfolio development are the primary methods of assessment. Other methods of assessment may be available depending upon the nature of the course objectives. Successful completion of the assessment results in an official course credit that will be recorded on the student's Conestoga transcript. PLAR cannot be used by registered Conestoga students for the clearance of academic deficiencies, to improve grades or to obtain admission into a program.Learn more about PLAR.
Program Courses
| Course Code | Course Title and Description |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | |
| ANAT1070 | Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology
Description: This course will focus on the basic structure and function of the human body from a systems perspective. Students will develop an understanding of normal human function required to recognize common illnesses and disease processes relevant to the OTA & PTA. |
| COMM1085 | College Reading & Writing Skills
Description: This course focuses on the reading, writing and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse, summarize, and discuss a variety of readings and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising in response to written prompts. This course prepares students for post-secondary writing tasks, research, and documentation. |
| OHS1320 | Safety in the Workplace
Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the nine units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of General Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers. |
| OPA1000 | Anatomy of Movement
Description: The student will be introduced to the structure and function of the key body systems involved in human movement. The course will focus on the skeletal, muscular and peripheral nervous systems and will include gross and surface anatomy. Students will learn to inspect, palpate and move the structures of the body, enabling them to appreciate the three-dimensional nature of the body and its movement potential. |
| OPA1010 | Orientation to Rehabilitation
Description: This course will provide students with the foundations for a career in a health care or rehabilitation setting. Using a combination of lecture and small group case based learning approaches, students will explore philosophical, professional, and ethical concepts in rehabilitation that support the role of assistants in occupational therapy and physiotherapy. Students will also be introduced to basic medical terminology and clinical documentation skills and begin developing a fieldwork portfolio that will form the basis of a career portfolio upon graduation. |
| OPA1020 | Fundamentals of Patient Care
Description: This course integrates theory and lab activities to give the student the foundational skills to ensure safe client contact. Building on the knowledge of the human body learned in Anatomy courses, students will apply knowledge of the muscular and skeletal systems to movement of the human body. Students will learn the techniques and tools used to handle, position, and transfer clients across the lifespan, and will be instructed on standard or routine practices necessary for safety in the workplace. |
|
Electives: General Education
Student must complete a minimum of 42 Hours | |
| Level 2 | |
| FPLT1320 | Field Placement I (Occupational & Physiotherapy Assistant)
Description: Students will use this first clinical fieldwork experience to develop role clarity and to explore the responsibilities of the OTA/PTA in a health care setting and to apply theory and practical skills learned to date. Students will interact with members of the health care team as they begin to apply the knowledge they have gained to date. While supervised by a Registered Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist or formally trained OTA/PTA, students will observe and participate in the rehabilitation treatment of clients. |
| OPA1200 | Interpersonal Skills and Therapeutic Relationships
Description: This course will provide students with the essential principles and skills of interpersonal communication required to establish effective relationships with clients, families and other health care professionals. An emphasis on self-awareness, active listening skills, conflict management, cultural diversity and maintenance of professional boundaries will be included and basic competencies supportive of collaborative practice will be integrated throughout the course. Role play and simulation of clinical situations with standardized patients will be employed to enable students to apply theory and practice skills and to reflect on their experiences while developing these skills. |
| OPA1225 | Practice Skills - Foundations of Occupational Therapy
Description: This integrated lecture and lab course provides an introduction to relevant theory, principles and basic clinical skills for occupational therapy practice. Students will develop an understanding of the relationship between occupational performance components of an individual, the influence of the environment and the impact on occupational performance areas of self-care, productivity and leisure. Theory lectures and practical skill labs will provide students with an opportunity to apply core concepts such as activity analysis, grading, adapting, and the teaching and learning process to support participation in basic activities of daily living and environmental accessibility. |
| OPA1235 | Practice Skills - Modalities
Description: Students will rely on their knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology while studying the major uses of, rationale for and precautions and contradictions for the therapeutic modalities most commonly used by the PTA. Skills involved in preparation for, application of and observation of patient response to the modalities will be acquired in a lab setting. |
| OPA1245 | Practice Skills - Exercise
Description: This course introduces the student to therapeutic exercise, the most common intervention used in Physical Therapy care plans. Using an integrated approach to theory and practice, students will gain an understanding of the rationale for various exercise techniques. They will learn to utilize and adapt exercise techniques and tools safely and effectively within the scope of the PTA. |
| OPA1255 | Health Conditions I
Description: This course introduces the student to a variety of health conditions that are commonly managed by occupational therapy and physiotherapy. Pathology, etiology, prevalence, clinical signs and symptoms of common health conditions will be discussed to understand how impairment in body function and structures can limit activity and restrict participation. Students will concurrently develop a general understanding of the medical, surgical, pharmacological and rehabilitation management for these health conditions and recognize how this knowledge can be used to support and optimize client outcomes. |
|
Electives: General Education
Student must complete a minimum of 42 Hours | |
| Level 3 | |
| FPLT2230 | Field Placement II (Occupational & Physiotherapy Assistance )
Description: In this placement students will gain greater autonomy as they continue to apply the knowledge they have acquired in previous and concurrent coursework. They will further develop their communication and profession-specific skills as they learn under the supervision of a Registered OT, Registered PT or formally trained OTA/PTA. |
| OPA2115 | Advanced Practice Skills for OTA
