Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant

This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. It will begin with an introduction to the organization and the cellular/tissue basis of the human body. The systems that will be focused on in this course are: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and special senses.

This course contributes to the learning outcomes, knowledge and skills required to function as a safe, competent occupational therapist assistant and physiotherapist assistant. This course examines normal functional movement and its components. The learner's ability to correctly observe, facilitate and enhance functional movement through proper handling techniques are developed through lecture and lab. Proper techniques for recording and reading vitals is introduced. Foundational documentation skills are taught.

Communications 1 for Health Professionals is an introductory course that provides a foundation in college-level communications relevant to professions in health. In this course, students learn to read critically, write appropriately for a variety of audiences, conduct research, cite references, revise for clarity and correctness, and present those results in various formats. In seminars, labs, and modules students will engage in both independent and collaborative activities relevant to health studies, including the development and presentation of a research assignment to help them become more effective communicators in academic and professional environments within in the field of health.

This functional course will provide an overview of the Ontario Healthcare System. Students will examine the interdisciplinary role of healthcare professionals. Based on examination, students will dialogue about current issues and trends that impact the Ontario healthcare system, within the context of sustainability.

This introductory course will provide an overview of the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant profession. The working relationship between occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and their assistants within the health care system will be examined. Issues impacting the profession such as scope of practice, documentation, accountability, confidentiality and boundaries will be explored.

Human development across the lifespan will be studied by exploring the interrelationship between biological, psychological and sociocultural influences from conception to end of life. Upon completion of the course, learners will have an understanding of individual development, in addition to the impact of lifespan development on families and communities. Learners will have the opportunity to follow an individual's development throughout the lifespan, using a variety of biopsychosocial factors. 

This course is an introduction to the study of Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, and Inuit) peoples in Canada. Students will explore the complex historical and contemporary relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. The course will also guide students to begin to understand the diversity and depth of Indigenous societies, worldviews, and knowledge through a multi-disciplinary lens. 

This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of human anatomy and physiology as they pertain to the following systems: Cardiovascular, Lymphatic, Endocrine, Immune, Respiratory, Urinary, Fluids & Electrolytes/Acid-Base and Reproductive.

Communications II, building on the foundation of Communications I, is a blended course that teaches students to write and communicate for a variety of professional situations. In seminars, labs and online modules, students will develop a professional portfolio that demonstrates their abilities to meet the challenges of a changing workplace.

This course examines the structures of the musculoskeletal system and introduces learners to principles, types, goals and specific applications of exercise. Therapeutic tools used in OT & PT exercise and mobility programs will be described and demonstrated.

This course contributes to the attitudes, knowledge and skills required to function as a safe, competent occupational therapist assistant and physiotherapist assistant. Gait, mobility aids, and assistive devices are introduced. Select evaluation methods and outcome measures are taught and reinforced in the lab. Accessibility issues are raised and investigated throughout the course.

This course builds on material taught in semester one with a focus on developing the professional, interpersonal & teamwork skills required of the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant.

This course introduces learners to a variety of health conditions that may result in physical or mental impairments, activity limitations or participation restrictions. Learners will gain an understanding of the various conditions that they may encounter as occupational therapist assistants and physiotherapist assistants. OT and PT treatment goals, along with relevant precautions and contraindications are highlighted.

This course will elaborate on the concepts, techniques and approaches used in the provision of occupational therapy services. Learners will integrate knowledge regarding evaluation and treatment of occupational performance areas in the implementation of intervention plans. Learners will acquire hands-on experience with a variety of therapeutic techniques used in the management of acute and chronic musculosketetal, neurological, cardiorespiratory and mental health conditions.

This course will elaborate on the concepts, techniques, and approaches used in the provision of physiotherapy services. Learners will integrate knowledge regarding evaluation and treatment of a variety of acute and chronic musuloskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory conditions. Students will gain hands-on experience with a variety of therapeutic techniques, including applied modalities.

This course provides the student with an opportunity to observe and perform select skills in a workplace setting. A two day a week placement in the front or back half of the semester provides for integration and reinforcement of theory and skills.

This course will provide students the opportunity to develop qualities required to be a global citizen and lifelong learner.

This course is designed to promote the critical thinking, problem solving and decision making skills needed in the provision of assigned occupational therapy and physiotherapy services. Small groups will explore clinical cases across specific age groupings.

Field Experience II is the students' second placement course, is offered in the winter semester (fourth semester students). It is a two day a week placement, students have in person classes on the other three days. Currently there is no class time associated with this course.

This course allows the student to perform selected skills in a workplace setting under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist and/or Physiotherapist in one or two workplace settings. An eight-week full-time placement provides for integration and reinforcement of theory and skills learned in all previous semesters of study.

This course will integrate a variety of topics relevant to the practice of the occupational therapist assistant and physiotherapist assistant. Selected themes from previous courses will be examined in greater depth with a focus on a community project designed to promote advocacy, 'giving back', and understanding of community partnerships.