Occupational Therapist Assistant And Physiotherapy Assistant at Algonquin College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-01-21

Program overview

Choose a career in promoting health, restoring function, and improving quality of life. The two-year Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapy Assistant Ontario College Diploma program equips you with the knowledge and skills to work alongside an Occupational Therapist and/or Physiotherapist. The goal is to help individuals overcome movement limitations and perform daily activities with independence. Graduates play vital supporting roles in the assessment, planning, and implementation of therapeutic care across various healthcare environments. The versatile skills learned throughout the program are increasingly valuable as the demand for healthcare and rehabilitation services continues to grow.

Program structure

The Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapy Assistant program is designed to be completed in two years. The program includes:

Classroom theory and group activities
Practical labs
Over 500 hours of clinical placement for real-world exposure

This hands-on experience is strategically integrated into the curriculum, providing opportunities for students to strengthen their clinical skills and foster professional growth. The program prepares students to work with individuals of all ages coping with health limitations. Additionally, students may have options for co-op placements or internships, enhancing their learning experience and employability.

Featured Experiences

The program offers a variety of unique experiences, including:

More than 500 hours of clinical placement, providing hands-on learning in real healthcare settings
Smaller class sizes for personalized attention and training from faculty
Community outreach opportunities to apply training in diverse clinical experiences
Strong community partnerships that align clinical placements with student interests

These experiences are designed to enhance the practical skills and professional development of students, preparing them for successful careers in the healthcare field.

Career Options

Graduates of the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapy Assistant program can pursue various career opportunities in Canada, including:

Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA): Supports occupational therapists in implementing treatment plans and helping clients achieve independence in daily activities.
Physiotherapist Assistant (PTA): Assists physiotherapists in delivering rehabilitation services, focusing on restoring movement and function.
Rehabilitation Assistant: Works under the supervision of healthcare professionals to support clients in rehabilitation settings.
Home Care Aide: Provides support to clients in their homes, assisting with daily living activities and rehabilitation exercises.
Clinical Support Staff: Works in hospitals or clinics, providing assistance to healthcare teams in various capacities.

These roles are essential in promoting health and improving the quality of life for individuals with various health challenges.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Algonquin College official website

Last updated on 2026-01-21

Program overview

Academic Requirements

All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.

College Eligibility:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent; OR
Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing, for which a fee will be charged.

Program Eligibility:

English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
Mathematics, Grade 11 (MBF3C or equivalent).
Biology, Grade 11 or 12.
All applicants must complete an assessment of their knowledge and skills through the Test Centre, and pay an exam fee. Results from the Algonquin College Health Program Admissions Test (AC-HPAT) will be utilized to establish minimum eligibility and applicant ranking. The AC-HPAT can only be written once per academic cycle.
Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

International Applicants:

International applicants who meet the program eligibility requirements are required to complete preparatory courses (4 months in duration): Introduction to Canadian Health Studies (ICHS). Students who successfully complete the introduction will then proceed to their original health program of choice. The ICHS requires applicants to submit an academic IELTS score.

Prerequisite Courses:

English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
Mathematics, Grade 11 (MBF3C or equivalent).
Biology, Grade 11 or 12.

Note: For any clarification and support, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

For the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapy Assistant program, the following language proficiency tests are accepted:

IELTS - Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band
TOEFL (Internet-based) - Overall score of 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component:
- Reading: 20
- Listening: 20
- Speaking: 20
- Writing: 20
Duolingo English Test (DET) - Overall score of 110, with a minimum of 110 in Literacy and 95 in Production

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!