Physical Therapist Assistant / Occupational Therapist Assistant Diploma
Overview
Faculty of Health and Community Studies
Department of Allied Health and Human Performance
MacEwan.ca/PTAOTA
The Physical Therapist Assistant & Occupational Therapist Assistant (PTA & OTA) major prepares students to work in the fields of physical therapy and occupational therapy, providing patient treatment interventions related to movement and function. PTAs & OTAs assist people to gain or maintain strength, flexibility, and functional status. In addition to working with people with physical health problems, they also work with people with emotional/mental health problems.
Career Potential
PTAs & OTAs work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, subacute units, rehabilitation hospitals, mental health programs, physical therapy clinics, schools, and home care. To succeed in this field, people should possess patience and flexibility, as they will work with people who are under physical and emotional stress. Creativity, manual dexterity, and an interest in fitness are assets, as is the ability to work in a team environment. The employment rate for graduates is currently 100 per cent.
Admission to the program is competitive and is subject to a quota.
Therapist Assistant Program
The are two major programs of study in the two-year Therapist Assistant diploma:
- Speech Language Pathologist Assistant
- Physical Therapist Assistant and Occupational Therapist Assistant
Contact Information
T: 780-497-5221
Toll-free: 1-888-633-3042 ext. 5221
E: therapistassistant@macewan.ca
PROGRAM OFFICE
Robbins Health Learning Centre
Room 9-407, 10910 - 104 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2
T: 780-497-4567
Program Requirements
The following program requirements are needed to complete the credential. Refer to the Student Plan as this plan identifies the usual course schedule.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| HLSC 104 | Applied Human Anatomy 1 | 3 |
| HLSC 105 | Applied Human Physiology 1 | 6 |
| INTD 105 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| THAS 103 | Pathology 1 | 4 |
| THAS 115 | Human Development 1 | 4 |
| THAS 116 | Functional Anatomy and Orthopedics 1 | 4 |
| THAS 117 | Principles and Techniques of Client Contact 1 | 3 |
| University-level English (includes WRIT 101) | 3 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| THAS 210 | Field Placement I 2 | 4 |
| THAS 211 | Field Placement II 2 | 4 |
| THAS 212 | Field Placement III 2 | 4 |
| THAS 220 | Exercise in Physical Therapy 1 | 5 |
| THAS 221 | Modalities and Acute Care Interventions in Physical Therapy 1 | 4 |
| THAS 222 | Occupational Therapy in Mental Health 1 | 4 |
| THAS 223 | Occupational Therapy in Physical Dysfunction 1 | 5 |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
- 1
The minimum grade required for this course is a C-.
- 2
The grade required for this course is a CR.
The minimum passing grade for a course at MacEwan University is a D unless otherwise noted next to the appropriate course in the program of study.
Course Substitutions
| Credit Earned in: | May Be Substituted for Credit in Program Course: |
|---|---|
| HLST 101 | INTD 105 |
Student Plan
Students must follow the Student Plan (listed below) to complete this credential in the year(s) indicated by the plan. Students must consult with a program Academic Advisor regarding any deviation from the Student Plan, as this may extend the time it takes to complete the program. The student plan may be subject to change.
| Year 1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Credits | Term 2 | Credits |
| HLSC 1041 | 3 | THAS 1151 | 4 |
| HLSC 1051 | 6 | THAS 1161 | 4 |
| INTD 105 | 3 | THAS 1171 | 3 |
| THAS 1031 | 4 | University-level English (includes WRIT 101) | 3 |
| 16 | 14 | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| Term 1 | Credits | Term 2 | Credits |
| THAS 2201 | 5 | THAS 2102 | 4 |
| THAS 2211 | 4 | THAS 2112 | 4 |
| THAS 2221 | 4 | THAS 2122 | 4 |
| THAS 2231 | 5 | ||
| 18 | 12 | ||
| Total Credits 60 | |||
- 1
The minimum grade required for this course is a C-.
- 2
The minimum grade required for this course is a CR.
The minimum passing grade for a course at MacEwan University is a D unless otherwise noted next to the appropriate course in the program of study.
Admission Requirements
Applicants may be admitted to one of the following:
Regular Admission
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 65 percent, with no course grade lower than 50 percent, in the following high school courses:
- ELA 30-1 or ELA 30-2
- Biology 30
- One subject from Group C
- Two subjects from Group A, B, C, or D
Notes:
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to present a broad range of subjects across the humanities and sciences in order to benefit from the breadth of learning and to increase flexibility of future course choices.
- A maximum of two Group B subjects; they must be from different disciplines.
- A maximum of one Group D subject. Group D subjects used for admission must be one five-credit subject or any credit combination of at least five credits (e.g., two three-credit subjects).
Mature Admission
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Applicants must be 20 years of age or older and have been out of full-time high school at least one year by the beginning of the intake term. Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 65 percent, with no course grade lower than 50 percent, in the following high school courses:
- ELA 30-1 or ELA 30-2
- Biology 30
- One subject from Group C
Previous Post-Secondary Work
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Admission in this category does not imply or guarantee the transfer of any coursework and/or credential unless a block transfer agreement (internal or external) is in effect and published in the calendar by the Office of the University Registrar. In addition, transfer of coursework does not imply or guarantee that an applicant will be admitted.
