Healthcare
Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistant
Make a difference in the lives of others. Join the growing healthcare industry with a diploma program that includes an 18-week field placement for real-world experience.
Type
Diploma
Duration
77 Weeks
Internship
18 Weeks
About The Program
This Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistant program can give you a strong foundation in human anatomy, physiology, and disorders plus a wide array of courses in OTA/PTA therapeutic techniques.
Upon graduation, you will meet the standards of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists and the Canadian Physiotherapy Association through a combination of theoretical lessons and a hands-on practicum.
This program in our Halifax campus has received accreditation from the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program (OTA & PTA EAP)*.
Limited-time only: $1,500 bursary towards tuition for anyone who enrolls in the full-time OTPA program at the Eastern College Halifax Campus in July 2023.
Career Opportunities
Upon completion of this diploma program, you can obtain physiotherapy and occupational therapy assistant jobs in hospitals, sports medicine clinics, rehabilitation centres, and physiotherapy and occupational therapy clinics. You may qualify for roles such as:
- Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)
- Physiotherapy Assistant (PTA)
- Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistant (OT/PTA)
- Rehabilitation Assistant and Therapy Assistant
You can also find OTA/PTA jobs in acute care, long-term care, or community care settings in either public or private sectors.
Employers Who Have Hired Eastern Grads
- Yarmouth Regional Hospital
- Saint John Regional Hospital
- Accel Physical Therapy
- Oakwood Terrace
- Ocean View Continuing Care Centre
- Goodlife Fitness
Salary
92
%
Employment Rate*
$
24
Average Wage/hr**
$
29
High Wage/hr**
*Employment Rate based on 2021 contactable Eastern graduates employed in a related field within 12 months.
Source: workingincanada.gc.ca
NOC Code: 3237, 3414 - **Wage data based on NOC Code 3237 and rounded down to the nearest dollar based on Nova Scotia data. Average wage doesn't reflect the starting salary but represents the middle value between lowest to highest wages. Local (or regional) income may vary. Last updated in Dec 2022.
Program Details
Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others and contribute to their rehabilitation and well-being? As a physiotherapy assistant/occupational therapy assistant, you can work under the supervision of licensed physiotherapy and occupational therapy professionals to implement treatment plans for aging populations and those recovering from surgery or chronic conditions.
Eastern College’s Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistant program will prepare you to succeed in this rewarding career. Through extensive physiotherapy and occupational therapy assistant courses, you can fortify your theoretical foundation and hone your practical skills to deliver evidence-informed rehabilitation services safely, effectively, and efficiently. You will also learn how to help therapists monitor the patients’ progress and discuss their development to improve their way of life.
As a recognized OTA/PTA college in Canada, Eastern College fosters a stimulating, respectful, and participatory learning environment that can mold you into a competent, caring, and responsible healthcare professional. Our faculty and staff will provide you with an educational experience that promotes core values such as compassion and responsibility, emphasizes professional skills and attitudes, and equips you with the skills to become lifelong learners.
Upon completing this Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistant program, you will obtain:
- CPR/First Aid training
- Opportunity to work under the supervision of occupational therapists or physiotherapists
- Training and knowledge in the efficient delivery of evidence-informed rehabilitation services
- Microsoft Office and other office support skills
*The Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program (OTA & PTA EAP) is responsible for accrediting OTA/PTA education programs. The Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistant Program at Eastern College – Halifax Campus, following the recent Accreditation Review, has received notice from the OTA & PTA EAP that the program has been awarded the Accreditation Status.
The Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant Diploma Program at Eastern College – Halifax Campus 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 awarded to the program on April 30, 2020 for the period until April 30, 2026.
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.
Course Listings: New Brunswick 
Advanced Interpersonal and Communication Skills
This course is designed to give students the opportunity to practice the interpersonal and communication skills required to work effectively in a health care team. Through an experiential learning approach, students practice the following skills: leading teamwork, establishing team norms, setting team goals, resolving conflicts, building group cohesion, problem solving, and evaluating team performance. Engagement in and facilitation of effective verbal and nonverbal communication is explored.
