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  • Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant

Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant

Ministry-approved title: Occupational Therapist Assistant/physiotherapist Assistant


Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Location
Oshawa
OCAS Code
OTPA
Next Intake
September 2025
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Faculty
Faculty of Health Sciences (HS)
Length
Four semesters
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Occupational Therapist Assistant And Physiotherapist Assistant Program Overview

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of others? With the training offered in the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant program at Durham College, you will be equipped with sought-after skills that can help you transform the lives of people with physical, cognitive, emotional, and developmental challenges. The Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant program is your gateway to a dynamic, impactful and rewarding career in the high-demand field of rehabilitation. 

In this dual-trained field, you will work with occupational therapists and physiotherapists to empower individuals with a range of conditions to achieve their personal goals and help them improve their quality of life.

Our Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant program will help you gain real-world experience through hands-on labs every semester complemented by 584 field placement hours through three different opportunities. This combination of classwork and practice will ensure that you can confidently step into an impactful career as soon as you graduate.

Join us and become part of a profession dedicated to rehabilitation and improving the overall life-satisfaction, fulfillment, and well-being of every person you work with.

Intakes and Availability

Date Domestic Availability International Availability PGWP eligible program. Learn more
September 2025WaitlistedWaitlistedApply now
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Admission Requirements

To apply for the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant program at Durham College you will need:

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
    AND
  • Grade 12 English (C or U)
  • Grade 11 or 12 biology (C, M or U)

Please note: This program may be highly competitive and have a specific selection process and application deadline. Please refer to Admission Processes for details regarding highly competitive programs.

Are you missing admission requirements? We are here to help.

Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or math. Domestic applicants that are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s) i.e., Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.

Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.

DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on-campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:

  • Grade 12 Math (MAP4C equivalent)
  • Grade 12 English (ENG4C equivalent)
  • Grade 11 Biology (SBI3C equivalent)
  • Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH4C equivalent)

Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.


Tuition

  • Year one domestic: $2,722 (CAD)
  • Year one international: $15,309 (CAD)

View full costs


Semester 1 Courses

In your first semester of the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant program, you will learn the key principles and practices of the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physical Therapist Assistant professions. You will explore the basics of human anatomy and movement, and learn the various techniques used to help people undergoing rehabilitation. This semester also includes an overview of the healthcare system and how rehabilitation fits into it and teaches you the essential communication skills you will need to work effectively with your occupational therapy and physical therapy clients.

  • Basic Anatomy & Physiology (ANAT 1300)
  • General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
  • General Elective Credit (GNED 1000)
  • The Health Care System and Rehabilitation (HSYS 1301)
  • Interpersonal Communication Skills for Rehab (ICOM 1302)
  • Rehabilitation Concepts Across The Lifespan (LIFE 1303)
  • PTA Skills I (PTAI 1304)

View all courses


Career Options

Upon successful completion of the program, you could find yourself working in either the occupational therapy or physiotherapy field or both. Given the aging population in Canada, you can expect opportunities to continue to grow, and openings to appear in new contexts.

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

  • Physiotherapist assistant
  • Occupational therapist assistant
  • Rehabilitation assistant
  • Vocational rehabilitation assistant
  • Special education assistant
  • Education assistant
  • Life-skills worker
  • Rehabilitation therapy assistant
  • Supportive care assistant
  • Disability support worker
  • Client care assistant
  • Adaptive technology specialist

View all career options

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Occupational Therapist Assistant And Physiotherapist Assistant Program Details

In this comprehensive two-year program, you will gain the skills and knowledge needed to become a successful Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant. Working with other healthcare professionals, you will learn to assist with implementing rehabilitation treatment plans and programs for people of all ages, from children to older adults, and throughout the continuum of care, from acute injuries to long-term recovery.

The Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant program is taught by award-winning faculty, who bring with them a wealth of clinical experiences and specialized expertise. With their guidance and teaching skill, you will be well prepared for your future career in rehabilitation as an Occupational Therapist Assistant and/or Physiotherapist Assistant.

Program highlights include: 

  • Hands-on labs begin in semester one where you will learn and practice occupational therapy and physiotherapy skills in small groups to prepare you for success in the field. 
  • 584 hours of fieldwork experience, offering diverse placement settings. 
  • Theory and labs specializing in the knowledge and skills necessary to treat clients with a wide variety of musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiac, respiratory and complex conditions that can be improved with occupational therapy, physical therapy, or both.
  • Realistic clinical practice and enhanced understanding of clinical conditions is reinforced with simulation scenarios, classroom guests and field trips, where appropriate. 
  • Focus on development of professional occupational therapy and physiotherapy skills throughout the program, including effective verbal and written communication strategies to be job ready. 
  • Collaborations with community partners and other disciplines give students the opportunity to experience interpersonal rehabilitation and develop advanced teamwork and communication skills.

