PHYSIOTHERAPY ASSISTANT / OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT

Diploma Program Length: 63 Weeks 49 weeks Classroom, 14 weeks Fieldwork Placement Introduction to Rehabilitation and Terminology Introduction to Computer Applications Career Management CPR and First Aid Introduction to Rehabilitation, the Healthcare System and Ethics Medical Terminology for Physiotherapist Assistants Physiotherapy Fundamentals Human Anatomy, Physiology and Diseases/Disorders Introduction to Occupational Therapy PTA Program Administration and Program Support Mental Health, Illness and Disability Developmental Psychology and Functional Development Across the Lifespan Basic Patient Care, Functional Movement and Rehabilitation Physiotherapy Techniques PTA Therapeutic Techniques 1: Musculoskeletal PTA Therapeutic Techniques 2: Modalities and Physical Agents PTA Therapeutic Techniques 3: Cardiac, Neurological and Respiratory Management and Specialty Areas Occupational Therapy Techniques I Advanced Interpersonal and Communication Skills Group Intervention in Occupational Therapy Fitness and Wellness Occupational Therapy Techniques II OTA Therapeutic Techniques for Older Adults OTA Therapeutic Techniques for Children OTA Therapeutic Techniques in Mental Health Communication Disorders Professional Skills PTA/OTA Fieldwork Placement Keyboarding - Continuous Learning Throughout Program 8 Weeks 16 Weeks 8 Weeks 6 Weeks 10 Weeks 1 Week 14 Weeks Program HIGHLIGHTS Include: canfitpro Personal Training Specialist Certification Membership with the Canadian Physiotherapist Association (CPA) 500 hour practicum placement Anatomy workshop at the University of Guelph Registered and Approved Diploma Career Services Job Search Assistance Alumni Program Benefits NOTE: In order to continuously improve our programs, trios College reserves the right to modify programs at any time. Program delivery order may vary depending on program start date. This diploma may not be available at all campuses. The program may have additional reading weeks, depending on start date. trios College is registered and approved as a Private Career College under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: High School Graduation Diploma or Mature Student Status (18 years of age and academic achievement test passed). In addition, an entrance examination must be successfully passed; demonstrated fluency in English (oral and written) and an Admissions Interview to determine suitability for a career as a Physiotherapy Assistant / Occupational Therapy Assistant. All students enrolled in the Physiotherapy Assistant / Occupational Therapy Assistant program must be in good general health, produce a negative (clear) police check and obtain a Medical Certificate (free of communicable disease with up-to-date immunization status). Hepatitis B immunization is strongly recommended. Individuals considering a career as a Physiotherapy Assistant / Occupational Therapy Assistant should enjoy working with people, be compassionate, patient and possess the ability to listen, as well as being physically able to assist in patient lifts and support. FIELDWORK PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS: A clear CPIC Vulnerable Sector Check is required prior to the start of the fieldwork placement. This will also be required to work in hospitals and government subsidized healthcare organizations such as long-term care facilities. ACCREDITATION POLICY: Like all post-secondary institutions in Ontario, trios College reserves the right to accept or deny advanced standing into its programs. Rev. 0114 0114 PTA / OTA Page 1 of 6

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS High School Graduation Diploma or Mature Student Status (18 years of age and academic achievement test passed). In addition, an entrance examination must be successfully passed; demonstrated fluency in English (oral and written) and an Admissions Interview to determine suitability for a career as a Physiotherapy Assistant / Occupational Therapy Assistant. All students enrolled in the Physiotherapy Assistant / Occupational Therapy Assistant program must be in good general health, produce a negative (clear) police check and obtain a Medical Certificate (free of communicable disease with up-to-date immunization status). Hepatitis B immunization is strongly recommended. Individuals considering a career as a Physiotherapy Assistant / Occupational Therapy Assistant should enjoy working with people, be compassionate, patient and possess the ability to listen, as well as being physically able to assist in patient lifts and support. FIELDWORK PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS A clear CPIC Vulnerable Sector Check is required prior to the start of the fieldwork placement. This will also be required to work in hospitals and government subsidized healthcare organizations such as long-term care facilities. ACCREDITATION POLICY Like all post-secondary institutions in Ontario, trios College reserves the right to accept or deny advanced standing into its programs. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Diploma trios diplomas will be granted only to students who successfully complete all courses in the program with a passing grade of 60% (or a grade of complete where applicable). As well, students must meet the minimum Standards of Satisfactory Scholastic Progress as set out in our Student Handbook. For programs that include an internship, all internship hours must be completed and a final grade of Pass must be achieved for the internship. Diploma with Honours Where an overall average of 90% is maintained and a student meets all standards related to contact hours, the student is eligible for "Honours" status upon graduation and such status will be recorded on his/her Diploma and Official Transcript. Diploma with Distinction Where an overall average of 80% is maintained and a student meets all standards related to contact hours, the student is eligible