For many students, Durham College’s (DC) Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant (OTA/PTA) program is a deliberate first step toward becoming a registered occupational therapist or physiotherapist. Through rigorous academics, applied learning and diverse clinical placements, the program offers a strong foundation for graduate study in rehabilitation sciences.

This fall, two DC graduates are continuing that journey after earning admission to some of Canada’s most competitive graduate programs. Ben Kerry will begin the Master of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto, while Shun Naito will pursue the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at McMaster University.

“Many of our students arrive knowing they want to go further,” said Laura Maybury, Program Coordinator of the OTA/PTA program. “Our job is to make sure they leave with the clinical skills, academic preparation, and professional experience to compete for those spots.”

Kerry’s interest in physiotherapy began after a hockey injury as a teenager. Working with a physiotherapist during his recovery showed him the impact the profession can have, inspiring him to pursue a career helping others regain their health and mobility. When he was ready to take the next step toward graduate study, DC gave him the preparation he needed through accredited training, placements across pediatric, hospital, and private clinic settings, and pathways to further education.

“The in-person labs taught me many techniques to effectively and safely handle my patients,” Kerry said. “Each placement gave me insight into a different level of healthcare and the skills a physiotherapist needs to give patients the best possible care.”

Naito’s path began when his grandmother, recovering from hip surgery, could no longer perform the daily activities she loved. An occupational therapist’s visit changed that, and Naito knew what he wanted to do. He chose DC’s OTA/PTA program for its accreditation and a curriculum that integrated anatomy, physiology, and clinical conditions in a way that made sense to him.

“The program was well thought out, and the instructors were always willing to take feedback and weren’t afraid to adapt their teaching approaches to strengthen student learning,” Naito said. “That was something I had never encountered prior to attending DC.”

Graduates of DC’s OTA/PTA program are prepared to work as assistants in physiotherapy and occupational therapy settings immediately upon graduation. For those with longer-term educational ambitions, the program also offers transfer pathways into related undergraduate degrees. An honours undergraduate degree, along with any additional prerequisites, is required before graduates can apply to a master’s program in occupational therapy or physiotherapy in Canada.

Learn more about the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant program at DC.