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Program Availability
In-Person, Hybrid
Schedule
Morning / Afternoon / Evening
Start date
Monthly
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Graduate as a Physio/Occupational Therapist Assistant in 61 weeks!
Get the skills and training you need to start a rewarding career in the physiotherapy or occupational therapy assisting field. You can make a difference in the lives of others and contribute to their rehabilitation and well-being.
Occupational Therapist Assistants (OTAs) and Physiotherapy Assistants (PTAs) play a critical role in assisting Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists with treatment plans for aging populations and those recovering from surgery or chronic conditions.
As health care team members, OTAs and PTAs work with individuals, families, and groups of varying abilities to provide support and enable participation in meaningful activities across the lifespan. OTAs and PTAs assist in the implementation of intervention/treatment plans and programs that have been developed.
Invaluable PTA/OTA Skills
The PTA/OTA program at Oxford College provides you with the knowledge, skills, and tools that are necessary to perform your duties as a PTA/ OTA. You will develop a strong foundation in relevant principles and theory and gain supervised practical experience in both PTA and OTA roles. During the Physio/Occupational Therapist Assistant program, you will:
Communicate appropriately and effectively, through verbal, non-verbal, written and electronic means with clients, their families, and significant others, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and other health care providers
Ensure personal safety and contribute to the safety of others
Document and complete client records in a thorough, objective, accurate, and nonjudgmental manner
Perform functions common to both physiotherapy and occupational therapy practices that contribute to the development, implementation and modification of intervention/treatment plans, under the supervision of and in collaboration with the PTA/OTA
Enable the client’s occupational performance by contributing to the development, implementation, and modification of intervention/treatment plans, under the supervision of and in collaboration with the PTA/OTA
Become Qualified in Physio/Occupational Therapist Assisting
As a PTA/OTA, you will work under the supervision of and in collaboration with occupational therapists and physiotherapists, respectively. You will assist them to teach and enable clients to effectively cope with their limitations in movement, daily functioning, and activities whether temporary or permanent, during and following recovery.
Through the practicum experience, you will engage with occupational therapists and physiotherapists to enable clients to meet their own expected goals. The core objectives of the Physio/Occupational Therapist Assistant program are consistent with relevant regulations and the policies and procedures established by the practice setting.
Physio/Occupational Therapist Assistant annual salary*
$37,440
Median Annual Salary*
90%
Employment Rate*
- Graduates hired by hospitals, clinics & nursing homes
- Practical, hands-on training through a 16-week practicum
- Advance into Pathology, Pediatric Care, Massage Therapy and much more
*Employment Rate based on 2022 contactable Oxford College graduates employed in a related field within 12 months.
*https://www.jobbank.gc.ca
Salary source for occupational therapy assistants in Ontario with lowest 10% earning $31,200 to the highest 10% of workers earning $63,814.
Flexible Program Options
Wish to start a new career but have conflicting priorities? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. At Oxford College, we offer flexible class schedules including Morning, Afternoon, Evening and Weekend sessions. We also offer flexible learning options (Online, Hybrid and In-person) for many of our programs.
For more information about Oxford College’s flexible program options, inquire today!
Countless Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program will enter a dynamic and challenging career that offers opportunities in a variety of health and community settings.
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Physician offices
- Nursing homes
- Home health agencies
- Rehabilitation centers
- Adult day care programs
- Academic Institutions
- Private companies
Program details
Prepare for a rewarding career in healthcare with Oxford College’s Physio/Occupational Therapy Assistant program!
Our 61-week program prepares you to assist registered physiotherapists and/or occupational therapists in treating their patients. You will get the skills and training needed to pursue employment opportunities in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, fitness clubs and spas, physiotherapy and/or occupational therapy clinics, long-term care facilities, sports medicine clinics and more.
Throughout the program, you will learn to document and complete client records, contribute to the development, implementation and modification of intervention and/or treatment plans, carry out activities and exercises with clients and use massage and stretching techniques to help reduce a client’s pain level. You will also learn to schedule appointments, answer phone calls, take payments, observe clients and take notes regarding their progress. Before completing the program, you will also gain practical experience in your future role as both a Physiotherapy Assistant (PTA) and Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA).
Our Physio/Occupational Therapy Assistant program has flexible start dates, so you can get started as soon as you’re ready. You will learn from instructors who are experienced in their field and provide career-focused training in a small, supportive classes. You will also have access to our ongoing career services, which includes resume and cover letter writing assistance, job search strategies and networking tips.
Possible topics that may be covered under the Physiotherapy Assistant and Occupational Therapist Assistant courses:
- Introduction to physiotherapy and occupational therapy
- Anatomy and physiology
- Medical terminology
- Patient assessment and evaluation
- Therapeutic exercise and rehabilitation techniques
- Modalities and assistive devices
- Patient education and communication skills
- Documentation and record keeping
- Ethics and professionalism in healthcare
Course Listings: Physio/Occupational Therapist Assistant
- Financial Skills
- Career Skills
- Intro to the Health Care Workplace
- Intro to the Health Care Laws & Ethics Infection, Prevention & Control Documentation & Professional Writing
- Anatomy and Physiology I
- Anatomy and Physiology II
- Introduction to Rehabilitation
- Aging Across the Lifespan
- Anatomy, Rehabilitation Tools/Techniques and Handling Skills
- PTA Skills – MSK
- PTA Skills – Neuro
- PTA Skills – Cardiorespiratory
- PTA Skills – Complex Conditions
- OTA Skills – General Principles and MSK
- OTA Skills – Neuro
- OTA Skills – Cardiorespiratory, Oncology, Pediatrics and Other Complex Conditions
- OTA Skills – Mental Health and Group Therapy Techniques
- Communication Disorders
- First Aid & CPR
- Placement Preparation
- OTA Placement 6 weeks 150 hrs
- PTA Placement 10 weeks 250 hrs
Admission Requirements
OSSD or Equivalent OR
Mature Student Status with Wonderlic AND
High School Senior Level Biology OR
Completion of Oxford College Pre-Science course
Clinic Requirements include
Clear CPIC with VSS
Current Immunization
Why Choose Oxford College?
Career-Focused Education
All of the diploma programs are designed for long-term careers in high-growth industries, offering you superior fast-track education
Expert Instructors
Our faculty consists of experienced and well-trained staff, who will give you industry-relevant knowledge along with your career training
Modern Facilities
The state-of-the-art classrooms and labs are compliant with industry standards and allow for an emphasis on practical training
Easy Campus Access
All our six campuses are located along transit hubs making travel easy and conveniences accessible.
Flexible Start Dates
Flexible program start dates allow you to plan and begin your new career training at any time
Financial Aid
Financial Aid may be available to those who qualify. We have dedicated staff who can assist you with the Financial Aid process