Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Asst.-2025/2026
| Level 1 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| WRIT-1048 | Reason & Writing 1 for Health Sciences | 3 | ||
| This course will introduce health sciences students to essential principles of reading, writing, and reasoning at the postsecondary level. Students will identify, summarize, analyze, and evaluate multiple short readings and write persuasive response essays to develop their vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and critical thinking. | ||||
| HLTH-1289 | Rehabilitation & the Healthcare System | 2 | ||
| The role of the rehabilitation professional is evolving to meet the changing needs of the population. The practitioner must understand this role and how it relates to other health professionals within the Canadian healthcare system. Students become familiar with the healthcare system in Canada and the responsibilities at each level of government. Focus is on the evolution, relevant legislation, and current challenges in the system. Class discussion acquaints students with the history of rehabilitation and the principles guiding its practice. | ||||
| HLTH-1284 | Development Across the Lifespan | 3 | ||
| Students will examine development across the lifespan, from pre-natal to end of life. This includes normal development and the variations to the norm as a result of the impact of internal (nature) and external (nurture) factors, as well as factors that contribute to resiliency at different stages of life. The role of the OTA/PTA is explored throughout the course in supporting physical, cognitive, and social development at each stage. | ||||
| HLTH-1307 | Intro to Exercise & Physiology | 3 | ||
| ANAT-1045 | Anatomy & Physiology 1 | 3.5 | ||
| Students acquire knowledge of structure and functions within the human body. Students explore the following systems under normal conditions: skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, and special senses. Basic sciences underlying physiological concepts are also highlighted. | ||||
| HLTH-1290 | Professional Practice | 3 | ||
| In healthcare, practitioners deal with diversity in culture, values, and beliefs that sometimes lead to ethical issues and conflicts. The principles of professional practice are explored as students examine self-awareness, conflict management, cultural diversity, and professional boundaries, including privacy and confidentiality. Students will develop knowledge and skills in workplace safety and patient engagement, and will develop their communication skills and a professional portfolio. | ||||
| PSYC-1001 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | ||
| This introductory course in psychology provides students the opportunity to review some of the major theories and research findings from various branches of psychology. Special attention will be given to implications and applications that are specific to issues in policing, law and security. The following topics will be covered: brain and behaviour, sensation and perception, learning, memory, sleep, drugs, stress, social relations, personality, and psychological disorders. | ||||
| Level 2 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| COMM-3067 | Professional Communications | 3 | ||
| This course develops written and oral communication skills for students in both human services and health sciences fields. Students demonstrate the ability to write multiple examples of workplace materials. Focus is placed on research and academic writing, career development, professionalism in the students' field, and communication strategies to deal effectively with different demographics. By preparing promotional materials to market themselves in their specific field, researching and documenting current issues, and delivering short presentations to their peer group, students gain skills in effective workplace communication. | ||||
| ANAT-3017 | Therapeutic Skills-OTA | 3.5 | ||
| This course emphasizes how the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions requires the healthcare professional not only to treat the physical impairment, but also to examine its impact on occupational performance. Through a combination of lectures, labs, and simulation activities, students learn the principles of occupational therapy and how to execute the treatment plan for musculoskeletal conditions. Students also become familiar with various types of assistive devices to promote functional independence in cases where the condition requires a prolonged recovery. Students practice appropriate documentation during lab work. | ||||
| ANAT-3014 | Anatomy & Physiology 2 | 3 | ||
| Building on the knowledge of human anatomy gained in the areas of anatomy and physiology, students examine how the musculoskeletal system is used to move the body through different planes of movement. Through a series of lectures and labs, students examine in detail the functional movement of each joint and the body as a whole. | ||||
| ANAT-1038 | Musculoskeletal Conditions | 4 | ||
| Students investigate the musculoskeletal conditions that are commonly seen in the rehabilitation setting. Through a series of in-class lectures and presentations, students systematically examine conditions in each area of the musculoskeletal system and how they can be evaluated. Students examine the mechanisms of injury, healing process, recovery, and treatment protocols of common musculoskeletal conditions. | ||||
| ANAT-1039 | Musculoskeletal Skills-PTA | 2.5 | ||
| Students will be introduced to many therapeutic interventions that can be applied to patients diagnosed with a musculoskeletal condition. Through practical labs and in-class lectures students learn how to safely and effectively use ROM, strength, and modality techniques when working with patients with musculoskeletal conditions. Students also become familiar with various mobility aids and lifts and transfers. Students practice appropriate documentation during lab work. | ||||
| FLDP-1032 | Clinical Placement 1 | 3.75 | ||
| The introductory fieldwork placement is the student's first exposure to a variety of rehabilitation therapy settings. Placement experiences allow for observation and the discovery of the role of the OTA/PTA. Working alongside healthcare professionals, students refine skills in communication and workplace professionalism while continuing to build on knowledge of various rehabilitation conditions. | ||||
