Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant

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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.

Additional Costs

Books and supplies are most expensive in the first year of the program (approximately $1,200). Second year textbooks are an additional $250.

University Transfer Agreements

Course Hours
Semester 1
Introduction to Physiology 75.00
Basic Clinical Skills I 60.00
Concepts in Health Care 15.00
Healthcare Concepts for Physiotherapist Assistant and Occupational Therapist Assistant 30.00
Introduction to Psychology 45.00
Introductory Anatomy 60.00
Introductory Computing 45.00
ONE of:
College Communication Skills for the Helping Professions 67.00
College Communications for the Helping Professions 37.00
Please Note:
All students will complete literacy testing in order to determine enrollment in the appropriate Communications course.
Semester 2
Basic Clinical Skills II 60.00
Clinical Pathology 60.00
Communicating at Work for the Helping Professions 45.00
Field Experience Preparation 30.00
Interpersonal Skills 45.00
Regional Anatomy 120.00
Therapeutic Exercise 60.00
Semester 3
Essential Skills for the OTA 105.00
Essential Skills for the PTA 105.00
Field Experience I 100.00
Human Growth and Development 45.00
Strategies for Communication Disorders 15.00
General Education Elective  
Semester 4
Clinical Case Studies 90.00
Field Experience II 200.00
Field Experience III 195.00
Selected Topics in Rehabilitation 28.00
General Education Elective  

Semester 1

College Communication Skills for the Helping Professions

Course Number: COMM156

Units: 67.00
Hours: 67.00

College Communications for the Helping Professions

Course Number: COMM079

Communications for the Helping Professions, a mandatory Communications course, focuses on improving reading and writing skills through a number of assignments related to the helping professions. Students will demonstrate skills in summary and essay writing as well as research techniques, including appropriate documentation of sources. The principles of style, structure, content, and mechanics constitute the overall framework of the course.

Units: 37.00
Hours: 37.00

Introduction to Physiology

Course Number: SCIE018

In this course, students are introduced to fundamental concepts of homeostasis, cell physiology and the most relevant elements of the structure and function of the basic tissues of the body. Emphasis will be placed on the biology of the components of the musculoskeletal system: cartilage, bone, and muscle. An overview of the nervous system and the physiology of nerve impulse conduction are included.

Units: 75.00
Hours: 75.00

Basic Clinical Skills I

Course Number: HLTH035

This course contributes to the learning outcomes, knowledge and skills required to function as a safe, competent physiotherapist and occupational therapist assistant.This course examines normal functional movement and its components. The course develops the learner's ability to correctly observe, facilitate and enhance functional movement through proper handling techniques.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Concepts in Health Care

Course Number: HLTH065

This introductory course provides an overview of major issues that impact the health care system both in Canada and abroad. Students will examine various federal and provincial legislative regulations and frameworks that health care professionals operate within. The roles of various health care providers will be compared and contrasted. Issues impacting all health care providers such as accountability, interdisciplinary team work, advocacy, documentation, and confidentiality will be examined. This course will provide a fundamental understanding of your selected health care profession, and how it functions within the larger health care system.

Units: 15.00
Hours: 15.00

Healthcare Concepts for Physiotherapist Assistant and Occupational Therapist Assistant

Course Number: HLTH245

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Introduction to Psychology

Course Number: SOCI036

This course offers a systematic approach to exploring human behaviour. The concepts and empirical findings are examined using a variety of theoretical approaches. Major topics include perception, motivation, learning, memory, intelligence, and personality.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Introductory Anatomy

Course Number: SCIE022

Introductory Anatomy is an introduction to the study of the anatomy (structure) of the human body. This course includes some microscopic anatomy but focuses primarily on the macroscopic anatomy of all body systems and brief related physiology. Introductory Anatomy is a prerequisite for advancement to semester two in the Massage Therapy, Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist Assistant and Fitness and Health Promotion programs.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Introductory Computing

Course Number: COMP345

Working in the Windows XP environment, this computer course introduces the student to computer basics (computer terminology, e-mail, file management) and the application and use of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software using Microsoft Office 2007. Through the extensive use of hands-on activities, students will gain sufficient knowledge and experience to make productive use of computers as a tool in both college and workplace environments. Students will have the opportunity to attain the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) Start Certification if they attain 75% or more on each of the four ICDL Start Certification tests.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Semester 2

Basic Clinical Skills II

Course Number: HLTH036

This course contributes to the attitudes, knowledge and skills required to function as a safe, competent physiotherapist and occupational therapist assistant. Enhanced awareness of the challenges clients face will be fostered, along with the skills necessary to collaboratively address these. A major component of the course involves collecting and reporting relevant client information.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Clinical Pathology

Course Number: SCIE061

This course introduces learners to a variety of health conditions that may result in physical or mental impairments, activity limitations or participation restrictions. Learners will gain an understanding of the various conditions that they are likely to encounter as physiotherapist and occupational therapist assistants, the relevant treatment precautions as well as an overview of any treatment goals relevant to rehabilitation.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Communicating at Work for the Helping Professions

Course Number: COMM146

In this course you will continue to develop your communication skills, with specialized focus on how communication and the written word works in community, education and health based professions. This course is designed to help you better understand the communication demands of your eventual career employment. You will continue to reinforce speaking, writing, reading, and listening techniques common to the expectations demanded by the work place of your career choice by applying, at a more sophisticated level, principles of style, structure, mechanics and techniques (for orals).

