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occupational therapy and physiotherapy clinics
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hospitals
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extended care facilities
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other healthcare facilities
Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant (OTP)
About the Program
An Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistant is a versatile healthcare professional who assists licensed occupational therapists and physiotherapists in providing comprehensive rehabilitative care to patients. With a broad skill set, they support individuals of various age groups in enhancing their physical, cognitive, emotional, and developmental well-being. By implementing treatment plans, guiding patients through exercises, teaching adaptive techniques and monitoring progress, these professionals contribute to improving functional independence, mobility, and overall quality of life. Their dedication helps patients recover from injuries, surgeries and medical conditions, facilitating their journey towards regaining strength, flexibility and overall physical well-being.
Ontario has seen a growing need to support the aging population, individuals with disabilities as well as those with rehabilitative needs or injuries. Occupational therapists, physiotherapists and their assistants are much needed health care professionals responsible for helping individuals to recover and maintain their physical abilities while managing functional limitations associated with a range of acute/chronic conditions.
Credential Awarded
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
4 Semesters (2 Years)
Starts
September
Program and Course Delivery
This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format with some courses available in Seneca's flexible delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements. For courses offered in the flexible delivery format, professors use innovative learning spaces and technology to teach students in a classroom or lab and broadcast in real time to students attending remotely. In flexible courses, students have the choice of coming on campus or learning online.
Supplies Required
All students are required to purchase their own lab coat, goniometer, soft retractable measuring tape and stethoscope. Details about where to purchase these supplies will be provided ahead of first semester.
Skills
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
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Communicate appropriately and effectively with clients, families and others
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Practice competently in a legal, ethical and professional manner
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Document and complete client records in a thorough, objective, accurate and non-judgmental manner
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Contribute to the development, implementation and modification of intervention/treatment plans, under the supervision of and in collaboration with the occupational therapist or physiotherapist
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Incorporate principles of equity, inclusion, belonging and Indigenous understanding of health and wellness into professional practice to optimize client care
Work Experience
Students will be exposed to their professional environment by completing four mandatory work placements spread across semesters two, three and four. Students must be in good standing and meet all requirements prior to participating in the work placements. The successful completion of all four placements is required for graduation. Eligibility for participation does not guarantee that a particular placement will be secured.
Your Career
Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:
Program of Study
| Course Code | Course Name | Weekly Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| COM101 | Communicating Across Contexts | 3 |
| or COM111 | Communicating Across Contexts (Enriched) | |
| OTP100 | Introduction to the Canadian Healthcare System | 3 |
| OTP101 | Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| OTP102 | Human Kinetics | 4 |
| OTP103 | Orientation to OTA and PTA Roles | 3 |
| OTP104 | Therapeutic Communication and Documentation | 2 |
| OTP105 | Two-eyed Seeing and Healthcare | 3 |
| OTP106 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| Semester 2 | ||
| OTP200 | PTA – Principles and Techniques I | 5 |
| OTP201 | OTA – Principles and Techniques I | 5 |
| OTP202 | Human Conditions I | 3 |
| OTP203 | Social Determinants of Health | 3 |
| OTP204 | Establishing Client-Centered and Reflective Practice | 2 |
| OTP205 | Introduction to Clinical Practice | 3 |
| OTP206 | Professional Ethics | 3 |
| plus: General Education Course (1) | 3 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| OTP300 | PTA-Principles and Techniques II | 5 |
| OTP301 | OTA-Principles and Techniques II | 5 |
| OTP302 | Concepts in Mental Health | 3 |
| OTP303 | Human Conditions II | 3 |
| OTP304 | Intermediate Clinical Placement | 13 |
| Semester 4 | ||
| OTP400 | Rehabilitation and Career Readiness | 3 |
| OTP401 | Consolidated Clinical Placement I | 13 |
| OTP402 | Consolidated Clinical Placement II | 13 |
| plus: General Education Course (1) | 3 | |
This Seneca program has been validated by the Credential Validation Service as an Ontario College Credential as required by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:
- Communicate appropriately and effectively, through verbal, nonverbal, written and electronic means, with clients, their families, and significant others, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, other health care providers, and others within the role of the therapist assistant.
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Participate in the effective functioning of interprofessional health care teams within the role of the therapist assistant.
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Establish, develop, maintain, and bring closure to client-centred, therapeutic relationships within the role of the therapist assistant*.
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Ensure personal safety and contribute to the safety of others within the role of the therapist assistant.
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Practice competently in a legal, ethical, and professional manner within the role of the therapist assistant.
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Document and complete client records in a thorough, objective, accurate, and nonjudgmental manner within the role of the therapist assistant.
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Develop and implement strategies to maintain, improve, and promote professional competence within the role of the therapist assistant.
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Perform effectively within the roles and responsibilities of the therapist assistant through the application of relevant knowledge of health sciences, psychosociological sciences, and health conditions
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Perform functions common to both physiotherapy and occupational therapy practices that contribute to the development, implementation and modification of intervention/treatment plans, under the supervision of and in collaboration with the occupational therapist and/or physiotherapist.
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Enable the client’s occupational performance* by contributing to the development, implementation, and modification of intervention/treatment plans, under the supervision of and in collaboration with the occupational therapist.
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Enable the client’s optimal physical function by contributing to the development, implementation, and modification of intervention/treatment plans, under the supervision of and in collaboration with the physiotherapist.
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Incorporate principles of equity, inclusion, belonging, and Indigenous understanding of health and wellness into professional practice to optimize client care
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant.
- Grade 12 English (C or U)
- Grade 11 or 12 biology (C or U) OR Grade 12 exercise science (U), or equivalent
Canadian citizens and permanent residents may meet English requirements for this program through successful Seneca pre-admission testing.
Recommended upgrading for applicants who do not meet academic subject requirements.
Additional Information
After admission, to be eligible for clinical practicum placements, students must have a completed Clinical Preparedness Permit which includes:
Medical Requirements
- current immunization records as outlined in the Canadian Immunization Guide for health-care workers
- bloodwork for immune status of hepatitis B/varicella/measles/mumps and rubella
- TB testing/CXR as required
Non-Medical Requirements
- a current Basic Life Support Certificate renewed annually
- Standard First Aid valid for four years, online courses are not acceptable
- record of mask fit test, renewed every two years
- criminal record check and vulnerable sector screening (annually)
Transportation
- Clinical practicum placements are in a variety of agencies in the Greater Toronto Area. Students are required to provide their own transportation. Placement shifts may vary in duration, potentially starting as early as 6 a.m. and may include weekends and evenings.
International Student Information
International admissions requirements vary by program and in addition to English requirements, programs may require credits in mathematics, biology, and chemistry at a level equivalent to Ontario’s curriculum, or a postsecondary degree or diploma, equivalent to an Ontario university or college. Program-specific pre-requisite courses and credentials are listed with the admission requirements on each program page. To review the academic requirements please visit: Academic Requirements - Seneca, Toronto, Canada (senecapolytechnic.ca).
Pathways
As a leader in academic pathways, we offer a range of options that will allow you to take your credential further in another Seneca program or a program at a partner institution.
To learn more about your eligibility, visit the Academic Pathways web page.