Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant (OTPA)

Rehabilitate your community as a highly valued, in-demand OTA and PTA

Train to be a valued member of a rehabilitation team, working directly with clients whose capacity to function has been impacted by injury, illness, or disease. Occupational therapy assistants (OTA) and physiotherapist assistants (PTA) both work in support roles under the direction of registered occupational therapists (OT) and physiotherapists (PT). An OT helps clients improve their ability to participate in meaningful life activities. A PT focuses on improving the client’s ability to move their body.  
 
A combination of practical skills and theoretical knowledge is delivered through classroom discussion, hands-on labs, and 540 hours of clinical placements in a variety of settings. As a valued member of a health care team, you’ll help clients follow rehabilitation treatment plans so they can excel in their personal and professional lives. 

Program highlights 

• Build skills in assessment, planning, and implementation of treatment plans and programs  
• Compassionate and client-centred approach 
• Apply classroom studies in extensive lab courses and in robust placements  
• 540 hours of clinical placements at affiliated locations across Canada 
• Potential career opportunities in a variety of health care settings 

Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year 

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For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Admission requirements

For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:

• Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
• Any grade 11 (C) or (U) or grade 12 biology (U)

Additional admission requirements

Placement requirements

Students must meet the following requirements to attend field placement courses. These requirements must be completed by the prescribed deadline prior to semester three. Students are responsible for any expenses incurred in meeting these requirements.

• CPR-HCP and First Aid training
• N-95 mask fit testing
• Obtain a criminal record check with vulnerable sector screening
• AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) certification
• WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) certification
• Ministry of Labour Worker Health and Safety Awareness in Four Steps training
• Immunizations:
  • Varicella
  • Measles, mumps, rubella
  • Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis
  • Polio
  • Hepatitis B
  • Two-step tuberculosis screening
  • Influenza
  • COVID-19 immunization

Program delivery

2025-2026

Fall term start

SEMESTER 1:  Fall 2025
SEMESTER 2:  Winter 2026
SEMESTER 3:  Fall 2026
SEMESTER 4:  Winter 2027

Winter term start

SEMESTER 1:  Winter 2026
SEMESTER 2:  Spring 2026
SEMESTER 3:  Fall 2026
SEMESTER 4:  Winter 2027

Specific program pathway

College or university degree opportunities  

If you are a graduate from this program with a minimum 75% average you can receive 42 credits toward an Honours Bachelor's Degree in Health Promotion (BPHE HEAL) at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario.

Also, once you graduate, you may continue your studies at a college or university, and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian's college and university agreement details for further information. 

Employment opportunities

Graduates of this program will be prepared to pursue positions as an OTA, PTA, OTA/PTA or Rehabilitation Assistant within a wide range of organizations and settings which include:

• Hospitals
• Rehabilitation centers
• Long-term care facilities
• Private retirement residences
• Private practice clinics
• Children's treatment centers and schools
• Home care