Occupational And Physical Therapist Assistant Diploma at Red Deer Polytechnic - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-06-19

Program overview

Program Overview

The Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant Diploma program at Red Deer Polytechnic prepares students to assist Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists in various healthcare settings. This program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to improve clients' movement and quality of life. Graduates will work with clients of all ages, helping them regain mobility, recover from injuries, and achieve their personal goals. The program is accredited by the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program, ensuring a high standard of education and training.

Program Structure

The Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant Diploma program spans a duration of 2 years and is offered on a full-time basis. The program includes:

Three practicums throughout Alberta, providing hands-on experience in real-world settings.
Work-integrated learning opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in practical environments.
Access to further study options, including transfer credits to the University of Calgary and Thompson Rivers University.

This comprehensive structure ensures that students are well-prepared for their careers as therapy assistants, with a strong emphasis on both theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Featured Experiences

Participation in three practicums, allowing students to gain valuable experience in various therapeutic environments.
Hands-on training in settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community care services.
Collaboration with experienced instructors who provide support and guidance throughout the program.
Opportunities to work with diverse populations, enhancing cultural competence and adaptability.

Career Options

Graduates of the Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant Diploma program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Occupational Therapist Assistant: Support occupational therapists in helping clients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.
Physical Therapist Assistant: Assist physical therapists in implementing treatment plans to help patients regain mobility and manage pain.
Recreation Therapy Aide: Work with recreation therapists to plan and implement therapeutic recreation programs for clients.
Rehabilitation Assistant: Support rehabilitation professionals in delivering care and assisting clients in their recovery processes.
Community Support Worker: Provide assistance to individuals with disabilities or health challenges, helping them achieve independence and improve their quality of life.

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

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Last updated on 2025-06-19

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To gain admission to the Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant (OPTA) program at Red Deer Polytechnic, applicants must meet specific academic requirements. Qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be offered admission on a first-come, first-served basis.

For international students, especially those who have completed their high school education outside of Alberta, it is essential to refer to the International Course Equivalencies page for information on how your coursework may align with the Academic Requirements.

Academic Requirements:

A minimum of 60% in:
- ELA 30-1
- Biology 30, or equivalent
A minimum of 50% in:
- A 30-level math course (Math 30-1 or Math 30-2, Math 30 Applied or equivalent) or another 30-level science course

Additionally, transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Additional Requirements:

Basic computer literacy with a working knowledge of word processing software is advantageous.
Students must complete a minimum of one third of their practical training in each area (OT or PT) and will be placed in various therapeutic environments, which may include hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, private rehabilitation clinics/services, and home care and community care services.

If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding the admission process, please feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors for support.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

At Red Deer Polytechnic, we support a diverse student population worldwide. Note: Applicants whose first language is English and who declared this on their application are exempt from English Language Proficiency requirements.

Certain RDP programs have unique ELP requirements; ensure you review the program-specific requirements below. Applicants must also meet all other program Academic Requirements to be considered for admission into the program.

Applicants applying to the Academic Upgrading program are not required to demonstrate English Language Proficiency at the levels noted for credit programs. Placement assessments are used for admission to these programs.

Understanding RDP's English Language Proficiency Requirements:

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide ELP official documentation to the Office of the Registrar by email or regular mail after you have applied.
ELP tests must be no older than two years before your program start date.
The Office of the Registrar can review your “unofficial” or scanned documents to initially admit you to a program and provide a Letter of Acceptance. However, official documentation must be received before the deadline, or you will not be granted “clear” admission until this step has been completed.

For the Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant Diploma, applicants must meet the following English Language Proficiency requirements:

Graduation from a high school in Canada with three consecutive, first language English courses/credits; or
An undergraduate degree from a university in Canada, whose instruction was provided in English; or
Completion of an approved English Proficiency Test:
- Duolingo English Test: 130
- IELTS Academic – International English Language Testing System: 7.0 overall, with at least 6.5 on each band score
- Oxford ELLT: 8 overall, with at least 7 on each band score
- TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language: 92 iBT or 580 PBT

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!