Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant at Sault College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-07-30

Program overview

The Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant (OTA & PTA) program at Sault College is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to assist individuals facing illness, injury, or disability. This program emphasizes the importance of helping clients regain their independence and tackle daily life challenges. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, students will learn to work effectively alongside registered occupational therapists and physiotherapists. The program not only focuses on core skills but also offers hands-on experiences in various settings, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to enhance the quality of life for those they serve.

Program structure

The Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant program spans a duration of 2 years, divided into 4 semesters. This comprehensive program structure includes:

Theoretical learning in classrooms and laboratories.
Field placements that begin in the first semester, allowing students to gain practical experience.
Opportunities for student-centered learning with experienced clinicians.
Access to an on-site physiotherapy clinic for assessment and treatment, which also serves as a fieldwork placement.
Pathways for further education, enabling students to transfer to partnering universities for degree completion.

Students will engage in fieldwork throughout all four semesters, culminating in a full-time placement during the final semester. This structure ensures that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also possess the practical skills needed in the healthcare field.

Featured Experiences

The OTA & PTA program offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance the learning journey:

Fieldwork activities starting from the first semester, providing early exposure to real-world clinical settings.
Hands-on training in an on-site physiotherapy clinic, allowing students to apply their learning in a practical environment.
Student-centered learning approaches, with small lab sizes and direct interaction with professors who are active clinicians.
Opportunities to participate in diverse clinical placements across various healthcare settings.
Pathways to further education, including options to transfer to universities for advanced degrees.

Career Options

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

Occupational Therapist Assistant: Support occupational therapists in helping clients develop skills for daily living and working.
Physiotherapist Assistant: Assist physiotherapists in implementing treatment plans and helping patients recover from injuries.
Rehabilitation Assistant: Work in rehabilitation settings to support patients in their recovery processes.
Home Care Aide: Provide assistance to clients in their homes, helping them with daily activities and personal care.
Community Support Worker: Help individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses access community resources and support services.

These roles are essential in various settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private clinics, where graduates can make a significant impact on the lives of individuals in need.

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

Visit Sault College official website

Last updated on 2025-07-30

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To be admissible to study at Sault College, international students must meet the following requirements:

The equivalent of an Ontario Secondary School Diploma at the College preparation level or higher is needed. Some programs may require further studies.
Students must be at least 18 years old by the end of their first semester.
For post-diploma programs, a high school diploma plus a College or University diploma or degree is required.
If there is a 5-year gap between the last studies and the application to Sault College, a Resume/CV may be required.
Possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as many programs are competitive and program ranking can occur. Higher academic achievement may be required for some programs.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

For international students from specific countries, the following documents are required:

Vietnam:
- Bang Tot Nghiep Pho Tong Trung Hoc
- Diem Ky Thi Tot Nghiep THPT or Giay Chung Nhan Tot Tghiep THPT
India:
- All India Senior School Certificate, Higher Secondary School Certificate, Year 12 State Board Exams, and other relevant documents.
Other Countries:
- Secondary School graduation results equivalent for entrance into College or University studies, as determined by Sault College.

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

Language Requirements

To demonstrate English proficiency for the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Diploma program at Sault College, applicants must meet the following requirements:

TOEFL score of 79-80 for the Internet-based test (iBT) and no test below 20
IELTS Academic score of 6.0 with no band lower than 5.5
Cambridge English Exam C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a Cambridge Score of 169 or more with no single test score below 162
PTE Academic 60, no band below 52
Duolingo 110, no band below 105
CAEL overall score of 60 and no part below 50
Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) Level 7 for all areas: reading, writing, speaking, listening

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!