Diploma in Occupational Therapist Assistant/Physical Therapist Assistant, Medicine Hat College

Medicine Hat, Alberta

24 Months

Check Eligibility

About this course

This two-year diploma program at Medicine Hat College provides comprehensive classroom training combined with practicum experiences, preparing students to work under the guidance of occupational therapists (OT) and physiotherapists (PT). The program emphasizes helping clients of diverse ages and conditions to regain independence in daily activities, mobility, and pain relief, through therapies, assistive devices, electrotherapy, and other modalities. It serves as an excellent foundation for those aiming to pursue further studies in occupational therapy or physical therapy. The curriculum includes both classroom learning and fieldwork, with opportunities to work in hospitals, clinics, community centers, schools, and home care settings. The program also features flexible start dates and a unique approach where many courses are shared with a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant program, giving students a solid core that can be tailored to their specific interests.

Why this course is highly recommended

Medicine Hat College has a pioneering reputation in the field, being the first in Western Canada to offer formal education for OTA, PTA, and SLPA career paths. Its strong industry partnerships, ongoing collaboration with professional groups, and accreditation by the OTA & PTA Education Accreditation Program underscore its leadership. The extensive fieldwork opportunities and practical skills training ensure graduates are well-prepared for employment across hospitals, clinics, schools, and community health organizations, making it a promising start for those interested in health and rehabilitation careers.

Specialisation

The program uniquely integrates training for both Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physical Therapist Assistant roles. It also shares a common curriculum base with the Speech Language Pathologist Assistant program for the initial courses, allowing students to build a broad foundation in rehabilitation support before specialising further. This approach offers a versatile educational pathway tailored toward careers in health and community services.

Course fees

Application fees

10.57L

1st year tuition fees

10.57L

Living cost

Degree requirements

To qualify for this diploma program, applicants typically need a high school diploma with specific courses such as ELA 30-1 or ELA 30-2, Biology 30, and at least one other 30-level science or Math course, all with minimum grades of 60%. Multiple admission routes exist, including high school, mature student, or transfer student pathways, with requirements varying slightly. International students must also meet English proficiency standards, such as an IELTS score of 7.0 overall with no band below 7.0.

English language test

PTE

TOEFL

IELTS

DUOLINGO

120

Career prospects

Graduates can seek employment in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, community health agencies, schools, private clinics, and government organizations focused on mental health, vocational rehabilitation, and continuing care. The program’s rigorous training and fieldwork prepare students for diverse roles supporting client recovery and mobility, with opportunities for advancement and further study, including a third-year option to complete a Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant program.

FAQs

What are the start dates for the program?

The onsite program begins in September, while the online program offers start dates in September and January.

Are there fieldwork requirements?

Yes, students must complete fieldwork placements across various settings in Canada, which are unpaid and full-time. These placements may require travel, and participation is mandatory for program completion.