Communication Disorders
This course provides students with an overview of major speech and language problems that can impair the rehabilitation client's ability to communicate effectively. Students learn strategies to improve interactions with clients with communication disorders, and are introduced to common assistive communication devices. The course also provides students with a basic understanding of swallowing and swallowing disorders.
Career Planning & Preparation - Level I
This module introduces tools for planning and preparing for a successful job search, so that students can maintain a career-focused approach throughout their education program. Students will learn about the "Hidden" Job Market and ways to access it in their upcoming job search, how to research opportunities and network for industry contacts, and use appropriate etiquette when communicating with prospective employers. Students will identify their personal skills, values and preferences for the workplace, begin preparation of a professional resume and references, and organize proof documents for their career portfolio. Class discussions on various self-management topics introduced in Student Success Strategies will round out this module, which is a pre-requisite for Career Planning and Preparation - Part II.
Career Planning & Preparation - Level II
This module continues to build on the concepts and skills introduced in Career Planning and Preparation - Part I. Students will learn how to conduct an effective job search and identify various methods of applying for work with today's technology. Students will create a personal list of "Top Employers" and target current industry opportunities, while finalizing their professional resume, portfolio and career correspondence. Students will learn to identify the different types and forms of interviews, practice responding to typical questions, and practice follow-up, evaluation and negotiation techniques they can use to ensure success. Self-management topics from Career Planning and Preparation - Part I will be reviewed, with a focus towards on-the-job success in both learner placements and post-graduate employment.
St. John Ambulance Enhanced First Aid with Level C CPR
The CPR component provides comprehensive CPR training to students. It includes the latest first aid and CPR guidelines and meets federal and provincial regulations for Standard First Aid and CPR. Topics include: preparing to respond; the EMS system; check, call, care; airway emergencies; breathing and circulation emergencies; first aid for respiratory and cardiac arrest; wound care; head and spine injuries; bone, muscle and joint injuries; sudden medical emergencies; environmental emergencies; and poisons. The WHMIS component teaches students the basic elements of WHMIS 2015 and the Global Harmonization System. This covers the safety measures and guidelines to be followed when exposed to or working with hazardous materials.
Current Social Issues for Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistant
In this course, a variety of current social issues, such as gender topics, cultural differences, race issues, poverty, etc. are examined from a sociological perspective. Students are encouraged to recognize a variety of perspectives on each issue addressed. Focus is on seeking understanding of both the larger sociological issues and the individual experience of each topic. Emphasis will be placed on enhancing students’ critical thinking and writing skills.
Data Collection for Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Assistants
This course introduces students to data collection in physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Students will learn to safely and effectively apply a range of tests and outcome measures and will learn to accurately interpret, record and report results.
Developmental Psychology and Functional Development across the Lifespan
This course introduces students to human development from infancy to old age. The main purpose is to prepare students to work effectively with clients in different age groups and to provide developmentally appropriate care. Students will become familiar with the major physical, cognitive, social and emotional changes throughout the lifespan. Students will practice adapting an assigned physiotherapy or occupational therapy intervention for each major stage of development. In addition, this course will help students develop a more holistic view of the clients they will be working with, as well as gain insight into the developmental changes in their own lives.
Digital Literacy for Professionals
This course has four units that introduces you to the fundamental concepts and principles of learning and working in a digital environment. The first unit introduces you to using devices and handling information with topics on operating systems (Windows, MAC, and Linux), computer organization (folder management and naming conventions), cloud storage (including Microsoft OneDrive), types of web browsers including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari), and fundamental troubleshooting. In the second unit, you will become familiar with creating and editing information through learning about file formats (pdf, mp4, docx), productivity (including iWork and Microsoft Office Suite) and creativity (Adobe, Canva, iMovie) platforms, and basic introduction to Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The third unit on communicating and collaborating will introduce you to web conferencing applications (Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams), mail applications (including Microsoft Outlook and Gmail,), project management tools (Trello, Asana), and time management tools (including Todoist, Outlook Calendar, and iCal), and building rapport virtually. In the final unit, you will gain an understanding on netiquette, cybersecurity, and digital wellness. After completing this course, you will have enhanced digital literacy skills as a professional in the working and learning environment.
