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. Valued members of the health care team, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistants work in a complex health care environment. They are front line workers assisting 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 laboratory and clinical field placements
• 510 hours of clinical field placements done in various settings spread over three semesters
• 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 510 clinical field placement hours over three semesters prior to graduation. Placements will begin in semester two with an 11-week Occupational Therapy OR Physiotherapy placement of 15 hours per week. The next 11-week placement, occurring in semester three, will assign students into whichever placement they have not yet had. For example, if a student has a semester two placement in a physiotherapy clinic, their semester three placement will be in an occupational therapy setting. In semester 4 the last placement will be in either an Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy setting for 12 weeks. These placements provide the opportunity to apply classroom studies to an actual work situation and gain extensive on-the-job training.

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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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2020-2021

This program will be delivered in the following terms:

Fall Term Start

1. SEMESTER 1 Fall 2020
2. SEMESTER 2 Winter 2021
3. SEMESTER 3 Fall 2021
4. SEMESTER 4 Winter 2022

Winter Term Start

1. SEMESTER 1 Winter 2021
2. SEMESTER 2 Spring 2021
3. SEMESTER 3 Fall 2021
4. SEMESTER 4 Winter 2022

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

Program of Study

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 supplies for Year 1 is under review. 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 in a wide range of organizations and settings including:

• Occupational Therapist Assistant

• Physiotherapist Assistant

• Rehabilitation Service Occupations

• Healthcare Organizations

• 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.