Attend an Occupation Therapy University or College Program and Assist People in Gaining Independence
If you've ever been in an accident that required you to attend physical
therapy or have seen a family member or friend relearn to walk or dress
him or herself following an accident, you'll know how important
occupational therapist assists (OTAs) and physiotherapist assistants
(PTAs) are. These professionals assist people who have often been
through a life-altering experience that requires them to perceiver when
they want to give up. In addition, they assist developmentally and
physically challenged people to gain the skills they need to attain a
level of independence. In these times of rehabilitation, OTAs and PTAs
are encouraging and patient. They also understand that sometimes the
progress is slow.
In order to train for this sensitive but
essential field, students must attend an occupation therapy university or college programs, such as
Centennial College's Occupational Therapist Assistant/ Physiotherapy
Assistant undertaking, which results in an Ontario College Diploma. If
you are interested in applying for this undertaking, 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.
Once
students have been accepted, they participate in a variety of courses
that combine practical and academic study. Specific courses within the
OTA/PTA program include: Principles of Psychology (introduces learners
to the theoretical and practical discipline of psychology); The Health
Care System (focuses on the evolution of the Canadian Health Care System
and its origins both federal and provincial); Normal Functions and
Movement (provides students with an ease in handling and moving,
describing the human body in motion, based on theoretical and practical
study of functional movement); and many others. Through these courses,
students learn to document and complete client records, develop and
implement strategies that will benefit clients, and formulate exercise
plans. Students also obtain a relevant knowledge of health sciences,
psycho-sociological sciences and health conditions.
Aside from
in-classroom learning, students of this occupation therapy program
participate in a fieldwork experience that provides the opportunity for
application of acquired skills in a clinical setting with a range of
clients. There are important fieldwork placement requirements that
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 centers, and the private industry. Both jobs
include shared tasks such as: conducting initial interviews with
patients, carrying out observations, updating client records, supporting
clients in reaching their goals, assisting with physical activity and
exercises, and keeping work areas tidy. But what is the difference
between the two professions? 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.