Field Placement - Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistant
On successful completion of the classroom hours of this program, students will be placed on field placement. The objective is to give students the “hands-on” skills necessary to be employed as a Physiotherapy Assistant or an an Occupational Therapy Assistant. Students gain knowledge relevant to the technical and clerical aspects of the professions including identifying and ordering equipment and supplies, ensuring personal and client safety in the performance of assigned tasks, educating clients effectively and performing administrative tasks to support service delivery, under the direction of the mentor.
Introduction to Occupational Therapy
This course introduces the student to the field of occupational therapy, with a focus on the role of the OT and OTA within clinical practice. Client-centred principles are explained and the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement is applied to daily activities. The code of ethics and standards that guide occupational therapy practice in the province are also examined. An overview of assessment and intervention as it applies to occupational therapy for cognitive and physical dysfunction is presented.
Introduction to Occupational Therapy
This course introduces the student to the field of occupational therapy, with a focus on the role of the OT and OTA within clinical practice. Client-centred principles are explained and the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement is applied to daily activities. The code of ethics and standards that guide occupational therapy practice in the province are also examined. An overview of assessment and intervention as it applies to occupational therapy for cognitive and physical dysfunction is presented.
Introduction to Rehabilitation and Interpersonal Skills
This course introduces the student to the field of physiotherapy within the Canadian and provincial healthcare systems. The course examines the role of the PT and the PTA within the healthcare team, discusses ethical and legal issues in physiotherapy, and examines the principles of cultural competence. The course also introduces students to effective verbal, nonverbal and written communication strategies.Several topics discussed in this course apply to OTA practice such as ethics, communication skills, cultural competence and professionalism.
Introduction to Rehabilitation and Interpersonal Skills
This course introduces the student to the field of physiotherapy within the Canadian and Provincial healthcare systems. The course examines the role of the PT and the PTA within the healthcare team, discusses ethical and legal issues in physiotherapy, and examines the principles of cultural competence. The course also introduces students to effective verbal, nonverbal and written communication strategies. Several topics discussed in this course apply to OTA practice such as ethics, communication skills, cultural competence and professionalism.
Mental Health Illness and Disability
This course provides an overview of physiotherapy practice in mental health. Students will become familiar with major mental health disorders and the role of physiotherapy in the management of these illnesses. Through role play activities, students will practice strategies to interact effectively and sensitively with clients with mental health concerns, including responding appropriately to mental health emergencies. In addition, through group presentations, students will discuss the appropriate use of relaxation exercises in physiotherapy and practice administering these techniques.
OTA Therapeutic Techniques for Children
This course prepares students to enable engagement in meaningful activities of daily living with children and adolescents. Topics covered include typical and atypical development, developmental theories, diagnoses related to pediatrics, assessment tools, and interventions for children and adolescents regarding self-care, productivity and leisure. The concept of family-centred care is applied to the occupational therapy process. The role of the OTA in understanding and contributing to the occupational therapy plan, and in supporting the OT in service delivery is explored.
Group Intervention in Occupational Therapy
This course prepares students to assist in the design and delivery of group treatment programs in occupational therapy. Through interactive labs, students apply the principles of group intervention directly to their own experience, learn how to lead an occupational therapy group, and realize the potential benefits and challenges of group intervention. The stages of group development as well as various frames of reference related to group intervention are examined. Students also have the opportunity to write a group protocol for a client population of their choosing.
OTA Therapeutic Techniques in Mental Health
In this course, students build on previous coursework by focusing on therapeutic use of self, activity and environment, as it applies to working with clients with psychiatric disorders. Topics covered include diagnoses and medication related to mental illness, and interventions with clients regarding performance of daily activities, education, work, leisure, and social participation. Students develop the skills needed to perform activity analysis, and to describe and respond to mental health symptoms.
