
Become an OTA and PTA in complex health-care environments
Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Ontario College Diploma program
Become a dual-trained clinician. Placements in a variety of settings will prepare you for a rewarding career in health care.
Program information
Program description
Students are provided with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to function competently in the role of an Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant (OTA and PTA) in a complex health care environment. They are prepared to work under the supervision of and in collaboration with occupational therapists and physiotherapists, and assist therapists to teach and enable clients to effectively cope with limitations in movement and daily functioning, whether temporary or permanent, during and following recovery. Students partake in a combination of practical and theoretical learning achieved through classroom, laboratory and field placements. Learning will take place with an inter-professional approach to meet the needs of clients in acute and community settings.
This program is highly competitive. Learn about admission requirements for highly competitive programs.
Intake information
Start date | Campus |
---|---|
Fall 2021 | Barrie |
Winter 2022 | Barrie |
Tuition and fees
- Visit our tuition and fees page for detailed information on the cost to attend Georgian.
- You can afford this! Explore OSAP as well as awards, scholarships and bursaries to help you pay your way to graduation.
Work integrated learning
This program includes a clinical placement component where you will gain practical work experience under the supervision of a registered or licensed professional.
What are the admission requirements for the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant program?
Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant admission requirements
OSSD or equivalent with
- Grade 12 English (C or U)
- Grade 11 or 12 biology (C or U) OR Grade 12 exercise science (U), or equivalent
Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/
Pathways
Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit Transfer Centre website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/
Criminal Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check
Placement agencies require an up-to-date clear criminal reference check and vulnerable sector check prior to going out on placement. Students should obtain their criminal reference three months prior to placement; checks conducted earlier may not be considered current. As some jurisdictions require longer lead-time for processing, please check with the program coordinator to ensure you allow for sufficient turn-around time. It is the student’s responsibility to provide the completed document prior to placement start.
NOTE: Individuals who have been charged or convicted criminally and not pardoned will be prohibited from proceeding to a clinical or work placement.
Admission details
Students must have an up-to-date immunization record in compliance with the Public Hospitals Act. Completion and submission of this record is required during registration in order to ensure your placement in clinical and field placement facilities.
A Hepatitis B vaccination is required for your own safety. It may be obtained at a reduced cost through the student insurance plan.
Students are required to have Level HCP CPR and Standard First Aid during the first semester of the program (on-line courses are not acceptable). It is the student’s responsibility to renew their Level HCP CPR certification every two years while in the program. Students are asked to submit a copy of their current Level HCP CPR and Standard First Aid certificate to the appropriate contact during the first semester for the following semester when field placements take place. A printable permit with all requirements will be provided.
A record of mask fit test (will be done at the college in semester two), renewed every two years, is required prior to the start of placements.
* Please note that due to the nature of this profession, OTAs and PTAs are required to tolerate regular physical activity during the course of their work day. It is recommended that you have a moderate level of fitness when entering the program.
What career paths can I take as a rehab assistant?
Your Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant diploma gives you many career opportunities
An OTA and PTA is a valued member of the Health Care Team. Graduates enter a dynamic and challenging career which offers opportunities in a variety of health and community settings including acute care, complex continuing care, mental health facilities, community agencies, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centres, vocational rehabilitation programs, sports clinics, children’s treatment centres, schools and private industry.
Accreditation
Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program
The Occupational Therapist Assistant/Physiotherapist Assistant program at Georgian 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 granted to the program on April 30, 2018 for the period until April 30, 2024.
Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program, Suite 26, 509 Commissioners Rd. W., London, ON N6J 1Y5, 226.636.0632.
What courses are included in the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant diploma program?
Course overview
19 Program Courses
4 Clinical Placements
2 Communications Courses
3 General Education Courses
Program-specific courses
Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant program outline.
- OCPT 1004 – Introductory Rehabilitation Concepts
- OCPT 1005 – Essentials of Client-centered Practice
- OCPT 1006 – Treatment Techniques
- OCPT 1007 – Treatment Fundamentals
- OCPT 1008 – Clinical Anatomy and Physiology
- OCPT 1017 – Human Movement Fundamentals
- Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.
- Select 1 course from the general education list during registration.
Do you have questions about Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant? Contact us!
Thinking about applying to Georgian?
Contact our student recruitment team to explore your study options.
- 705.722.5152
- recruitment@georgiancollege.ca
Already applied to Georgian?
Connect with the Office of the Registrar for admissions-related questions.
- 705.722.1511
- registrar@georgiancollege.ca
Are you an international student?
Contact our international recruitment team to learn more about studying at Georgian.
- 705.728.1968, ext. 1218
- international@georgiancollege.ca
Ways to connect
Attend our virtual event series to find out about all things Georgian!
View session topics and dates
Book a phone appointment
with a recruitment specialist.
Learn more
Join our email list for event updates, contest information and more.
Sign up for Georgian updates