Official Program Outline
Program description
This two-year program prepares graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to become occupational therapy assistants or physiotherapy assistants (OTA/PTA) in the rehabilitative health care environment. Students will learn how to enable clients to effectively cope with their limitations in movement, daily functioning and activities. Practical and theoretical learning will take place in the classroom, laboratory and on field placements (acute care, long-term care home and clinic settings).
Why choose Georgian?
A new laboratory is available for students to practice in, featuring state-of-the-art equipment that is used in rehabilitative environments in the community. Students will gain interprofessional experience by working as part of a health care team.
Placement opportunities
Placements will be in private and publicly funded rehabilitation clinics, acute care hospitals, rehabilitative hospitals and in long-term care facilities in Georgian’s surrounding communities. A clinical placement component is part of three of the four semesters.
Employment
Job opportunities are growing in the OTA/PTA field as health care shifts to health promotion and incorporating rehabilitative techniques. Seniors are more active and work injuries are now treated with exercise and modifications in the workplace.
Clinics, hospitals, schools, mental health and long-term care facilities employ occupational therapists and physiotherapists. Assistants for both of these are in high demand.
Entry-level salary range: $18 to $23 per hour.