Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant
Program Information
Start Date
September 02, 2025
Domestic Availability
Accepting Applications
International Availability
Accepting Applications
Program Code
POA
Delivery
In Person
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Academic School
Location
Program Contact
View Curriculum
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 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.
The Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Program at Fleming College has been accredited by the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program (OTA & PTA EAP) in collaboration with Physiotherapy Education Accreditation Canada (PEAC) and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT). The status of Accreditation was awarded to the program on April 30, 2020 for the period until April 30, 2026.
Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program,
c/o Physiotherapy Education Accreditation Canada,
Suite 26, 509 Commissioners Road West,
London, Ontario, N6J 1Y5
(226) 636-0632
www.otapta.ca
"We enjoy working with Fleming’s PTA students. Along with being helpful team members, we find the students have been well equipped to grow from challenges that they are presented with."
Julie Manley RPT, BSc. BSc.PT MCPA,
Physiotherapist and Owner
Active Living Physiotherapy, Peterborough, Ontario
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.
Field experience is an integral aspect of the OTA & PTA program and is highly valued by students as they welcome the opportunity to integrate in-class studies with hands-on experience. Students are assigned to a variety of clinical settings throughout second, third and fourth semester. Students, with the assistance of a faculty member, arrange their final eight week culminating clinical experience. Fleming staff is committed to meeting national accreditation standards by ensuring that students accumulate a minimum of 500 clinical hours, with no less than 30% (150) of these hours being in each discipline.
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.
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
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 3 | Semester 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Textbook Cost | $1,200.00 | $300.00 | ||
| Kit Cost | ||||
| Field Placement expenses | First placement (fuel and parking approximately $300, as applicable). Second placement (fuel and parking approximately $300, as applicable). Final placement (fuel, parking, relocation and accommodation approximately $2500, as applicable). | |||
| Uniforms/program shirts | $40 | |||
| Professional Exam Cost | ||||
| NARS Cost | Police Check $50, TB test $50, Mask Fit $50 | |||
| Portfolio Builders | ||||
Students need to be in good health. Independent physical mobility and manual dexterity are essential. Please consult the program Coordinator if there is a concern regarding the physical expectations of the program.
Non Academic Requirements
Your program has mandatory requirements which may include a criminal reference check, first aid, CPR-C, etc. For more information, please see the Non Academic Requirements page.
Failure to provide any of the required Non Academic Field Requirements by the specified due date will result in an inability to participate in the mandatory placement components of the program.
The Indigenous Perspectives Designation (IPD) is an option available to students in this program. To qualify for an IPD, you must take and successfully complete a series of required Indigenous Studies courses as well as participate in a minimum of four approved co-curricular Indigenous events or experiences. Your transcript will indicate the IPD upon graduation, a designation that provides you with a comprehensive understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, traditions, and contributions to our shared society within the context of your program of study. The IPD provides a valuable skill set sought after in today's employment sector.
- Communicate appropriately and effectively, through verbal, nonverbal, written and electronic means, with clients, their significant others, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and members of the interdisciplinary health care team and others.
- Participate in the effective functioning of interdisciplinary health care teams to optimize client physical and occupational functions.
- Establish, develop, maintain, and conclude client-centered, therapeutic relationships.
- Promote a safe environment that prevents or minimizes potential physical or mental harm to the client, therapist assistant and others.
- Practice in a legal, ethical, and professional manner within the role of a therapist assistant.
- Document client records in a thorough, objective, accurate, and timely manner within the role of the therapist assistant.
- Engage in reflective practice and ongoing professional development activities to maintain and enhance competence.
- Perform the roles and responsibilities of the therapist assistant effectively through the application of relevant knowledge of health sciences, psychosocial sciences, health conditions, resource management, and clinical procedures.
- Contribute to the occupational therapist's or physiotherapist's assessment of the client and the development, implementation, and modification of intervention/treatment plans.
- Maximize the client's occupational performance by accurately and safely implementing the interventions, and related tasks under the direction and supervision of the occupational therapist.
- Maximize the client's physical function by accurately and safely implementing the interventions, and related tasks under the direction and supervision of the physiotherapist.
Students applying to Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant must meet the following requirements:
- OSSD including Gr 12 C English and any two Gr 11 or 12 C Sciences
Recommended (but not required for admission)
- Gr 11 and 12 University/College (UC) Science.
In The News: Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant
Transfer Agreements
You may be able to use credits obtained at Fleming College to continue your postsecondary education in pursuit of a degree. The articulation and credit transfer agreements with our partner institutions are summarized here.
Bachelor of Professional Arts in Human Services
Requirement
- Completion of the program.
Transfer Credit
- 60 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to the articulation statement for further details.
To apply please see the Apply Alberta website.
For more information
Visit the Athabasca University website for further articulation and program information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Health Sciences in Workplace Health and Wellness
Requirement
- Minimum 65% cumulative program average.
- Possess ENG4U (Grade 12 University English) or equivalent with a course grade of 65%.
Transfer Credit
- 45 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Colleges website.
For more information
Visit the Humber College website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
Bachelor of Allied Health Science
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
- Completion of the Ontario Tech Allied Health Sciences Bridge.
Transfer Credit
- 57 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies and Digital Technology
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 60 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 60 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to Ontario Tech's website for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Bachelor of Commerce
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
- Completion of the Ontario Tech Commerce Bridge.
Transfer Credit
- 45 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
Bachelor of Health Science in Kinesiology
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
- Recommended to have completed Biology (SBI4U) or a post-secondary equivalent.
Transfer Credit
- 30 out of a 120-credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
Requirement
- Minimum 70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- Entry into 4th semester standing in an 8-semester program.
- Refer to Seneca College's website for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Colleges website.
For more information
Visit the Seneca College website for further articulation and program information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Arts
Requirement
- Minimum 75% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 5 out of a 20-credit degree (Cohort: Fall 2023 - Present).
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Trent University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Science
Requirement
- Minimum 75% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 5 out of a 20-credit degree (Cohort: Fall 2023 - Present).
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Trent University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
See the official articulation agreement.