Learning Outcomes For The Occupational Therapist Assistant And Physiotherapist Assistant Program

When you have completed the coursework and field placement portions of the program, you can expect to understand and be able to do the following:

  1. Communicate appropriately and effectively, through verbal, nonverbal, written and electronic means, with clients, their significant others, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and members of the interdisciplinary health care team and others.
  2. Participate in the effective functioning of interdisciplinary health care teams to optimize client physical and occupational functions.
  3. Establish, develop, maintain, and conclude client-centred, therapeutic relationships.
  4. Promote a safe environment that prevents or minimizes potential physical or mental harm to the client, therapist assistant and others.
  5. Practice in a legal, ethical, and professional manner within the role of a therapist assistant.
  6. Document client records in a thorough, objective, accurate, and timely manner within the role of the therapist assistant.
  7. Engage in reflective practice and ongoing professional development activities to maintain and enhance competence.
  8. Perform the roles and responsibilities of the therapist assistant effectively through the application of relevant knowledge of health sciences, psychosocial sciences, health conditions, resource management, and clinical procedures.
  9. Contribute to the occupational therapist's or physiotherapist's assessment of the client and the development, implementation and modification of intervention/treatment plans.
  10. Maximize the client’s occupational performance by accurately and safely implementing the interventions, and related tasks under the direction and supervision of the occupational therapist.
  11. Maximize the client’s physical function by accurately and safely implementing the interventions, and related tasks under the direction and supervision of the physiotherapist.

Admission Requirements For Occupational Therapist Assistant And Physiotherapist Assistant Program

To apply for the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant program at Durham College you will need:

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
    AND
  • Grade 12 English (C or U)
  • Grade 11 or 12 biology (C, M or U)

Please note: This program may be highly competitive and have a specific selection process and application deadline. Please refer to Admission Processes for details regarding highly competitive programs.

Are you missing admission requirements? We are here to help.

Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or math. Domestic applicants that are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s) i.e., Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.

Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.

DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on-campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:

  • Grade 12 Math (MAP4C equivalent)
  • Grade 12 English (ENG4C equivalent)
  • Grade 11 Biology (SBI3C equivalent)
  • Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH4C equivalent)

Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.

Courses In Occupational Therapist Assistant And Physiotherapist Assistant Program

The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.

Semester 1

  • Basic Anatomy & Physiology (ANAT 1300)
  • General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
  • General Elective Credit (GNED 1000)
  • The Health Care System and Rehabilitation (HSYS 1301)
  • Interpersonal Communication Skills for Rehab (ICOM 1302)
  • Rehabilitation Concepts Across The Lifespan (LIFE 1303)
  • PTA Skills I (PTAI 1304)

Semester 2

  • Concepts In Mental Health (COMH 2303)
  • Fundamentals Of Musculoskeletal Movement (FMSK 2301)
  • OTA & PTA Introductory Field Placement (FPLA 2300)
  • Indigenous Elective (INDG 0000)
  • OTA Skills I (OTAI 2304)
  • Presenting Conditions: Musculoskeletal Inv & EValuation (PMSK 2302)

Semester 3

  • Fundamentals Of Neurological Structures (FNEU 3302)
  • OTA&PTA Fieldwork Placement (FPLA 3300)
  • OTA Therapeutic Skills II (OTII 3304)
  • Presenting Conditions Neurological Investigation and EValuation (PNEU 3302)
  • PTA Therapeutic Skills II (PTII 3303)

Semester 4

  • Fundamentals Of Cardiorespiratory & Complex Conditions (FCAR 4301)
  • Communication & Function (FCOM 4305)
  • OTA & PTA Fieldwork Pregraduate Placement (FPLA 4306)
  • Presenting Conditions Cariorespiratory & Complex Conditions (PCAR 4302)
  • Professional Practice for OTA/PTA (PROP 4303)
  • PTA&OTA Therapeutic Skills III (PTOT 4304)

Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.

Course delivery

In person

Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.

In person:
Course is delivered in person, on campus within a classroom, lab, shop or studio.
Hybrid:
Part of the course is delivered online, remotely, and part is in-person on campus within a classroom, lab, shop or studio.
Online:
Fully remote course delivery.

