2 years
The program prepares the graduate to become an Occupational and/or Physical Therapist Assistant and is delivered over five academic terms. Upon
graduation, students will be prepared to work as an Occupational and/or Physical Therapist Assistant. Program outcomes are designed to enable successful transition to the role of the Occupational and/or Physical Therapist Assistant, assisting students to:
- apply a variety of communication strategies to effectively and respectfully build positive relationships through verbal, nonverbal, written and technological means with clients, families, care providers, and other stakeholders
- establish positive, effective, and collaborative relationships with an inter-professional team and others to achieve optimal client care.
- manage time and prioritize competing priorities in collaboration with occupational therapists, physical therapists and support the delivery of effective and efficient practice
- responsibly advocate, encourage change, and promote the health and well-being of clients, communities, and populations, while applying knowledge and influence within the OTA/PTA role
- maintain, enhance and share knowledge, skills and attitude through self-reflective practice, relevant goal setting, networking, quality improvement, self-care, and self-directed learning to continue to be lifelong learners
- practice in a legal, ethical and professional manner demonstrating conduct that meets expectations of members of society and the profession.
- perform responsibly and effectively through application of evidence-based disciplinary knowledge contributing to the development, implementation and modification of treatment plans while under the supervision and in collaboration with the occupational and/or physical therapist
- demonstrate sensitivity to the individual’s culture, diversity, and abilities by establishing, developing, fostering, maintaining and bringing closure to client-centered, positive therapeutic relationships
- collect, document and complete client records in a thorough, objective, accurate, confidential, and nonjudgmental manner. Through effective interpretation and communication of this data, students will participate in determining client progress toward specific outcomes as established in the plan of care by the Occupational Therapist and/or Physical Therapist.
- recognize and apply principles that support safety in the workplace and adhere to all guidelines, procedures, protocols and standards to ensure personal safety and contribute to the safety of others.
University of Calgary
Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant Diploma graduates will be considered for entrance into the University of Calgary's 10 full course equivalent Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation program.
Thompson Rivers University – Open Learning
Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant Diploma Diploma graduates will be granted a maximum of 54 transfer credits into the Bachelor of Health Science.
Transfer arrangements are different at each university and you are advised to consult the Alberta Transfer Guide, your Chairperson, academic advisors and the university to which you will transfer for more information.