Diploma in Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Durham College - Oshawa Campus, Canada

Whether you’re interested in a career in health care, rehabilitation or social services, the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant (OTPA) program will prepare you to work with clients of all ages with a variety of physical, cognitive, emotional and developmental conditions. Working under the guidance of a registered occupational therapist and/or physiotherapist, you will maximize physical function and occupational performance to promote increased daily functioning and overall well-being for your clients. Hands-on labs begin in semester one where you learn and practice therapy skills in small groups to prepare you for success in the field. This program offers close to 600 clinical hours in a range of unique and diverse placement settings. Our new onsite living lab provides realistic simulations that transform classroom knowledge into the practical skills required for the field.

In this two-year program you will learn to assist with the implementation of rehabilitation treatment plans and programs across the lifespan, from children to older adults, and throughout the continuum of care. Our faculty team brings a wide variety of clinical experiences and expertise to ensure you are well-prepared for your future career in rehabilitation.

Program highlights:

• Hands-on labs begin in semester one where you learn and practice therapy skills in small groups to prepare you for success in the field
• Close to 600 hours of fieldwork experience, offering diverse placement settings
• Theory and labs specializing in teaching the knowledge and skills necessary to treat clients with a wide variety of musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiac, respiratory and complex conditions
• Our new on-site living lab provides the opportunity to practice clinical skills and scenarios in a realistic environment
• Focus on development of professional skills throughout the program, including effective verbal and written communication strategies
• Collaborations with community partners and other disciplines allow students the opportunity to experience  interprofessional  rehabilitation and further develop team-work and communication skills