Costs For Occupational Therapist Assistant And Physiotherapist Assistant Program

Career Options for Graduates

Between the aging Canadian population and the increased focus on health and wellness in our society, you can expect jobs for Occupational Therapist Assistants and Physiotherapist Assistants to grow. Here are some of the roles you might take on upon graduation and some of the places you could find yourself working.

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

  • Physiotherapist assistant
  • Occupational therapist assistant
  • Rehabilitation assistant
  • Vocational rehabilitation assistant
  • Special education assistant
  • Education assistant
  • Life-skills worker
  • Rehabilitation therapy assistant
  • Supportive care assistant
  • Disability support worker
  • Client care assistant
  • Adaptive technology specialist

WHERE YOU COULD WORK:

  • Rehabilitation facilities
  • Outpatient physiotherapy clinics
  • Outpatient occupational therapy clinics
  • Community hospitals
  • Children’s treatment centres
  • Community development agencies
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Extended care facilities
  • Home care services
  • Social services agencies
  • Educational Institutions
  • Vocational rehabilitation centers
  • Mental health facilities
  • Home care agencies
  • Group homes
  • Disability support services
  • Government agencies concerned with workplace injuries and rehabilitation
  • Non-profit organizations and NGOs that support people with disabilities)
  • Day programs for adults with disabilities

Field Placement

Your learning experience in the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant program will be complemented by a field placement in the second, third and fourth semesters. The field placement will allow you to practice your skills and strengthen your abilities under the guidance of an experienced Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy mentor. The placement in the fourth semester will extend into May. 

PRE-PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS

For the field placement portion of the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant program, there are several requirements which must be met in advance. Please begin the process of meeting these requirements well in advance, as it may delay your field placement if you do not have them.

Please note: There are costs associated with Electronic Requirements Verification (ERV), immunizations, lab tests and certifications. These costs include: 

  • Service fees for Verified, our documentation collection and ERV verification partner. 
  • Costs to complete mandatory immunizations, lab tests, and certifications. 

It is required that students have completed the ERV with Verified to be eligible for all field placement components of this program. Prior to each placement you must (at your expense) provide: 

  • A clear and current Criminal Reference Check (CRC) with Vulnerable Sector Check  (VSC). If you cannot provide a clear CRC with VSC, you may not be accepted for placement by a field placement agency. CRCs with VSC must be obtained from your local police station. You may be required to obtain additional CRCs with VSC to meet field placement agency requirements. 
  • Current Level C CPR from a recognized provider (annual recertification required) 
  • Current standard first aid certification from a recognized provider. 
  • Entry immunization form completed by a health-care provider. 
  • Mask fit testing. 
  • Evidence of COVID-19 vaccination may be required by clinical site. 

Links: 

  • Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant ERV Information Package 
  • Verified ERV User Guide 

    Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials

    If you want to continue your education after you complete the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Program, you may be eligible to transfer your academic credits toward other certifications or degrees. Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions. Sample diploma-to-degree opportunities include:

    • Bachelor Of Health Science - Kinesiology – Ontario Tech University (Ontario Tech)
    • Bachelor of Allied Health Sciences (Hons) - Ontario Tech
    • Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) bridge – Ontario Tech
    • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) – Educational Studies and Digital Technology – Ontario Tech
    • Bachelor of Science (Health Services Administration) - Davenport University
    • Bachelor of Science (Honours) – Physiotherapy - University of the West of England, Bristol
    • Bachelor of Science (Honours) – Occupational Therapy - University of the West of England, Bristol

    Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.

    Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.

    Tech Requirements For Occupational Therapist Assistant And Physiotherapist Assistant Courses

    To help students have the best remote learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant course based on course needs and software requirements. While not required, students may want to consider these suggestions if they are purchasing a computer or laptop for the upcoming academic year.

    Processor: i3
    RAM: 4GB
    Storage: 256GB SSD
    Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1
    Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version)
    Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter
    Camera: Webcam/built-in camera
    Internet connection

    Questions regarding technology recommendations can be directed to the IT Service Desk  or the school office.

    Accreditation

    The Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant program at Durham College has been accredited by the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program (OTA & PTA EAP) in collaboration with Physiotherapy Education Accreditation Canada (PEAC) and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT). The status of Accreditation was awarded to the program on April 30, 2020 for the period until April 30, 2026. 

    Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program, Suite 26, 509 Commissioners Road West, London, Ontario, N6J 1Y5, (226) 636-0632, www.otapta.ca. 

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    Durham College is situated on the traditional lands of the First Peoples of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. These lands are covered under the Williams Treaties and rest within the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg. We offer our gratitude to the Indigenous Peoples who care for and, through the treaty process, share the lands on which we live, learn, teach and prosper today.

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