Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant

Start In:

Fall 2010

Location:	Peterborough
Program Status:	Wait listed
Program Code:	POA
Co-ordinator:	Kelly McKnight
Credential:	Ontario College Diploma
Classes Start:	September 7, 2010
Tuition/ Fees:	$1,732.25 per semester * * Tuition and fees subject to change.

Program Highlights

With ever-increasing numbers of aging people requiring assistance to continue a full life, the need has never been greater for physiotherapists, occupational therapists and their assistants. Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist Assistants work with registered physiotherapists (PT's) and occupational therapists (OT's) to enable clients to cope with their limitations in movement, daily function, activity and/or occupational performance, whether temporary or permanent. While a great deal of work these days is with seniors, there's also much to be done with those recovering from surgery, health conditions such as cancer or stroke, and chronic conditions such as arthritis. You can help people get back into their lives - as a Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist Assistant.

As a PTA and OTA, you'll help awaken people's physical potential - and learn more about yourself in the process. Throughout the deliberately broad-based four-semester program, you'll learn how to assist clients to achieve their health goals.

Rather than focus your studies exclusively on the physical therapy or occupational therapy streams, you will develop the ability to work with both professions.

Word from the Workplace

"Two graduates of the program work in our clinic, enabling us to dramatically increase our efficiency. With these assistants as part of the team, our Physiotherapists can delegate prescribed treatments and programs. This allows us more time for manual techniques, monitoring individual exercise programs and treatment planning."
Brenda Wilson-Rupay, B.H.Sc. P.T.
Clinic Co-ordinator
Lindsay Physiotherapy Services, Lindsay, Ontario

Why Choose Fleming?

Fleming offers a two-year program where you'll get cross-training in both physical and occupational therapy. Graduates will be critical thinkers with demonstrated problem solving abilities, strong interpersonal and communication skills and will possess a solid foundation in relevant health sciences.

St. Joseph's at Fleming
St. Joseph's at Fleming is the first long-term care facility built on a college or university campus. Students from more than 20 programs participate in clinical field practice, applied research, and volunteer initiatives within or associated with this facility.

Work Experience

In three of the four semesters, you will participate in field experience, which will give you the opportunity to put your in-class studies to work. Faculty can arrange at least one placement in an area of interest, if you so desire. Many field and clinical agencies require you to submit a current police records check, which is available from your local police department upon payment of a fee. In addition, you will be required to provide a current Standard First Aid Certificate, a current Basic CPR Certificate (level C) and Proof of Immunization. In many settings, a flu shot is also required.

What it Takes to Succeed

As with other health-care professions, PT and OT Assistants have to be compassionate, empathetic, and have a genuine concern for people. There are a few other qualities and skills which will help you in the program and your future career:

emotional maturity
trustworthiness
respect for diversity (age, gender, ethnicity, etc.)
ability to maintain boundaries
problem solving ability
strong interpersonal skills
good organizational and communication skills
ability/willingness to work long hours

Students will be required to acquire CPR (C level) and Standard First Aid Certification prior to classes.

Career Opportunities

You'll work as a PTA and/or OTA for such healthcare providers as:

acute care general hospitals
rehabilitation and convalescent facilities
nursing homes, long term care facilities
community care
mental health agencies
vocational rehabilitation programs
community and government health agencies
physiotherapy clinics
schools

Minimum Admission Requirements

OSSD with the majority of credits at the College (C) and Open (O) level, including:

2 College (C) English courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)
2 College (C) Science courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)

When (C) is the minimum course level for admission, (U) or (U/C) courses are also accepted.

Recommended:

Grade 11 and 12 University/College (UC) Science.

(Although not required for admission, recommended courses will help prepare you for this program).

Mature Students
If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission. Additional testing or academic upgrading may be necessary to meet specific course requirements for this program.
All applicants will be required to achieve course credit in the mandatory sciences, through Secondary School or through Academic Upgrading programs.

Related Programs

Considering a range of careers in the healthcare field? The Personal Support Worker, Massage Therapy or Practical Nursing programs may also appeal to you. Upon graduation from the OTA and PTA program, you might also consider taking more education at the university level to become a physical or occupational therapist.

Health Requirements

You should be in good physical and mental health. Independent physical mobility and manual dexterity are essential. If you have a complex medical history, we strongly advise you to discuss your concerns with the program co-ordinator, and to consult with your doctor.

Immunization Requirements

This program has immunization requirements. For more information, and to print the required immunization form, please see the Immunization Information page.