COURSE CURRICULUM

The Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistant program spans four semesters and equips students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to support licensed therapists in diverse healthcare settings. In the first semester, students build foundational knowledge through courses in anatomy and physiology, human kinetics, developmental psychology, therapeutic communication, documentation, and an introduction to the Canadian healthcare system, alongside orientation to OTA and PTA roles and communication skills development. The second semester emphasizes clinical principles and techniques, with separate streams for occupational therapy and physiotherapy assistants, while also exploring human conditions, social determinants of health, client-centered practice, introduction to clinical practice, and professional ethics. In the third semester, students advance their technical skills through Principles and Techniques II for both PTA and OTA, study mental health concepts, further human conditions, and gain hands-on experience in an intermediate clinical placement, supplemented by a general education course. The fourth semester focuses on rehabilitation, career readiness, and consolidating clinical experience through two intensive placements, preparing students for real-world practice. Throughout the program, students develop competencies in patient care, treatment implementation, therapeutic exercise guidance, adaptive techniques, progress monitoring, and collaboration with healthcare teams. Graduates are prepared to enhance functional independence, mobility, and overall quality of life for patients across hospitals, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, and community health settings, addressing the growing demand for healthcare support professionals in Ontario.