OTA Therapeutic Techniques for Older Adults
This course prepares students to enable engagement in occupation with older adults. Topics covered include health promotion, age related disease processes, cultural diversity, splinting, seating systems, wheelchair mobility, and working with caregivers. Students develop skills to address physical and cognitive challenges that impact daily function in older adults. The role of the OTA in safely and efficiently implementing assigned service components within the occupational therapy process is examined. Students also apply evidence-informed research to occupational therapy intervention.
Basic Patient Care, Functional Movement and Rehabilitation
This course provides students with the basic knowledge and skills required to safely, effectively and efficiently implement interventions assigned by the physiotherapist or occupational therapist. The course begins with a review of the role of the PTA/OTA, an overview of basic medical terminology, and an introduction to reflective practice. This is followed by training in infection control, goniometry, and manual muscle testing. The rest of the course focuses on fundamental client care techniques including: posture and body mechanics, positioning and draping, basic bed mobility skills and transfer techniques, safe and effective use of gait aids, and therapeutic exercise.
Personal Fitness
This course will prepare students to develop personal fitness programs for low risk clients. Students will learn how to determine exercise risk and gather information on current fitness level. They will use this information to incorporate cardiovascular exercise, resistance training, and stretching into a safe and effective exercise program.
Professional Skills for Health Care
This module is designed to equip students with the skills necessary for success in today’s health care environment. Topics covered include: why jobs require professionalism, definitions and key elements of professionalism, why professionalism is important to all involved in the health care environment, making a commitment to the job, how to contribute to the specialised workplace, working with others, working in teams, and ensuring success in field placement and career.
Professional Writing for Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistants
“The illusion of communication is that it has happened.”- George Bernard Shaw. Writing serves as the backbone of communication. This course prepares the OTPA student for professional written communication in the healthcare field, including communicating with patients and their families, healthcare professionals, community stakeholders, vendors, and the public. Students practice communicating with groups and individuals through assignments, class discussions, role-plays, and case studies. By the end of the course, students will be able to use the everyday writing skills most suited to the occupational therapy and physiotherapy fields.
Human Anatomy, Physiology, Diseases/Disorders
This course is designed to introduce the student to the structures and functions of the human body, with emphasis on the musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as they pertain to human movement, functional kinesiology, and rehabilitation. Disorders of the musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular and respiratory systems encountered in physiotherapy and occupational therapy are discussed. The course also provides an overview of the other systems of the body. Correct anatomical, medical and scientific terminology are taught throughout the course.
PTA/OTA Administration and Program Support
The main purposes of this course are to prepare students to a) manage administrative activities that support effective service delivery, b) support the supervising therapist in applying an evidence-informed approach in their services, and c) engage in self-directed life long learning through the development of a specific learning plan. Students will practice administrative tasks such as scheduling and billing clients, documenting workload statistics, facilitating the use of equipment, supplies and inventory records, and searching for evidence regarding a clinical question. They will also have the opportunity to reflect on their own learning needs and develop a specific learning plan. In addition, in the context of effective client reception and scheduling, students will practice using a variety of strategies to prevent and resolve conflict.
PTA/OTA Integration and Advanced Practice
In this course, students will consolidate the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout the program. Students will apply their problem solving, communication, inter-professional and practical skills in case studies, role plays and simulations. The course will provide students with the opportunity to enhance their existing clinical skills. In addition, advanced practical skills will be introduced.
Student Success Strategies
In this orientation module, emphasis is placed on thinking about achieving success from Day One. This module stresses the importance of developing non-technical skills to enhance personal, academic, and career success. This includes understanding learning styles and honing practical study skills, such as memory, reading, note-and test-taking techniques. Personal exercises will focus on teamwork, decision making and problem solving skills, setting SMART goals and maintaining a positive attitude; techniques for managing change, stress and conflict will also be explored.
