COURSE CURRICULUM

The Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant program at Conestoga College is structured across four levels to provide comprehensive theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for supporting clients with diverse health conditions. In Level 1, students build foundational knowledge through courses such as Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology, Anatomy of Movement, Orientation to Rehabilitation, and Fundamentals of Patient Care, alongside developing communication and workplace safety skills. Level 2 focuses on developing interpersonal skills and therapeutic relationships, with practice skills centered on occupational therapy foundations, modalities, and exercise, as well as an introduction to health conditions and preparation for field placements. In Level 3, students deepen their expertise with advanced practice skills for both occupational therapy and physiotherapy assistants, explore communication disorders, mental health concepts, and complex health conditions, while participating in Field Placement II to apply learning in real clinical settings. The final Level 4 includes Field Placement III, offering further hands-on clinical experience, and courses addressing professional and interprofessional issues, preparing students for collaborative practice within healthcare teams. Throughout the program, students select general education electives, enhancing their holistic development. This carefully designed curriculum combines classroom learning, simulation, applied projects, and diverse clinical placements, ensuring graduates are ready to implement treatment plans effectively and contribute meaningfully to the rehabilitation and care of individuals across various healthcare environments.