Physiotherapist
assistants (PTAs) work with licensed or registered physiotherapists, assisting
them in their day-to-day functions. They support people whose mobility or
ability to function has been impaired due to the process of aging, emotional
disability, developmental disability, illness or injury. Their job involves
helping people regain their independence, promote movement, use mobility aids,
take prescribed exercises, and participate in leisure and social activities.
The
professionals may work with diverse population, in terms of age, illness,
injury and disability. However, their main responsibility is to take care of
patients and promote movement and improve function. But the additional roles
and responsibilities may vary depending upon their employment and individual
qualifications and work experience. Professionals with years of experience
often work at assistant practitioner level and undertake more advanced job
responsibilities. They may also seek more advanced career options after
undergoing a more advanced education and training program.
Typically,
physiotherapist or occupational therapy assistants are employed with hospitals,
long term care facilities, nursing homes, seniors’ residences, schools,
clinics, extended care facilities, rehabilitation centres, outpatient clinics,
acute care centres and the private industry.
Entry
Requirements
Aspiring
physiotherapist assistants (PTAs) and occupational therapist assistants (OTAs)
need to undergo at least a post-secondary occupational therapy program and develop required skills and attitude to
perform the job. Besides, they must receive a formal training and hands-on
experience under the supervision of physiotherapy experts, in order to meet
career challenges with professionalism, up-to-date knowledge, enthusiasm and
right attitude.
Centennial
College’s physiotherapist program runs for two years, through four semesters,
incorporating in-class learning, hands-on training and work experience through
industry field placements. Students benefit from high academic standards,
personal attention, guidance by experts and the opportunity to develop skills
in an environment equipped with a wide range of tools used in the industry.
Program
Structure
First
semester introduces students to occupational therapy and physiotherapy, anatomy
and physiology, the healthcare system, normal function and movement and issues
in health aging. During second semester, they study human lifespan development,
conditions impacting function, physiotherapy interventions – therapeutic
exercises, occupational therapy therapeutic skills and therapeutic
communication.
Physiotherapy
skills – therapeutic modalities, mental health concepts and rehabilitation
practice are included in third semester. Fourth semester incorporates
rehabilitation practice, helping students gain hands-on training.
Required
Skills
Aspiring
PTAs and OTAs must learn to respect and care for the uniqueness of individuals
and possess effective communication skills, critical thinking and
decision-making skills. As the job is very challenging and professionals are
required to tolerate regular physical activity throughout the work day, it is
important for them to remain self-motivated.
The
program helps students develop key competencies required to perform their job
effectively and efficiently. Moreover, fieldwork experiences provide them the
opportunity to apply their learning into practice in a variety of clinical
settings, with a range of client population.
Eligibility
Requirements
Students
interested in applying to this course will need:
- Secondary school diploma certificate or equivalent
- Required minimum scores in English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent
- Required minimum scores in biology or exercise science Grade 11 C or University, or equivalent