PTA Therapeutic Techniques 3 - Cardiac, Neurological, Respiratory and Specialty Areas
This course prepares students to safely, effectively and efficiently implement interventions assigned by the physiotherapist to improve the mobility, health and well-being of clients with neurological, cardiac or respiratory conditions. The course emphasizes work with adults, but also addresses common pediatric conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida and cystic fibrosis. In addition, the course provides students with the basic knowledge and skills needed to work in specialty areas such as burns and vestibular rehabilitation.
PTA Therapeutic Techniques 2 - Modalities & Physical Agents
This course prepares students to safely, effectively and efficiently apply modalities and physical agents. Students learn to ensure client safety by screening for contraindications and precautions and by participating in the maintenance and care of equipment. In addition, through daily lab work and a case study assignment, students integrate and apply the knowledge and skills developed in previous coursework, such as those related to communication skills and interprofessional collaboration.
Course Listings: Nova Scotia
PTA Therapeutic Techniques 1 - Musculoskeletal
This course prepares students to safely, effectively and efficiently implement interventions assigned by the physiotherapist to treat common musculoskeletal disorders. Students build on previous coursework to develop a deeper understanding of musculoskeletal pathologies and the use of therapeutic exercise and other interventions to support clients’ function and mobility. In addition, through daily lab work and a challenging case study assignment, students integrate and apply the knowledge and skills developed in previous coursework such as those related to communication skills, teamwork, client-centered care and evidence-informed practice.
Course Listings: Nova Scotia
Advanced Interpersonal and Communication Skills
This course is designed to give students the opportunity to practice the interpersonal and communication skills required to work effectively in a health care team. Through an experiential learning approach, students practice the following skills: leading teamwork, establishing team norms, setting team goals, resolving conflicts, building group cohesion, problem solving, and evaluating team performance. Engagement in and facilitation of effective verbal and nonverbal communication is explored.
Communication Disorders
This course provides students with an overview of major speech and language problems that can impair the rehabilitation client's ability to communicate effectively. Students learn strategies to improve interactions with clients with communication disorders, and are introduced to common assistive communication devices. The course also provides students with a basic understanding of swallowing and swallowing disorders.
Career Planning & Preparation - Level I
This module introduces tools for planning and preparing for a successful job search, so that students can maintain a career-focused approach throughout their education program. Students will learn about the "Hidden" Job Market and ways to access it in their upcoming job search, how to research opportunities and network for industry contacts, and use appropriate etiquette when communicating with prospective employers. Students will identify their personal skills, values and preferences for the workplace, begin preparation of a professional resume and references, and organize proof documents for their career portfolio. Class discussions on various self-management topics introduced in Student Success Strategies will round out this module, which is a pre-requisite for Career Planning and Preparation - Part II.
Career Planning & Preparation - Level II
This module continues to build on the concepts and skills introduced in Career Planning and Preparation - Part I. Students will learn how to conduct an effective job search and identify various methods of applying for work with today's technology. Students will create a personal list of "Top Employers" and target current industry opportunities, while finalizing their professional resume, portfolio and career correspondence. Students will learn to identify the different types and forms of interviews, practice responding to typical questions, and practice follow-up, evaluation and negotiation techniques they can use to ensure success. Self-management topics from Career Planning and Preparation - Part I will be reviewed, with a focus towards on-the-job success in both learner placements and post-graduate employment.
St. John Ambulance Enhanced First Aid with Level C CPR
The CPR component provides comprehensive CPR training to students. It includes the latest first aid and CPR guidelines and meets federal and provincial regulations for Standard First Aid and CPR. Topics include: preparing to respond; the EMS system; check, call, care; airway emergencies; breathing and circulation emergencies; first aid for respiratory and cardiac arrest; wound care; head and spine injuries; bone, muscle and joint injuries; sudden medical emergencies; environmental emergencies; and poisons. The WHMIS component teaches students the basic elements of WHMIS 2015 and the Global Harmonization System. This covers the safety measures and guidelines to be followed when exposed to or working with hazardous materials.
