Occupational Therapist Assistants and Physiotherapist Assistants: Job Description and Educational Requirements
Occupational therapist assistants (OTAs) and physiotherapist assistants (PTAs) help people return to independence following an illness, injury, emotional disability, a functional disability or development of age under the supervision of registered occupational therapists and physiotherapists. They help patients and retain and relearn skills to promote movement and improve function to perform self-care. The focus is on developing and establishing therapeutic relationships with the clients and helping them relearn skills to perform everyday activities.
Additional job roles and responsibilities of OTAs and PTAs may include:
- Communicating through verbal, non-verbal, written and electronic means with patients and understanding their needs
- Documenting and maintaining client records in an accurate manner
- Implementing treatment plans developed by occupational therapists and physiotherapists
- Helping patients as they perform specific exercises
- Educating patients on how to use specific tools
- Reporting to occupational therapists or physiotherapists about developments (positive and negative) in patients
- Answering phone calls for their bosses
- Taking a note of specific activities performed with the patients
- Understanding and recording patients response at various stages of a treatment plan
The exact job description may vary depending upon employment, and individual qualification and work experience.
Career Prospects
Jobs in this field are generally full-time and professionals are expected to work to accommodate specific needs of patients. The job prospects are bright as healthcare facilities are keen on hiring qualified and experienced OTAs and PTAs, in order to offer enhanced patient care.
The professionals can find employment with hospitals, independent occupational therapists and physiotherapists, nursing homes, senior’s residences, extended care facilities, clinics, schools, rehabilitation centres, community healthcare department, acute care facilities and long-term care facilities. They may work with infants, children, adults or seniors.
Building a Career as Occupational Therapist Assistants or Physiotherapist Assistants in Canada
The first step towards building a rewarding career as occupational therapists or physiotherapists is to enrol into an occupational therapy university or college program after secondary education. A number of educational institutes in Canada offer occupational therapist assistant and physiotherapist assistant programs. Unfortunately, not all offer practical fieldwork experience, which is a necessary requirement to enter the world of work. Therefore, it’s of utmost importance to choose a college that offers comprehensive education and practical training in this field and helps you meet your career goals.
Centennial College’s two-year post secondary OTA & PTA program provides students with the knowledge, educational tools, training and hands-on-experience to meet career challenges. Students benefit from high academic standards, personal attention by faculty and the opportunity to develop skills in an environment equipped with a wide range of tools used in the industry.
OTA and PTA Program
The OTA and PTA program covers a wide range of subjects including
- Introduction to occupational therapy and physiotherapy
- Anatomy and physiology
- The healthcare system
- Normal function and movement
- Issues in health aging
- Orientation to rehabilitation practice
- Conditions impacting function
- Physiotherapy interventions
- Human lifespan development
- Establishing therapeutic communication
- Rehabilitation practice
- Mental health concepts and techniques
The additional areas of development include effective communication, decision making, critical thinking and respect and caring for the uniqueness of individuals.
Enrolment Guide
In order to apply for this program, you will need:
- Secondary school diploma or equivalent
- English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent
- Biology or Exercise Science, Grade 11 C or University
Additional requirements include:
- Annual clear police check with vulnerable sector screening
- A recognized course in CPR
- A recognized course in Standard First Aid
- Mast fit testing
- Pre-clearance health form from a registered medical practitioner
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