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Field Experience Preparation

Course Number: FLPL085

This learning experience presents a theoretical framework and required skills for practising as a physiotherapist and occupational therapist assistant student in a field placement setting, in a safe manner through supervised, directed activities.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Interpersonal Skills

Course Number: SOCI069

This course helps the learner to interact effectively with individuals and groups in the workplace by gaining an understanding of the variables that can influence the outcome of the interaction. Enhanced understanding of oneself, the challenges that rehabilitation clients face, and the therapeutic relationship are the cornerstones of this exploration.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Regional Anatomy

Course Number: SCIE125

This course examines the anatomy of the vertebral column, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, upper limb, lower limb, head and neck. The study of the structures of the musculoskeletal system (bones, ligaments, joints and muscles) and the peripheral nervous system are emphasized. The description of each region is completed with an outline of its arteries, veins and lymph drainage.

Units: 120.00
Hours: 120.00

Therapeutic Exercise

Course Number: HLTH038

The course introduces learners to principles, types, goals and specific applications of exercise and adaptations that may be required to match individual client profiles. Therapeutic tools used in exercise and mobility programs will be described and demonstrated and learners will assess the benefits and appropriate use of these tools.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Semester 3

Essential Skills for the OTA

Course Number: HLTH041

This course will elaborate on the concepts, techniques and approaches used in the provision of occupational therapy services. Learners will integrate knowledge regarding evaluation and treatment of the occupational performance areas and the performance components in the implementation of a comprehensive intervention plan based on clients' requirements, abilties, and expected occupational performance/roles. Learners will acquire hands-on experience with a variety of therapeutic techniques used in the management of acute and chronic musculosketetal, neurological, cardiorespiratory and mental conditions.

Units: 105.00
Hours: 105.00

Essential Skills for the PTA

Course Number: HLTH042

This course will elaborate on the concepts, techniques, and approaches used in the provision of physiotherapy services. Learners will integrate knowledge regarding evaluation and treatment of a variety of acute and chronic musuloskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory conditions. Students will gain hands-on experience with a variety of therapeutic techniques, including applied modalities.

Units: 105.00
Hours: 105.00

Field Experience I

Course Number: FLPL086

This course provides the student with an opportunity to perform selected skills in a workplace setting under the supervision of an occupational therapist and/or physiotherapist. Two 7-week placements in two different settings are to provide for integration and reinforcement of theory and skills learned in semesters one and two.

Units: 100.00
Hours: 100.00

Human Growth and Development

Course Number: SOCI025

This course is designed to give the student a basic understanding of the normal patterns of growth and development at various stages within the life cycle from infancy through to old age. The major theories of development will be examined to enhance understanding of this field of study.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Strategies for Communication Disorders

Course Number: HLTH040

This course examines specific communication disorders and strategies that may be used by assistants with a wide variety of clients.

Units: 15.00
Hours: 15.00

Semester 4

Clinical Case Studies

Course Number: HLTH043

This course is designed to promote the critical thinking, problem solving and decision making skills that will be used in the provision of assigned physiotherapy and occupational therapy services. Small groups will explore clinical cases across specific age groupings: infants, children, young adults, middle years adults and senior adults.

Units: 90.00
Hours: 90.00

Field Experience II

Course Number: FLPL087

This course allows the students to perform selected skills in a workplace setting under the supervision of an occupational therapist and/or physiotherapist. Two 7-week placements in two different settings are to provide for integration and reinforcement of theory and skills learned in Semesters 1, 2 and 3.

Units: 200.00
Hours: 200.00

Field Experience III

Course Number: FLPL088

This course allows the student to perform selected skills in a workplace setting under the supervision of an occupational and/or physiotherapist. A five-week full-time placement in one setting provides for integration and reinforcement of theory and skills learned in all previous semesters of study.

Units: 195.00
Hours: 195.00

Selected Topics in Rehabilitation

Course Number: HLTH044

This course will integrate a variety of topics relevant to the practice of the physiotherapist and occupational therapist assistant. Selected themes from previous courses will be examined in greater depth, including a community link to promote positive attitudes on the part of the clients, their significant others and the public toward different levels of occupational performance.

Units: 28.00
Hours: 28.00

© 2010 Fleming College

August 01, 2010