Current Social Issues for Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistant
In this course, a variety of current social issues, such as gender topics, cultural differences, race issues, poverty, etc. are examined from a sociological perspective. Students are encouraged to recognize a variety of perspectives on each issue addressed. Focus is on seeking understanding of both the larger sociological issues and the individual experience of each topic. Emphasis will be placed on enhancing students’ critical thinking and writing skills.
Data Collection for Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Assistants
This course introduces students to data collection in physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Students will learn to safely and effectively apply a range of tests and outcome measures and will learn to accurately interpret, record and report results.
Developmental Psychology and Functional Development across the Lifespan
This course introduces students to human development from infancy to old age. The main purpose is to prepare students to work effectively with clients in different age groups and to provide developmentally appropriate care. Students will become familiar with the major physical, cognitive, social and emotional changes throughout the lifespan. Students will practice adapting an assigned physiotherapy or occupational therapy intervention for each major stage of development. In addition, this course will help students develop a more holistic view of the clients they will be working with, as well as gain insight into the developmental changes in their own lives.
Digital Literacy for Professionals
This course has four units that introduces you to the fundamental concepts and principles of learning and working in a digital environment. The first unit introduces you to using devices and handling information with topics on operating systems (Windows, MAC, and Linux), computer organization (folder management and naming conventions), cloud storage (including Microsoft OneDrive), types of web browsers including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari), and fundamental troubleshooting. In the second unit, you will become familiar with creating and editing information through learning about file formats (pdf, mp4, docx), productivity (including iWork and Microsoft Office Suite) and creativity (Adobe, Canva, iMovie) platforms, and basic introduction to Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The third unit on communicating and collaborating will introduce you to web conferencing applications (Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams), mail applications (including Microsoft Outlook and Gmail,), project management tools (Trello, Asana), and time management tools (including Todoist, Outlook Calendar, and iCal), and building rapport virtually. In the final unit, you will gain an understanding on netiquette, cybersecurity, and digital wellness. After completing this course, you will have enhanced digital literacy skills as a professional in the working and learning environment.
Field Placement - Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistant
On successful completion of the classroom hours of this program, students will be placed on field placement. The objective is to give students the “hands-on” skills necessary to be employed as a Physiotherapy Assistant or an an Occupational Therapy Assistant. Students gain knowledge relevant to the technical and clerical aspects of the professions including identifying and ordering equipment and supplies, ensuring personal and client safety in the performance of assigned tasks, educating clients effectively and performing administrative tasks to support service delivery, under the direction of the mentor.
Introduction to Occupational Therapy
This course introduces the student to the field of occupational therapy, with a focus on the role of the OT and OTA within clinical practice. Client-centred principles are explained and the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement is applied to daily activities. The code of ethics and standards that guide occupational therapy practice in the province are also examined. An overview of assessment and intervention as it applies to occupational therapy for cognitive and physical dysfunction is presented.
Introduction to Rehabilitation and Interpersonal Skills
This course introduces the student to the field of physiotherapy within the Canadian and provincial healthcare systems. The course examines the role of the PT and the PTA within the healthcare team, discusses ethical and legal issues in physiotherapy, and examines the principles of cultural competence. The course also introduces students to effective verbal, nonverbal and written communication strategies.Several topics discussed in this course apply to OTA practice such as ethics, communication skills, cultural competence and professionalism.
Mental Health Illness and Disability
This course provides an overview of physiotherapy practice in mental health. Students will become familiar with major mental health disorders and the role of physiotherapy in the management of these illnesses. Through role play activities, students will practice strategies to interact effectively and sensitively with clients with mental health concerns, including responding appropriately to mental health emergencies. In addition, through group presentations, students will discuss the appropriate use of relaxation exercises in physiotherapy and practice administering these techniques.
OTA Therapeutic Techniques for Children
This course prepares students to enable engagement in meaningful activities of daily living with children and adolescents. Topics covered include typical and atypical development, developmental theories, diagnoses related to pediatrics, assessment tools, and interventions for children and adolescents regarding self-care, productivity and leisure. The concept of family-centred care is applied to the occupational therapy process. The role of the OTA in understanding and contributing to the occupational therapy plan, and in supporting the OT in service delivery is explored.