for "Distinction" status upon graduation and such status will be recorded on his/her Diploma and Official Transcript. ALUMNI BENEFITS As a trios graduate, it's not the end of your relationship with trios it's just the beginning. When you graduate from trios, you are entitled to Alumni Benefits upon your annual no-fee registration. We are proud to offer you a wide range of services, discounts and networking opportunities that will serve you throughout your career. Check out our Alumni link on our website for current Alumni Benefits information: http://www.alumnilink.ca PROGRAM OVERVIEW The purpose of the program is to prepare students with the necessary skills and academic knowledge for entry-level Physiotherapy Assistant and Occupational Therapy Assistant positions in hospitals, private rehabilitation clinics, rehabilitation centres, and long-term care facilities, retirement homes and other settings that provide rehabilitation services. This program provides an overview of the theory, principles, and practices of the Physiotherapy Assistant and the Occupational Therapy Assistant. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Physiotherapy Assistants and Occupational Therapy Assistants administer rehabilitation treatments to patients under direction of and as assistants to a Physiotherapist and/or an Occupational Therapist. Work settings include hospitals, private rehabilitation clinics, rehabilitation centres, long-term care facilities, retirement homes, sports medicine clinics, community health care agencies and other medical settings. Graduates of this program may also become certified as a Personal Training Specialist and pursue a career as a Personal Trainer providing one on one coaching or working in a fitness facility. Note: Some career and education options may require advanced degrees, further training or experience. 0114 PTA / OTA Page 2 of 6

CAREER MANAGEMENT Our Career Management program educates students in the steps necessary to achieve career fulfillment as a result of a successful job search. These steps include self-assessment and promotion by creating a skills inventory ; marketing strategies and techniques; necessary considerations before, during and after an interview; tips on what to do after the job offer including evaluating the offer; and suggestions on how to attain and maintain job success. Students are also taught how to create effective job search tools including resumes, cover letters and professional portfolios. Career Management enables students to apply the most current and proven strategies available to achieve employment in the career of their choice. THE trios LEARNING PROCESS Delivering high quality career training since 1994, trios College has developed a unique, Instructor-led learning system that ensures success for our students. It starts with proper assessment and selection of a program that fits each student's career goals. Our classes feature a stimulating learning environment led by experienced instructors who have industry experience. We regularly offer instructor-training programs for our faculty to ensure that they have the skills to transfer knowledge to our students. The Instructors bring real-world problems into the classroom to demonstrate the application of technology and learning. Students receive personalized coaching throughout their program by our Instructors, Campus Director and Employment Specialists, all of whom are available to assist in understanding our curriculum as well as employment and career related issues. INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER APPLICATIONS This course equips students with the knowledge and skills to use a personal computer. Students are introduced to the basics of operating systems and software, focusing on the fundamentals of the Microsoft Office Suite. INTRODUCTION TO REHABILITATION, THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM AND ETHICS The first part of this course introduces students to the field of rehabilitation within the Canadian health care system. Topics include a comparison of the medical model, the rehabilitation model, and the client-centered model of patient care; severity and types of disability; rehabilitation team members and their roles; rehabilitation principles and goals; the health care system, social services and funding services; the therapeutic relationship; ethical and legal issues in rehabilitation; and moral dilemmas of the health care setting such as patient rights allocation of health-care resources, and special dilemmas of health-care professionals, for example sexual harassment. The second part of this course prepares students to interact effectively with peers, professional staff, clients and families. Using simulated client interviews and role-playing, students identify and respond to verbal and non-verbal forms of communication and identify factors that facilitate or obstruct effective interaction and communication. At the same time, because of the multicultural, multiethnic nature of Canadian society, emphasis is placed on understanding and developing the skills and techniques needed to communicate effectively in a multicultural environment. Students also learn about the elements of professionalism such as work ethic, lifelong learning, integrity and personal skills. MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY FOR PHYSIOTHERAPY ASSISTANTS This course is designed to introduce students to the foundations of the language of medicine. Students develop an understanding of medical vocabulary in the areas most relevant to physiotherapy. Students will also become familiar with abbreviations most commonly used in the field. Topics include medical terminology and basic word structure; terminology related to body structure; terminology related to the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems; and basic terminology related to pharmacology. FIRST AID AND CPR This course provides participants with comprehensive First Aid and CPR Level C training techniques and knowledge to respond to emergencies in the home or workplace. Several topics are covered from basic first aid such as cardiovascular and breathing emergencies, bone and joint injuries and severe bleeding. 0114 PTA / OTA Page 3 of 6

