Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant (OTPA)

Ontario College Diploma | 4 semesters | Barrydowne

This 2-year Ontario College Diploma program gives you the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to work in a support role under the direction of, and in collaboration with, an occupational therapist and/or physiotherapist. As valued members of the health care team, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistants work in a complex health care environment. Considered front line workers OTA's and PTA's assist in the assessment, planning, and implementation of rehabilitation treatment plans and programs developed to restore and maximize physical function and occupational performance.

Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistants help support clients to effectively cope with limitations in movement and activities of daily living, whether temporary or permanent, during and following recovery. Graduates of this program are ready for a career in a variety of health care settings including acute and complex continuing care, mental health and long-term care facilities, community agencies, vocational rehabilitation centres, children's treatment centres and private clinics.

Program Highlights

• 2 years: 4 semesters
• A combination of practical skills and theoretical knowledge achieved through classroom discussion, hands-on lab activities and clinical field placements
• 540 hours of clinical field placements done in various settings 
• Collaborative inter-professional experiences with other Health Sciences programs
• Flexible scheduling with a combination of in-class and online learning

Field Placement

Students are required to complete 540 clinical field placement hours in a variety of settings related to both occupational therapy and physiotherapy prior to graduation. These placements provide the opportunity to apply classroom studies to an actual work situations and gain extensive on-the-job training. Clinical experience is gained at a variety of clinics and organizations across Ontario and you may be required to complete your placement at a site and/or in a city other than Sudbury.

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How to Apply

Health Sciences, Nursing, and Emergency Services

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)

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Program Delivery

2021-2022

This program will be delivered in the following terms:

Winter Term Start

1. SEMESTER 1 Winter 2022
2. SEMESTER 2 Spring 2022
3. SEMESTER 3 Fall 2022
4. SEMESTER 4 Winter 2023

2022-2023

This program will be delivered in the following terms:

Fall Term Start

1. SEMESTER 1 Fall 2022
2. SEMESTER 2 Winter 2023
3. SEMESTER 3 Fall 2023
4. SEMESTER 4 Winter 2023

Winter Term Start

1. SEMESTER 1 Winter 2023
2. SEMESTER 2 Spring 2023
3. SEMESTER 3 Fall 2023
4. SEMESTER 4 Winter 2024

For specific term start/end dates and other key dates/deadlines, please see the Academic Schedule on our website.

Program of Study for 2022-23 Academic Year 

Fees

Tuition and Ancillary Fees

Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.

Books & Supplies

The cost of books and uniforms for Year 1 is estimated at $350. There will be no additional books/uniform fees in Year 2. This is the best information available at the time of publishing to the website and is subject to change.

Pre-Placement Fees

Students will be expected to complete mandatory training courses (e.g., CPR) and other pre-placement requirements (e.g., immunizations) at their own expense near the end of Year 1. These trainings and fees are estimated at $400 in total. This is the best information available at the time of publishing to the website and is subject to change.

Graduate Options

Employment Opportunities

Graduates of this program will be positioned to pursue positions as an Occupational Therapist Assistant, Physiotherapist Assistant, or Rehabilitation Assistant within a wide range of organizations and settings which include:

• Home Care

• Hospitals

• Rehabilitation centres

• Long-term care facilities

• Private retirement residences

• Schools

• Private Clinics

College/University Degree Opportunities

Graduates from this program may continue their studies at college/university and may receive credit for their prior College education.

Refer to College/University Agreements for further information.