Group Intervention in Occupational Therapy
This course prepares students to assist in the design and delivery of group treatment programs in occupational therapy. Through interactive labs, students apply the principles of group intervention directly to their own experience, learn how to lead an occupational therapy group, and realize the potential benefits and challenges of group intervention. The stages of group development as well as various frames of reference related to group intervention are examined. Students also have the opportunity to write a group protocol for a client population of their choosing.
OTA Therapeutic Techniques in Mental Health
In this course, students build on previous coursework by focusing on therapeutic use of self, activity and environment, as it applies to working with clients with psychiatric disorders. Topics covered include diagnoses and medication related to mental illness, and interventions with clients regarding performance of daily activities, education, work, leisure, and social participation. Students develop the skills needed to perform activity analysis, and to describe and respond to mental health symptoms.
OTA Therapeutic Techniques for Older Adults
This course prepares students to enable engagement in occupation with older adults. Topics covered include health promotion, age related disease processes, cultural diversity, splinting, seating systems, wheelchair mobility, and working with caregivers. Students develop skills to address physical and cognitive challenges that impact daily function in older adults. The role of the OTA in safely and efficiently implementing assigned service components within the occupational therapy process is examined. Students also apply evidence-informed research to occupational therapy intervention.
Basic Patient Care, Functional Movement and Rehabilitation
This course provides students with the basic knowledge and skills required to safely, effectively and efficiently implement interventions assigned by the physiotherapist or occupational therapist. The course begins with a review of the role of the PTA/OTA, an overview of basic medical terminology, and an introduction to reflective practice. This is followed by training in infection control, goniometry, and manual muscle testing. The rest of the course focuses on fundamental client care techniques including: posture and body mechanics, positioning and draping, basic bed mobility skills and transfer techniques, safe and effective use of gait aids, and therapeutic exercise.
Personal Fitness
This course will prepare students to develop personal fitness programs for low risk clients. Students will learn how to determine exercise risk and gather information on current fitness level. They will use this information to incorporate cardiovascular exercise, resistance training, and stretching into a safe and effective exercise program.
Professional Skills for Health Care
This module is designed to equip students with the skills necessary for success in today’s health care environment. Topics covered include: why jobs require professionalism, definitions and key elements of professionalism, why professionalism is important to all involved in the health care environment, making a commitment to the job, how to contribute to the specialised workplace, working with others, working in teams, and ensuring success in field placement and career.
Professional Writing for Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistants
“The illusion of communication is that it has happened.”- George Bernard Shaw. Writing serves as the backbone of communication. This course prepares the OTPA student for professional written communication in the healthcare field, including communicating with patients and their families, healthcare professionals, community stakeholders, vendors, and the public. Students practice communicating with groups and individuals through assignments, class discussions, role-plays, and case studies. By the end of the course, students will be able to use the everyday writing skills most suited to the occupational therapy and physiotherapy fields.
Human Anatomy, Physiology, Diseases/Disorders
This course is designed to introduce the student to the structures and functions of the human body, with emphasis on the musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as they pertain to human movement, functional kinesiology, and rehabilitation. Disorders of the musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular and respiratory systems encountered in physiotherapy and occupational therapy are discussed. The course also provides an overview of the other systems of the body. Correct anatomical, medical and scientific terminology are taught throughout the course.
PTA/OTA Administration and Program Support
The main purposes of this course are to prepare students to a) manage administrative activities that support effective service delivery, b) support the supervising therapist in applying an evidence-informed approach in their services, and c) engage in self-directed life long learning through the development of a specific learning plan. Students will practice administrative tasks such as scheduling and billing clients, documenting workload statistics, facilitating the use of equipment, supplies and inventory records, and searching for evidence regarding a clinical question. They will also have the opportunity to reflect on their own learning needs and develop a specific learning plan. In addition, in the context of effective client reception and scheduling, students will practice using a variety of strategies to prevent and resolve conflict.
