Occupational Therapist & Physiotherapy Assistant Program Offers Field Experience
"With a physical therapist assistant what they would be doing is
assisting the therapist in things like getting the patient to learn how
to dress themselves again, bathing, tub transfers and more," says Pat
Lee an instructor in the Occupational
Therapist Assistant/ Physiotherapy Assistant program at
Centennial College [Occupational Therapy University]. "Not
only do we do these things in class, we do placements with the
students. So, in their second semester, they’re going out one time a
week into the different facilities. By their fourth semester, they’re
doing two five-week placements."
While Ms. Lee does a great job
of giving an overview of this occupation therapy program, let's take a
look at some of the details. If you are interested in applying for this
undertaking, which results in an Ontario College Diploma, you must
present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or
equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, you must also
possess: Compulsory English 12C, or U or skills assessment, or
equivalent and Biology 11C or U or equivalent. Possession of minimum
admission requirements does not guarantee admission into the occupation
therapy training.
By the end of your time in the program, you
will be able to: communicate appropriately and effectively, through
verbal, nonverbal, written and electronic means, with clients, their
families, significant others, occupational therapists, physiotherapists
and other healthcare providers; participate in the effective
functioning of interprofessional healthcare teams; establish, develop,
maintain and bring closure to client-centred, therapeutic
relationships; document and complete client records in a thorough,
objective, accurate and nonjudgmental manner; develop and implement
strategies to maintain, improve and promote professional competence;
perform effectively through the application of relevant knowledge of
health sciences, psychosociological sciences and health conditions; and
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.
These skills are taught through a variety of
courses that combine practical and academic study. Faculty members
ensure that students are provided with the educational tools, training
and hands-on experience that is necessary to meet career challenges
with enthusiasm, professionalism and current industry knowledge.
Specific courses within the occupation therapy program include: Normal
Functions and Movement, Issues in Health Aging, Conditions Impacting
Function, Establishing Therapeutic Communication, Mental Health
Concepts & Techniques, Rehabilitation Practice, and more.
This
occupation
therapy program also requires students to partake in a
fieldwork experience that provides the opportunity for application of
acquired skills in a clinical setting with a range of clients.
Fieldwork placement requirements include CPR Level HCP (Health Care
Provider) and standard first aid certification, a clear vulnerable
police check prior to semester 2, immunization review form and
completion of a mask fit test.
Upon graduation, students work as
physiotherapist assistants or occupational therapist assistants in
hospitals, nursing homes, seniors' residences, schools, rehabilitation
centres, and the private industry. Occupational therapist assistants
deal with treatment that helps individuals improve their ability to
perform daily activities, such as dressing or feeding themselves.
Physiotherapist assistants focus on the large motor functions such as
strength, balance and range of motion.