Physiotherapist program Trains PTA & OTA Students on Workplace Duties
Old
age catch up to us, diseases and illnesses impairs our abilities, and
accidents cause temporary or permanent damage. The healing process is
hard and some people need to live through the pain every day for the
rest of their lives. But there are ways to mitigate the pain and make
some things better through therapy. Patients in acute care and long-term
care facilities can receive occupational therapy and physiotherapy from
trained professionals.
Centennial College offers a physiotherapist program,
where students will study for two years to gain the skills to assist
registered Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists in supporting
people with impaired abilities. The Occupational Therapist Assistant
& Physiotherapist Assistant (OTA & PTA) program contains
courses that will study anatomy and physiology; courses that will teach
physiotherapy skills, including how to apply therapeutic modalities;
courses that will require them to plan and organize programs for
rehabilitation; and various communication courses. Additionally, the
final year consists of several on-the-job training, where students work
alongside real patients.
Professor Patricia Lee tells us that a five-week placement takes place
in the third semester, while two five-week placements, a pre-grad and
grad, take up most of the final semester. She says that students will
perform duties like bathing and tub transfers. Since many patients lose
their motor skills and have difficulty performing tasks, students will
reorient them on day-to-day activities, and teach them tasks like how to
dress themselves.
“We really get to work with the patients. Patient handling: moving them
while they’re in bed, and moving their arms and legs past a range of
motions. We get to teach them exercise classes and strengthening
exercises. It’s really fun. We’re taking what we’re learning in lab and
applying it out in the field,” says Fiona, an OTA & PTA student.
Centennial
students learn relevant knowledge and skills that can be translated
into the workplace. Prior to entering placements, they must complete a
CPR course, Standard First Aid course, and a police background check.
Employing organizations seek out credentials and skills that Centennial
provides. Below are some common job qualifications for OTA and PTA
professionals:
- A college diploma from an accredited Physiotherapist/Occupational Therapist Assistant program
- Knowledge of anatomy and physiology regarding to a rehabilitation setting
- Ability to plan exercise classes and group activities
- Demonstrated excellent communication skills and good relationship working with others
- Ability to apply physiotherapeutic modalities
- Strong mentality and body to handle the physical and mental demands of the job
- Certified in First Aid and CPR and a police clearance
Students come out of school prepared and ready to work in their field, at hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and other healthcare and community-based organizations. The occupational therapy program at Centennial College allows students to hone their physiotherapy and therapeutic skills through class practice and field placements. Many new graduates are hired directly by the employing organizations from their field placements.
In : College Education
Tags: occupational therapy program physiotherapist program