PTA/OTA Integration and Advanced Practice
In this course, students will consolidate the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout the program. Students will apply their problem solving, communication, inter-professional and practical skills in case studies, role plays and simulations. The course will provide students with the opportunity to enhance their existing clinical skills. In addition, advanced practical skills will be introduced.
Student Success Strategies
In this orientation module, emphasis is placed on thinking about achieving success from Day One. This module stresses the importance of developing non-technical skills to enhance personal, academic, and career success. This includes understanding learning styles and honing practical study skills, such as memory, reading, note-and test-taking techniques. Personal exercises will focus on teamwork, decision making and problem solving skills, setting SMART goals and maintaining a positive attitude; techniques for managing change, stress and conflict will also be explored.
PTA Therapeutic Techniques 3 - Cardiac, Neurological, Respiratory and Specialty Areas
This course prepares students to safely, effectively and efficiently implement interventions assigned by the physiotherapist to improve the mobility, health and well-being of clients with neurological, cardiac or respiratory conditions. The course emphasizes work with adults, but also addresses common pediatric conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida and cystic fibrosis. In addition, the course provides students with the basic knowledge and skills needed to work in specialty areas such as burns and vestibular rehabilitation.
Admission Requirements
PTA Therapeutic Techniques 2 - Modalities & Physical Agents
This course prepares students to safely, effectively and efficiently apply modalities and physical agents. Students learn to ensure client safety by screening for contraindications and precautions and by participating in the maintenance and care of equipment. In addition, through daily lab work and a case study assignment, students integrate and apply the knowledge and skills developed in previous coursework, such as those related to communication skills and interprofessional collaboration.
PTA Therapeutic Techniques 1 - Musculoskeletal
This course prepares students to safely, effectively and efficiently implement interventions assigned by the physiotherapist to treat common musculoskeletal disorders. Students build on previous coursework to develop a deeper understanding of musculoskeletal pathologies and the use of therapeutic exercise and other interventions to support clients’ function and mobility. In addition, through daily lab work and a challenging case study assignment, students integrate and apply the knowledge and skills developed in previous coursework such as those related to communication skills, teamwork, client-centered care and evidence-informed practice.
Admission Requirements
NEW BRUNSWICK
- Student has Grade 12 or equivalent or meets criteria for Mature Student Status.
- Mature students must be 19 years of age, pass a qualifying test, and provide a Letter of Intent OR resume that supports their skills and aptitudes to be successful in the program.
- The approved qualifying test for this program is the Wonderlic test. A passing score for this program is 13.
- Student must provide a clear Criminal Record Check.
NOVA SCOTIA
- Student has Grade 12 or equivalent, OR can pass a qualifying test.
- The approved qualifying test for this program is the Wonderlic test. A passing score for this program is 14.
- Student must provide proof of completion of Grade 12 level English and a science course (Biology, Chemistry or Physics).
- Student must provide a clear Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Student must provide a clear Criminal Record Check.
- Student must provide a completed Eastern College’s OTPA Health and Fitness Waiver Form.
- Student must provide proof of exposure to the PT and OT field through one of the following:
1. Written or recorded interviews with both an OT and a PT
2. A research paper outlining and understanding of both professions and reasons for choosing the OTA/PTA career. - Student must provide a negative Tuberculin Skin Test (2 step) prior to the start of the program.
FIELD PLACEMENT
Student must provide a current Immunization Record (based on Nova Scotia Health Authority standards).
Career Quiz
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Testimonials
“Great atmosphere! Amazing staff who bend over backwards to ensure you have the best college experience. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming. I was so impressed by how passionate the director is about what she does. I have nothing but good things to say about this place. I was so nervous about going to college after being out of school for almost 25 years but they made me feel like I fit right in with everyone else.”
“Therapy assistants in physiotherapy and occupational therapy are important members of the health care team in Nova Scotia Health. Therapy assistants work across the health care continuum with all ages in outpatient, community and inpatient settings to help patients improve their quality of life by working with them to achieve goals to optimize their function and independence.“