Occupational Therapist Assistant And Physiotherapist Assistant

Academic Requirements

The Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant program at Niagara College has specific academic requirements for admission. Applicants must possess an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or an equivalent qualification, which includes the following required courses:

• English – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent
• Biology – Grade 11 (C) or (U) or Grade 12 (U)

In addition to the required courses, the following are recommended courses and skills that may help applicants succeed academically in this program, although they are not required for admission:

• Health Care – Grade 11 (C)
• Healthy Active Living Education – Grade 12 (O)
• Pre-Health Sciences – Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas program
• Related volunteer or cooperative work experience

For international students, it is essential to ensure that all official, translated high school and/or post-secondary transcripts, proof of graduation, and proof of English proficiency are provided. Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Furthermore, applicants should be aware of the following program requirements:

• Communicable Disease Surveillance: A confidential form must be completed and submitted to Student Health Services prior to the start of Term 2.
• Criminal Record Check: A Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening (CRC-VSS) is required at the beginning of Term 2.
• First Aid and CPR: Current Standard First Aid certification and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR/AED) Level BLS (Basic Life Support) / HCP (Health Care Provider) is required.
• Physical Fitness: A high level of fitness is recommended for healthcare professionals.
• Student Dress Code: A black scrub top and pants are required for clinical courses.
• Transportation: Students are responsible for their own transportation to complete program requirements.

For any clarification and support regarding the application process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

If you have completed your studies outside of Canada, you may be required to provide proof of one or more of the following:

• Secondary Education: A minimum of two years of full-time secondary-level education (in the final two years of study) in a country where English is the official first language.
• Post-Secondary or Higher Education: A minimum of one year of full-time post-secondary or higher education in a country where English is the official first language.

If English is not your first language, you can meet Niagara College’s admission requirements by submitting one of the accepted language proficiency test scores listed below.

• Cambridge English Exams (B2 First/FCE, C1 Advanced/CAE or C2 Proficiency/CPE): 169 – No skill under 162.
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.0 – No individual band under 5.5.
• Internet-based (IBT) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): iBT: 80, Minimum 20 in Writing and Speaking OR Minimum 4.0 overall, with a minimum of 4.0 in each section.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): 58+, with no individual skill below 53.
• Duolingo English Language Test: 105+, with no individual subscore below 95.
• Oxford ELLT and Pre-Sessional English: 6.0 – No individual band under 5.0.
• Canadian Academic English Language Test (CAEL): 60 – No individual band under 50.
• Niagara College’s English for Academic Preparation program (EAP): Completion of English for Academic Preparation (EAP) Level 5 with 70% and no individual grade under 50%.

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.