This 2-year Ontario College Diploma program gives you the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to work in a support role under the direction of, and in collaboration with, an occupational therapist and/or physiotherapist. As valued members of the health care team, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistants work in a complex health care environment. Considered front line workers OTA's and PTA's assist in the assessment, planning, and implementation of rehabilitation treatment plans and programs developed to restore and maximize physical function and occupational performance.

Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistants help support clients to effectively cope with limitations in movement and activities of daily living, whether temporary or permanent, during and following recovery. Graduates of this program are ready for a career in a variety of health care settings including acute and complex continuing care, mental health and long-term care facilities, community agencies, vocational rehabilitation centres, children's treatment centres and private clinics.

Program Highlights
2 years: 4 semesters
A combination of practical skills and theoretical knowledge achieved through classroom discussion, hands-on lab activities and clinical field placements
540 hours of clinical field placements done in various settings
Collaborative inter-professional experiences with other Health Sciences programs
Flexible scheduling with a combination of in-class and online learning
Field Placement
Students are required to complete 540 clinical field placement hours in a variety of settings related to both occupational therapy and physiotherapy prior to graduation. These placements provide the opportunity to apply classroom studies to an actual work situations and gain extensive on-the-job training. Clinical experience is gained at a variety of clinics and organizations across Ontario and you may be required to complete your placement at a site and/or in a city other than Sudbury.

Graduates of this program will be positioned to pursue positions as an Occupational Therapist Assistant, Physiotherapist Assistant, or Rehabilitation Assistant within a wide range of organizations and settings which include:

Home Care

Hospitals

Rehabilitation centres

Long-term care facilities

Private retirement residences

Schools

Private Clinics