Applicants must have successfully completed:
- A minimum of 18 post-secondary credits with a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale and must have successfully completed Biology 30.
Additional Admission Criteria
All applicants must meet the following:
1. English Language Proficiency
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Applicable to All Admission Categories
All applicants must meet an acceptable level of English language proficiency. We will require official documents such as high school or post-secondary transcripts or proof of successful completion of standardized language evaluation. Full details are available in MacEwan’s academic calendar or online at MacEwan.ca/ELP.
2. Other Admission Criteria
To be evaluated through the Program
Applicable to All Admission Categories
Applicants offered admission must present a clear Police Information Check (or equivalent from another policing agency) that includes a Vulnerable Sector Search. The Police Information Check must be submitted by the published document deadline and have been issued within three months of the start of the program intake term.
Program Regulations
Regulations Governing Clinical Fieldwork Courses
Students must achieve satisfactory performance in all clinical fieldwork placement courses in accordance with the course/clinical criteria and outcomes. Fieldwork education must include a minimum of 500 clinical hours, of which no less than 150 hours are to be completed in each discipline (physical therapy and occupational therapy). Clinical fieldwork placement hours may include days, evenings, nights and weekends. Students are to arrange their own transportation for required program activities and any costs incurred for meals, travel and accommodation are the student’s responsibility. Students will require daily access to a vehicle for any clinical fieldwork experience not accessible through public transportation. Students cannot attend clinical agencies as a MacEwan University therapist assistant student except at times and locations authorized by the clinical fieldwork placement instructor for the course in which the student is currently enrolled. Students must comply with the Work Integrated Learning policy regarding clinical fieldwork practice and/or placement as well as other applicable policies and regulations of the university and the host agency. Students must have completed all prerequisite courses as well as all program and agency pre-clinical requirements prior to the start of any clinical fieldwork placement course. In accordance with the Work Integrated Learning policy, the university reserves the right, at any point during the clinical fieldwork placement, to remove a student from the clinical fieldwork placement for serious performance issues (i.e., engaging in behaviour that places the client and/or others at risk or that is contrary to the professional or safety requirements of the placement). In such cases the Chair, through consultation with the Dean, will assign a grade of NCR (or F) in the course. For further information, refer to the Work Integrated Learning policy.
In accordance with the Academic Standing policy, the performance of a Student in a clinical, field placement, ensemble setting, or equivalent learning activity may be reviewed at any time. If the student’s performance is inadequate relative to the standards required in the student’s program, the student may be placed on probation or required to withdraw from the program. For further information, refer to the Academic Standing policy.
Police Information Check
Students must meet the specific Police Information Check (PIC) requirement as set out in the admission criteria for the duration of the program or they may be required to withdraw from the program.
Students are responsible for obtaining a PIC at intervals specified by clinical agencies or the program and making these available, upon request, to their clinical agency representative. Students may also be required to obtain an Intervention Record Check for some clinical fieldwork placements. Any costs incurred are the responsibility of the student.
Students whose PIC status changes following program admission must self-report this change in status; this may compromise the student’s ability to complete the program requirements as they may be denied required clinical fieldwork placements and, therefore, be unable to meet graduation requirements.
Immunization
Students must be able to meet agency requirements for immunizations prior to the start of all clinical fieldwork placement courses. Current immunization against specified communicable diseases is required as a prerequisite for clinical fieldwork placements and thus for continued enrolment in the program. Students must meet the specific immunization requirements prior to the start of the third term. Documentation of these requirements must be provided to the program by the start of the third term. Failure to meet the specified immunization requirements may result in a student being denied an approved clinical fieldwork placement and, therefore, be unable to meet graduation requirements. Any costs incurred are the responsibility of the student.
CPR – Basic Life Support for Health Care Provider (C) or Equivalent
Students must meet the specific CPR requirements prior to the start of the third term. The certification must be for Health Care Providers and include one and two person rescuers (adult, infant, child), bag-valve masks, and automated external defibrillation (AED). Certification must be current, with no grace period provided for clinical fieldwork courses. Documentation of these requirements must be provided to the program by the start of the third term. Failure to meet the specified CPR requirements may result in a student being denied an approved clinical fieldwork placement and, therefore, be unable to meet graduation requirements. Any costs incurred are the responsibility of the student.
First Aid – Basic
Students must meet the specific First Aid requirements prior to the start of the third term. Documentation of these requirements must be provided to the program by the start of the third term. Failure to meet the specified First Aid requirements may result in a student being denied an approved clinical fieldwork placement and, therefore, be unable to meet graduation requirements. Any costs incurred are the responsibility of the student.
N95 Mask or Equivalent
Students must be fitted for an N95 mask (or equivalent) as a prerequisite for clinical fieldwork experiences, and refitted in accordance with health agency requirements. It is the responsibility of the student to meet the required timelines for mask fitting. Any costs incurred are the responsibility of the student.
Subsequent Therapist Assistant Credential
Students who have previously completed the Therapist Assistant Diploma - Physical Therapist Assistant & Occupational Therapist Assistant Major at MacEwan University may pursue a subsequent credential to complete the Speech Language Pathologist Assistant Major. Students must meet the requirements outlined in the Subsequent Credentials Procedure. Contact an academic advisor for more information.