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Occupational Therapy And Physiotherapy Assistant

About The Program

Graduates of this program will meet the standards of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists and the Canadian Physiotherapy Association through a combination of theoretical study and hands-on workplace practicums. This program in our Halifax campus has received probationary accreditation from the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program* (OTA & PTA EAP) and provides the opportunity for students to pursue an 18-week field placement for hands-on experience.

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of the Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistant program, you will qualify for positions in Physiotherapy Clinics, Rehabilitation Centres and Sports Medicine Clinics.

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

Program Details

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others and contribute to their rehabilitation and well-being? Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistants play a critical role in assisting occupational therapists and physiotherapists with treatment plans for aging populations and those recovering from surgery or chronic conditions. This program is designed to provide you with the knowledge, practical skills and professionalism required to assist physiotherapists and occupational therapists in the safe, effective and efficient delivery of evidence-informed rehabilitation services. In the workplace, you’ll be responsible for aiding clients in their treatment plan, monitoring their progress, and discussing each individual’s development with the therapist to help patients better their way of life. The Eastern College OTPA program strives to create a stimulating, respectful, participatory learning environment that allows each student to use his or her unique skills and attributes to develop into a competent, caring and responsible healthcare professional. Eastern College faculty and staff are committed to providing students with an educational experience that promotes the core values of compassion and responsibility, that emphasizes professional skills and attitudes and that equips students with the skills needed to become lifelong learners. The Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistant program at Eastern College – Halifax Campus has received probationary accreditation from the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program* (OTA & PTA EAP). Students enrolled in the program will receive:
  • 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
  • Students enrolled in the program will also develop strong 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 Accreditation Status, Probationary. Probationary status is awarded when deficiencies are identified with respect to compliance with some of the accreditation standards and criteria. The Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistant Program at Eastern College – Halifax Campus will be working towards fixing these identified deficiencies, with the goal to be awarded Partial or Full Accreditation status. In the unlikely event that program is moved to non-accreditation status in the future, students in their graduating year who successfully complete the program within the original time frame scheduled for their graduation, will be considered as graduates of an accredited program. All other students enrolled in the program will not be considered graduates of an accredited program if the Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistant Program at Eastern College – Halifax Campus is moved to non-accreditation status before their graduation. Details regarding accreditation decisions, including Accreditation Status, Probationary can be found on the OTA & PTA EAP website (otapta.ca). Any questions can be directed to Marcia-Lisa Dennis at the Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistant Program at Eastern College – Halifax Campus.
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Provincial Funding

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* All student funding, whether made available privately or through various government branches, is only approved to those who qualify, by the original source of funding. There are many criteria that each candidate must meet to be approved. Schools can only inform you of what may be available.