Program Duration: 53 Weeks
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Physiotherapist Assistants/Rehabilitation Assistants are classified under National Occupational Classification 3237-Other Technical Occupations in Therapy and Assessment. Other technical workers in therapy and assessment perform various technical therapy and assessment functions. Some may assist professionals such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, ophthalmologists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists. They are employed in hospitals, clinics, extended care facilities, rehabilitation centres, community health centres, educational institutions, hearing aid retail stores, in the private practices of the professionals they assist, or they may be self-employed.
Program Job Opportunities:
- Audiology Technician
- Communicative Disorders Assistant
- Hearing Instrument Practitioner
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Ophthalmic Technician
- Ophthalmic Technologist
- Physiotherapist Assistant [PTA]
- Physiotherapy Technician
- Rehabilitation Assistant
- Speech Aide
- Speech Technician
- Speech Therapy Assistant
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
■ Standard Admission
Students must meet the following criteria:
- Alberta High School Diploma verified by transcript or non-Alberta equivalent, or successful completion of General Equivalency Diploma (GED) with a score of 450 in Language Arts [Reading & Writing]
- Successful personal interview with the school’s admission officer.
■ Mature Admission
Students must meet the following criteria:
- At least 18 years of age.
- Out of school for one (1) year.
- Successful test result on the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test [WBST] with a minimum score of 310.
- Successful personal interview with the school’s admission officer.
■ English Language Proficiency Requirement
Students whose first language is NOT English must demonstrate ONE of the following:
- Transcript showing three (3) years of full-time secondary education at a school where English was the language of instruction, or
- Transcript showing one (1) year of post-secondary education where English was the language of instruction, or
- Canadian Language Benchmark [CLB] Assessment Level 7
- TOEFL: 77, or
- IELTS: 6, or
- Successful completion of a Canadian English Language Arts Course [e.g., English 20].
PRACTICUM REQUIREMENTS
Students must secure the following prior to practicum:
- Current Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Up to date Immunization Status [TB and Hepatitis B in particular].
- Practicum Site Specific Requirements.
PROGRAM OUTLINE
| COURSE TITLE | CREDITS |
| Introduction to Rehabilitation, the Health Care System & Ethics | 2 |
| Interpersonal Skills, Communication & Problem Solving | 5 |
| Introduction to Computers, Applications, & Keyboarding | 6 |
| Medical Terminology, Human Body, Diseases & Disorders | 8 |
| Basic Patient Care Techniques, Functional Movement & Rehabilitation | 7 |
| Developmental Psychology & Functional Development Across the Life Span | 3 |
| Physiotherapist Assistant Administration and Program Support | 2 |
| Essential Skills for PTA – Musculoskeletal | 4 |
| Essential Skills for PTA – Modalities and Physical Agents | 7 |
| Essential Skills for PTA – Cardiac, Neurological, Respiratory, & Would Management | 5 |
| Introduction to Mental Health, Illness, & Disability | 2 |
| Introduction to Occupational Therapy | 6 |
| Clinical Placement Experience 1 | 5 |
| Clinical Placement Experience 2 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 67 |