Background

Occupational Therapist Assistant & Physiotherapist Assistant (9151)

Credential:

Diploma

Tuition fee:

8557.00/Semester (CAD)

Is highly competitive:

No

Length:

4 Semesters

Category:

Health & Communities Services

Level:

Undergraduate

Type:

Regular

Instruction language:

English

Application Fee:

125.00 CAD

Campuses:

Morningside

Intake and availability

Intake

Status


September 2025
Open

Program overview

At Centennial College's Occupational Therapist Assistant & Physiotherapist Assistant (OTA & PTA) program, you'll learn to support people whose ability to function and adapt has been impaired or compromised due to injury, illness, or conditions affecting participation in daily activities.

Through training in this health care diploma program, which will consist of current theoretical knowledge and practical experiences, you'll develop competencies to become a compassionate, client-centred and reflective rehabilitation practitioner who will be prepared with the knowledge and skills to work in the dynamic health care field.

The faculty members of this college health care program are experienced occupational therapists and physiotherapists working in their field of expertise, and will ensure you'll have the educational tools, training and hands-on experience necessary to meet career challenges with enthusiasm, professionalism, and current evidence-based industry knowledge and skills. High academic standards and personal attention are two standout features of this program.

Once you complete the Occupational Therapist Assistant & Physiotherapist Assistant program, you'll have the knowledge, skills and ability to work under supervised practice with registered occupational therapists and physiotherapists to provide rehabilitation services to improve people's quality of life.

Mission 

To facilitate learning and growth of our diverse students into highly skilled, client-centred and reflective rehabilitation practitioners. By providing current theoretical knowledge and practical experiences, students will become compassionate leaders who excel in the dynamic health care field.

Vision 

Improving people's quality of life by training capable health care professionals.

Note: The Occupational Therapist Assistant & Physiotherapist Assistant Diploma Program at Centennial 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 granted to the program on November 30, 2019 for the period until November 30, 2025.

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

Program Highlights

  • Additional areas of instruction and development will include respect and caring for the uniqueness of individuals, effective communication, critical thinking and decision-making.
  • You will participate in several fieldwork experiences that will provide opportunities for the supervised application of skills in clinical settings with a range of client populations. The facilities at which you will be able to complete placement vary, and when combined, offer diverse experiences in both occupational therapy and physiotherapy disciplines.
  • The diversity of your placements will allow you to experience what your career can entail and help you to discover your areas of interest.

Academic requirements

Academic Requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older)
  • Grade 12 English (C or U), or equivalent (minimum grade required), or take the Centennial College English Skills Assessment for Admission
  • Grade 11 Biology (C or U) or Grade 12 (C or U), or Exercise Science (minimum grade required), or equivalent

Note: This program is considered highly competitive and fills early. To be considered for the program, you should apply prior to the Ontario Colleges equal consideration date of February 1 and submit transcripts or complete skills assessments as early as possible.

Additional Requirements

Further program information/guidelines:

  • Please note that due to the nature of this career, OTAs & PTAs are required to tolerate regular physical activity during the course of their work day. Your professional scope involves your ability to lift and transfer clients and move equipment. As such, an OTA & PTA needs to be in good overall health. It is recommended that applicants have a high level of fitness when entering the program. If you have any health related issues, it is highly recommended that you contact the program coordinator to ensure you are aware of the requirements of the program and the scope of practice of an OTA & PTA, and to discuss any impact this may have on your ability to fully participate in the learning throughout this program..

Field Placement Requirements

After admission but prior to each program clinical fieldwork placement, students are required to:

  • Obtain a clear police check with vulnerable sector screening. Vulnerable Sector Screenings must be issued within six months of each placement start date. Any previous criminal record must be pardoned.
  • Successfully complete and annually renew a recognized course in CPR (Basic Lifesaver Level)
  • Successfully complete a recognized course in standard first aid
  • Mask fit testing will be provided by Centennial College (shaving a portion of facial hair may be required to meet safety standards)
  • Obtain pre-clearance health form completed by a physician or nurse practitioner stating that the student meets the health requirements of legislated acts, ministry guidelines and agency policies. This includes updating and maintaining your immunization records throughout the program.
  • COVID vaccination is highly recommended and may be a requirement at all placement sites.

All of the above requirements must be in effect for the duration of each placement.

Notes:

  • There are placement opportunities in Semesters 2,3 and 4; all are secured for you by the college.
  • You are responsible for the cost of transportation to the placement facility. We have a large catchment area for placement locations.

English requirements

Minimum International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score
Overall: 6
Listening: 6
Reading: 6
Writing: 6
Speaking: 6

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