Occupational Therapist Assistants and Physiotherapist Assistants work with registered occupational therapists and physiotherapists to enable clients to cope with their limitations in movement, daily function, activity and/or occupational performance, whether temporary or permanent.
Peterborough
Fall 2013
| Program Status: | Waitlisted |
| Program Code: | POA |
| Location: | Peterborough |
| Co-ordinator: | Kelly McKnight Email |
| Credential: | Ontario College Diploma |
| Start Dates: | September 03, 2013 |
| Tuition Fees: | $1,906.50 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 occupational therapists(OTs), physiotherapists (PTs) and their assistants. 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 an Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Therapist Assistant.
As an OTA and PTA, 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 occupational therapy or physical therapy streams, you will develop the ability to work with both professions.
Success Stories
"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 occupational and physical 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.
Is this You?
As with other health-care professions, OT and PT Assistants have to be compassionate, empathetic, and have a genuine concern for people. These are other traits and skills that will help you in the program and your future career:
- emotional maturity
- trustworthiness
- respect for diversity (age, gender, ethnicity)
- 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 OTA and/or PTA 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 physiotherapist 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.
Transfer Agreements
For more information see the Pathways to University page.
Every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on our website and in our publications. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable, or campus location at any time.