| PSYC-1133 | Mental Health in the Canadian Context | 3 | ||
| Mental health is a critical component of overall well-being, and it is critical to understand how the complexities of cultural and societal context impact our perspective of mental health. In this course, we review the current state of mental health in Canada. We discuss the stigma associated with mental illness and explore strategies for promoting mental health and preventing mental illness on the individual and collective levels. This course employs a dynamic and interactive format that includes lectures, discussions, and case studies. It is suitable for students interested in psychology, social work, healthcare, public health, sociology, and anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of mental health within the Canadian framework. | ||||
| Level 3 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| RESP-3023 | Cardio, Resp & Other Conditions-OTA/PTA | 2 | ||
| In the rehabilitation environment, patients present with multiple dysfunctions including cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Through lectures, students build on their knowledge of the normal functioning of these vital systems and gain an understanding of disease processes. During lab, students practice performing the interventions required to manage patients with these conditions. Students also learn and apply therapeutic skills and activities to improve occupational performance and maximize functional independence. | ||||
| RESP-3024 | Cardio, Respiratory & Complex Conditions | 2 | ||
| Students investigate the cardiorespiratory and complex conditions seen in the rehabilitation setting. Through a series of in-class lectures and presentations, students explore a selection of conditions based on broad diagnostic categories, encompassing cardiac, respiratory, and endocrine systems. Emphasis is on the impact of these conditions on the individual. | ||||
| ANAT-3016 | Anatomy & Physiology 3 | 1.5 | ||
| Building on the knowledge of human anatomy gained in the areas of anatomy and physiology, students examine how the musculoskeletal system is used to move the body through different planes of movement. Through a series of lectures and labs, students examine in detail the functional movement of each joint and the body as a whole. | ||||
| HLTH-1260 | Concepts in Mental Health | 3 | ||
| According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 20% of all Canadians experience a mental illness in their lifetime regardless of their age, education, income level, or culture. Through in-class lectures, students become familiar with the mental health system and the characteristics of common mental health disorders, their course, and intervention. Students will gain an understanding of the supporting role of the OTA/PTA in the treatment of patients with a mental health illness. | ||||
| FLDP-3035 | Clinical Placement 2 | 11.25 | ||
| Practising the skills and knowledge in a rehabilitation setting is essential in the learning process. During placement students apply learned theory and knowledge while further developing skills related to musculoskeletal and cardiovascular rehabilitation. Students become familiar with the clinical facility as they demonstrate professionalism and interpersonal skills. | ||||
| Level 4 | ||||
| Gen Ed - Take a 3 credit General Education elective course. | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| ANAT-5001 | Anatomy & Physiology 4 | 2.5 | ||
| This course builds upon information learned in the Anatomy & Physiology courses. In order to treat patients with neurological disorders it is important to understand the basic structure and function of the nervous system. Through a series of in-class lectures, students learn the structure and function of the central and peripheral nervous systems and how they relate to different disorders in the human body. | ||||
| HLTH-5027 | Neurological Conditions | 2 | ||
| This course builds upon knowledge learned in the Anatomy & Physiology courses. Students investigate the common neurological conditions seen in the rehabilitation setting. Through a series of in-class lectures and presentations students investigate a selection of disabling conditions based on broad diagnostic categories and encompassing neurological conditions across the lifespan. Emphasis is on the impact that these conditions present to the individual within the framework of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). | ||||
| HLTH-1264 | Neurological Skills-OTA | 2 | ||
| In neurological conditions, occupational performance can be achieved through a variety of therapeutic strategies. Students learn these strategies and their appropriate selection and application through hands-on lab work and case presentations. | ||||
| HLTH-1265 | Neurological Skills-PTA | 2 | ||
| A neurological disorder can leave patients with both motor and sensory impairments. Through classroom lectures and practical labs students learn the theories of therapeutic interventions and applications with the goal of promoting functional independence in patients with neurological conditions. | ||||
| HLTH-5028 | Communication Disorders in Rehab | 2 | ||
| Patients presenting with neurological impairments often have swallowing and communication challenges. The OTA/PTA provides support to patients in overcoming these barriers. Through online lectures and role-playing scenarios, students learn compensatory strategies and treatment techniques for effective swallowing and communication with a focus on patients with neurological disorders. | ||||
| Level 5 | ||||
| Take the following Mandatory Course: | ||||
| FLDP-5013 | Clinical Placement 3 | 11.25 | ||
| During the final fieldwork placement, students continue to acquire and refine abilities and professional behaviours as OTA/PTAs. Through these collaborative, practical learning experiences, students increase understanding of the role and gain confidence assisting the professional therapist. | ||||
| Gen Ed - Electives | ||||
| Take 3 General Education Credits - Normally taken in Level 4 | ||||
| Program Residency | ||||
| Students Must Complete a Minimum of 22 credits in this program at Fanshawe College to meet the Residency Requirement and Graduate from this Program | ||||