Occupational Therapist Assistant

Program Description

Are you interested expanding your skill-set with training to become an Occupation Therapist’s Assistant?

The Occupational Therapist Assistant program prepares graduates for entry level Occupational Therapist Assistant positions in acute care, community hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, mental health facilities, long-term care facilities, schools, and private practice. Sometimes services are provided in clients’ homes. Clients may seek occupational therapy services for issues due to chronic diseases, physical injuries, or mental health issues, to name a few.

OTAs work as members of a health care team, under the supervision of Occupational Therapists. As part of this team, OTAs are an integral part of the safe and effective delivery of a carefully defined treatment plan for their clients. Occupational Therapists also provide task assignment to other health care team members, including kinesiologists, parents, and teachers. To be effective and cooperative members of the health care team, professionalism and strong communication skills are essential for the OTA.

The role of the OTA will vary depending on the setting and direction provided by the registered therapist; as well, specific circumstances will determine whether OTAs will work with individuals, families, or groups in order to provide the optimum results for the individuals in their care.

Students will enhance their skills during a work term under the guidance of a provincially registered therapist.

Program Courses

• Introduction to Occupational Therapy
• Advanced Interpersonal and Communications Skills
• OTA Therapeutic Techniques for Children
• OTA Therapeutic Techniques for Mental Health
• Communications Disorders
• Psychology of Addictions for Physiotherapy Assistants
• Human Sexuality for Therapy Assistants
• OTA Therapeutic Techniques for Adults
• Group Intervention in Occupational Therapy

Employment Opportunities

Due to an increased demand for rehabilitative services, licensed Occupational Therapists may employ and oversee OTAs to ensure client needs are met. An OTA may find employment in a variety of environments such as acute care, community hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, mental health facilities, long-term care facilities, schools, and private practice. Sometimes services are provided in clients’ homes.

Entrance Requirements

Successful completion of Academy Canada’s PTA Program, or equivalent.

Special Entrance Requirements

Certificate of Conduct and Vulnerable Sector Check: Students must acquire a Certificate of Conduct and Vulnerable Sector Check for admission into this program. Students are solely accountable for any offences not uncovered by the investigation which may preclude the student from subsequent work terms or employment.

Program Requirements

Immunization: Students must submit a completed immunization review form for work term placements. Students will be responsible for completing the immunization review form and submitting to the Registrar’s Office of Academy Canada by the end of their first semester of study (with the exception of immunizations that require multiple test periods which may be in progress). Non-compliance with this requirement could result in the student’s inability to participate in the work term practicum component of this program which is also a required element for successful program completion.

Work Term

There is a 250-hour unpaid work term and students should note that travel within the province may be required. Please note that work term hosts reserve the right to request updated and/or additional documentation prior to field placement. Non-compliance with this requirement could result in the student’s inability to participate in the work term component of this program which is also a required element for successful program completion.