Occupational Therapist Assistant & Physiotherapist Assistant

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Applying as a Canadian applicant

Domestic students should apply online or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.

Applying as an International applicant

International students should apply online.
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Admissions - September 2025

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 (COMM1251), or equivalent
  • Grade 12 Mathematics, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Mathematics (MATH1420)
  • 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

Note re: admission requirements

  • If your transcripts are from outside of Canada, you will need to obtain a comprehensive course-by-course credential evaluation. You can use an approved provider of credential evaluation services such as ICAS or WES, or applicants can request a credential evaluation through the college using the Assessment of International Credentials for Admissions and Credit Transfer online form.
  • Applicants with transcripts from institutions where the language of instruction is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency. Please refer to English language requirements for details.

Canadian admissions contact


International admissions contact

Admission procedures

  • An academic strength is calculated by averaging the submitted marks of required subjects (75% in Fall 2020). 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 work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences.
  • Mandatory WIL document requirements must be completed by students prior to student WIL experiences. Successful WIL completion is required for students to progress to program completion. To qualify for WIL experiences, students must present the following by the deadline indicated on the WIL health and safety package which will be distributed in class at the beginning of year one:
    • A complete immunization record including MMR, Tdap, varicella, COVID-19 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 - BLS level (must be completed in Canada)
    • An annual police check for Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS). Police checks must be clear of any unpardoned criminal offences. An unclear criminal record will result in the inability to participate in WIL experiences, meaning the student will not be able to successfully complete the program. Acceptance for WIL is at the discretion of the agency; a valid VSS (within 6 months) will be required, up to 3 times, during the program.
  • This program uses eTexts.
  • Healthcare 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 WIL experiences.
  • The cost of pre-WIL requirements (immunization, First-Aid CPR, Respirator fit, VSS) and any housing, transportation or parking) is the responsibility of the student.

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) FAQ

You are taking the first steps to becoming a professional through your program at Conestoga College.

Realizing your vision of having a high-performing career in your field of choice requires that you start your program having met the document requirements that are mandatory for new employees in your field. The WIL document requirements that are mandatory for your program can be found in the Student Portal under the Services tab (scroll down the page and select the Login to H.S.Trax button).


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Credit transfer

You might be eligible to enter a program at an advanced level, or be exempt from a course, if you have formal post-secondary education. Learn more about credit transfer opportunities.

Pathways

Some Conestoga programs have pathways for current students, including certificate-to-diploma, diploma-to-diploma and diploma-to-degree opportunities. Learn more about pathways at Conestoga.

Articulation agreements

Conestoga partners with other post-secondary institutions, allowing students the opportunity to study elsewhere, usually in pursuit or an academic credential. Learn more about articulation agreements.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Through PLAR, Conestoga may credit prior learning or skills acquired through employment, formal and informal education, or life experiences. Learn more about PLAR at Conestoga.

Advanced standing opportunity

Conestoga College offers a fast-track OTA/PTA program for university kinesiology degree graduates.


Advanced standing opportunity: Occupational Therapist Assistant & Physiotherapist Assistant

Who can apply?

Graduates with a university degree in kinesiology may be eligible for admission into the fast-track (12-month) Occupational Therapist Assistant & Physiotherapist Assistant program. Minimum averages apply. Applicants will be ranked based on an assessment of academic performance. The fast-track curriculum includes exposure to various clinical settings and over 500 placement hours.

How to apply

  • Apply to Level 2 of the program through ontariocolleges.ca (program 2111). Applicants are required to submit transcripts from their degree program, even if it is yet to be completed.

For more information, please contact:

Sheetal Shenoy, Doctor of Physiotherapy DPT, MPT, B.Sc. Kin
Professor & Program Coordinator and Professor, Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Program
OTAPTACoordinator@conestogac.on.ca

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.