Description: This integrated lecture and lab course expands on the foundations of occupational therapy and focuses on practicing and applying advanced therapeutic interventions within the scope of the OTA to address activity limitations and participation restrictions. Instruction will be provided on the safe application, fabrication or modification of assistive devices, splinting, adaptive computer technology or seating and mobility devices to address complex sensory-motor, cognitive-perceptual and socio-emotional needs across the lifespan. |
| OPA2125 | Advanced Practice Skills for PTA
Description: This integrated lecture and lab course expands on the foundations of occupational therapy and focuses on practicing and applying advanced therapeutic interventions within the role of the OTA to address activity limitations and participation restrictions. Instruction will be provided on the safe application, fabrication or modification of assistive devices/technology, splinting, seating/mobility; and the use of functional tasks to address complex motor, sensory, perceptual, cognitive and socio-emotional needs across the lifespan. |
| OPA2130 | Communication Disorders
Description: This course will introduce students to communication disorders which occur throughout the lifespan and practical strategies for effective communication with individuals who have communication disorders. Students will be exposed to a variety of augmentative and alternative communication approaches used to facilitate the clients' communication. Students will also examine common feeding and swallowing disorders and strategies for assisting those with feeding and swallowing problems. |
| OPA2140 | Practice Skills - Mental Health Concepts
Description: This course introduces the student to commonly encountered mental health conditions and develops the skills and knowledge necessary to respond therapeutically within the parameters of the OTA/PTA role. Core mental health concepts, key models and skills for enhancing therapeutic relationships are explored. |
| OPA2155 | Health Conditions II
Description: This course expands on the knowledge from Health Conditions I by introducing more medically complex conditions that may also include cognitive and mental health issues. Pathology, etiology, prevalence, clinical signs and symptoms of more complex health conditions will be discussed to reinforce understanding of how impairment in body function and structures can limit activity and restrict participation. Students will concurrently develop a general understanding of the medical, surgical, pharmacological and rehabilitation management for these conditions and recognize how this knowledge can be used to support and optimize client outcomes. |
|
Electives: General Education
Student must complete a minimum of 42 Hours | |
| Level 4 | |
| FPLT2240 | Field Placement III (Occupational & Physiotherapy Assistant)
Description: By the end of this clinical practice experience, students will have achieved entry level status as OTA/PTAs. Throughout this experience they will continue to develop the professional behaviours and skills required for the workplace. They will consolidate their knowledge and skills across the previous semesters by completing a comprehensive objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) to demonstrate the competency required to practice as an OTA/PTA. |
| OPA2210 | Professional and Interprofessional Issues
Description: This course will address issues dealing with the transition from student to practitioner. Students will be challenged to utilize theory and clinical knowledge from preceding semesters as they explore relevant issues related to the current role of the OTA&PTA in an interdisciplinary health care environment. |
Program Outcomes
- Communicate appropriately and effectively, through verbal, nonverbal, written and electronic means, with clients, their families, and significant others, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, other health care providers, and others within the role of the therapist assistant.
- Participate in the effective functioning of interprofessional health care teams within the role of the therapist assistant.
- Establish, develop, maintain, and bring closure to client-centred, therapeutic relationships within the role of the therapist assistant.
- Ensure personal safety and contribute to the safety of others within the role of the therapist assistant
- Practice competently in a legal, ethical, and professional manner within the role of the therapist assistant
- Document and complete client records in a thorough, objective, accurate, and nonjudgmental manner within the role of the therapist assistant.
- Develop and implement strategies to maintain, improve, and promote professional competence within the role of the therapist assistant.
- Perform effectively within the roles and responsibilities of the therapist assistant through the application of relevant knowledge of health sciences, psychosociological sciences, and health conditions.
- Perform functions common to both physiotherapy and occupational therapy practices that contribute to the development, implementation and modification of intervention/treatment plans, under the supervision of and in collaboration with the occupational therapist and/or physiotherapist.
- Enable the client's occupational performance by contributing to the development, implementation, and modification of intervention/treatment plans, under the supervision of and in collaboration with the occupational therapist.
- Enable the client's optimal physical function by contributing to the development, implementation, and modification of intervention/treatment plans, under the supervision of and in collaboration with the physiotherapist.
Program Advisory Committees
The College appoints Program Advisory Committee members for diploma, degree, certificate and apprenticeship programs. Committees are composed of employers, practitioners and recent program graduates. College representatives (students, faculty, and administrators) are resource persons. Each committee advises the Board on the development of new programs, the monitoring of existing programs and community acceptance of programs.For a list of the current members, please visit our Program Advisory Committees.
Program Handbook
Apply Now
Domestic students should apply online at www.ontariocolleges.ca or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.ONTARIOCOLLEGES.CA
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario
Canada N1G 5J3
Detailed steps on the application process may help you to apply.
International students should apply online using the Conestoga College International Application Portal. Please note: not all programs are open to international students. Interested students should check the listing of open programs on our international students web page before applying.
Disclaimer
The College reserves the right to alter information including requirements and fees and to cancel at any time a program, course, or program major or option; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies in the job market or for budgetary reasons; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations, over-acceptance of offers of admission, budgetary constraints, or for other such reasons. In the event the College exercises such a right, the College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to the College.
Students actively registered in cohort delivered programs who take longer than the designed program length of time to complete their studies are accountable for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the program of study. Unless otherwise stated, students registered in non-cohort delivered programs must complete the program of study within seven years of being admitted to the program.