HUMAN ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY AND DISEASES/DISORDERS This course provides the student with an introduction to the structures and functions of the human body, with an emphasis on the musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular and respiratory systems as they pertain to physiotherapy. Disorders of these systems are examined. The course also discusses other systems of the body, and how all systems function in the maintenance of homeostasis. Correct anatomical, medical and scientific terminology is taught throughout the course. PTA ADMINISTRATION AND PROGRAM SUPPORT This course introduces students to administrative functions within the clinical environment. Topics include: office administrative skills such as telephone and reception skills, appointment scheduling, filing, billing, correspondence and mail processing, photocopying, equipment and supply maintenance and how to assist with meetings. Workload Measurement statistics are also covered. INTRODUCTION TO OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY This course provides students with an introduction to the field of Occupational Therapy with a specific focus on Occupational Therapy Assistants and their role in clinical practice as it applies to physical dysfunction. Topics covered include history and theory related to occupational therapy, the role of the Occupational Therapy Assistant, the Occupational Therapy process, and Occupational Therapy evaluation methods, broad aspects of treatment, and selected treatment interventions and treatment applications. MENTAL HEALTH, ILLNESS AND DISABILITY This course introduces students to mental health/illness and how these issues related to their role in assisting occupational therapists and physiotherapists in the management of common mental health and psychosocial disabling conditions. Students will become familiar with the following topics: history and theory of medical and psychological models of mental health and illness, mental health/illness treatment settings and service provision, common mental health and psychosocial disabling conditions, psychotherapeutic medications, the role of occupational therapy and physiotherapy in the treatment of clinical conditions commonly seen in the psychiatric setting, health maintenance in the area of mental health, and how to effectively interact with clients who have a psychiatric disability. DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY AND FUNCTIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACROSS THE LIFESPAN This course introduces students to human development from infancy to old age, including cognitive, social, emotional and motor development. The purpose of this course is to help students become familiar with normal changes throughout the lifespan, so they will be able to distinguish between normal developmental changes and those that are pathological in nature. In addition, this course will help students develop a more holistic view of the clients with whom they will be working, as well as gain insight into the developmental changes in their own lives. BASIC PATIENT CARE TECHNIQUES, FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT AND REHABILITATION This course provides students with the basic knowledge and skills required to interact safely and effectively with a variety of clients in situations, categorized by (1) functional movement and (2) rehabilitation. Topics include infection control; safe body mechanics; functional movement, posture and gait; basic therapeutic exercise and mobility techniques; safe transfer techniques; safe and effective use of various types of ambulatory aids; patient observation skills; procedures for reporting and documentation. PTA THERAPEUTIC TECHNIQUES 1: MUSCULOSKELETAL This course allows students to develop skills related to the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders in three major areas. First, the course examines common disorders of the musculoskeletal systems including those caused by trauma and disease. Examples of conditions examined include: arthritis, ligament injuries, overuse injuries, amputations and musculoskeletal disorders related to pregnancy. Second, this course introduces the 0114 PTA / OTA Page 4 of 6

student to physiotherapy techniques used to treat common musculoskeletal disorders, with an emphasis on therapeutic exercise. Third, the course reviews principles of goniometry and gives the student experience performing goniometry. The course introduces the student to basic principles of bracing and tensor bandaging. PTA THERAPEUTIC TECHNIQUES 2: MODALTIES AND PHYSICAL AGENTS This course provides students with the knowledge and basic skills required to assist with setting up, carrying out, and completing patient treatment procedures using a variety of physical agents, equipment and electrotherapeutic modalities. Emphasis is placed on safety issues, and the importance of follow through on reporting observations to the supervising physiotherapist. Principles of equipment maintenance and care are also covered. PTA THERAPEUTIC TECHNIQUES 3: CARDIAC, NEUROLOGICAL AND RESPIRATORY MANAGEMENT AND SPECIALTY AREAS The overall focus of this course is to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to assist in the treatment of clients with neurological, cardiovascular and or respiratory conditions including: cerebrovascular accidents, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, heart disease, and acute and chronic respiratory diseases. Topics include gross motor function, motor control, postural control and balance, monitoring vital signs, bed exercises, breathing exercises, postural drainage techniques, ROM and