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Get your diploma as an Occupational Therapy Assistant and Physiotherapy Assistant

Gain the theoretical knowledge and practical skills you need to be successful as a rehabilitation assistant. Rehabilitation assistants work under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist or physiotherapist in various healthcare settings.

In the Occupational Therapist Assistant / Physical Therapist Assistant program (OTA/PTA) you'll develop an understanding of the human body, the concept of rehabilitation, and the therapeutic interventions and modalities used to treat various conditions. You'll apply these skills in a clinical setting during your practicum placements, preparing you to enter the field upon graduation.

You'll learn strategies to work with individuals with communication disorders, physical limitations, and mental health conditions. Your classroom is specifically designed to provide you with access to the tools and technologies required to address client needs. This mock rehab clinic/classroom is equipped with everything from wheelchairs and walkers to a kitchen and a bathroom so you can put the theories you learn into practice.

You will participate in 16 weeks (610 hours) of supervised practicum. These experiences will consolidate the theoretical knowledge and skills you learned in the classroom and lab and provide you with the opportunity to practice in a health care setting (clinic, hospital, long-term care facility, etc.). Depending on placement availability, you may be required to go out of province (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, or Newfoundland and Labrador) or to various locations across PEI. You may be scheduled to attend practicum shifts early mornings, days, or evenings. Transportation to and from practicum sites is the responsibility of the student. As well, all practicum costs are the responsibility of the student. There are no guarantees students will be placed at a preferred location or with a preferred shift schedule. Please note that public transit does not always align with your shift or location schedule.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

• Communicate effectively using a variety of written, verbal, and non-verbal methods with clients, colleagues and others
• Demonstrate the ability to prioritize and follow through with assigned tasks
• Use technology appropriately to support best practices in the rehabilitation field
• Work respectfully and effectively with clients, their supports and other team members to enable clients to reach their goals
• Practice under the supervision of a licensed physiotherapist and/or occupational therapist in an independent manner
• Practice in a professional, legal, and ethical manner in accordance with the provincial and employer standards, policies, and procedures
• Use critical-thinking skills and an evidence-based approach in all aspects of rehabilitation therapy to optimize client-centred care
• Assume responsibility for lifelong learning to support rehabilitation practice
• Act as an effective team member in a collaborative therapeutic setting

This program is located in the Charlottetown Centre. 

DEGREE PATHWAYS

This program has degree pathways, giving you the opportunity to receive credit for your Holland »¢Ñ¨ÊÓƵdiploma when you continue your education. For a complete list of agreements, visit the .