mobility activities. Students develop an awareness of the role and boundaries for Physiotherapy Assistants when interacting with clients with neurological and other serious impairments. Basic wound care and specialized interventions in geriatrics and pediatrics are also covered in this section. ADVANCED INTERPERSONAL AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS This course is designed to give students the opportunity to practice the interpersonal and communication skills required to work effectively in a health care team. Through an experiential learning approach, students practice the following skills: leading teamwork, setting team goals, resolving conflicts, building group cohesion, problem-solving and evaluating team performance. GROUP INTERVENTION IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY This course prepares students to assist in the design and delivery of group treatment programs in occupational therapy. The course uses an experiential learning approach to help students apply the principles of group intervention directly to their own experience. Through interactive laboratory experiences, students learn how to lead an occupational therapy group and experience the potential benefits and challenges of group intervention. As a final assignment, students work in teams to write a group protocol for a client population of their choosing. FITNESS AND WELLNESS This course uses the curriculum developed for canfitpro s (Canadian Fitness Professionals) Personal Training Specialist Course to provide students with the training necessary to evaluate, design and monitor individual and small group fitness programs for clients without specific health problems. Students apply their understanding of the musculoskeletal, pulmonary, cardiovascular and nervous systems to fitness, wellness and basic training principles. They learn how to screen and assess new personal training clients, how to incorporate a warm-up, cardiovascular exercise, resistance training and cool-down into a safe and effective workout, and how to provide basic counseling on nutrition and weight management. In addition, the course will help students apply their understanding of fitness and wellness to rehabilitation programs by describing principles of health promotion, disease prevention and a wellness approach to rehabilitation. By the end of this course, students will be eligible to take the canfitpro s theory and practical exams and become certified as Personal Training Specialists with canfitpro s. OTA THERAPEUTIC TECHNIQUES FOR OLDER ADULTS This course is designed to prepare the Occupational Therapy Assistant for work with older adults. It begins by exploring current societal views of aging, and discussing the rewards and challenges associated with working with older adults. The rest of the course focuses on the management of sensory, neurological, cognitive, musculoskeletal, 0114 PTA / OTA Page 5 of 6

cardiovascular and respiratory disorders common in an older population. Students will expand the skills developed in introductory courses by further examining common treatment techniques, such as the use of wheelchairs and assistive devices, within the context of enabling occupation in older adults. OTA THERAPEUTIC TECHNIQUES FOR CHILDREN This course examines the use of occupational therapy interventions for children and adolescents with occupational performance problems due to developmental, cognitive, behavioural or physical disorders. OTA THERAPEUTIC TECHNIQUES IN MENTAL HEALTH This course builds on previous coursework in the program by focusing specifically on the therapeutic skills used by OTAs when working in a mental health care setting. Students will learn techniques designed to enable occupation in adult clients with major psychiatric disorders. Through practical lab sessions, students will develop basic skills such as the ability to observe and describe behaviours, how to respond to mental health symptoms and behaviours, and group leading techniques. FIELDWORK PLACEMENT On successful completion of the classroom hours of this program, students will be placed in a 500-hour placement at an outside organization. Students have to complete no less than a minimum of 30% (150 hours) of the total hours in each discipline (physiotherapy and occupational therapy), during which time they will have the opportunity to apply their newly developed knowledge and skills in a realworld environment. Host sites include hospitals offering inpatient and outpatient physiotherapy and occupational therapy services; rehabilitation clinics; long term care facilities offering physiotherapy, occupational therapy and restorative care services; and private rehabilitation clinics. Note: In order to continuously improve our programs, trios College reserves the right to modify programs at any time. Program delivery order may vary depending on program start date. Not all programs are available at all trios College locations. The program may have an additional 1-2 reading weeks, depending upon start date. We recommend a typing speed of 40 WPM be achieved by graduation. COMMUNICATION DISORDERS This course provides students with an overview of major speech and language problems that can impair the rehabilitation client's ability to communicate effectively. Students learn strategies to improve interactions with clients with communication disorders, and are introduced to common augmentative/ assistive communication devices. The course also provides students with a basic understanding of swallowing and swallowing disorders. PROFESSIONAL SKILLS In this course, students learn and develop the skills and strategies required to function successfully in a professional setting using self-discovery, group work and peer review methods. Areas explored include the elements needed for developing a professional work ethic; strategies for presenting oneself professionally; the importance of various interpersonal skills to function effectively in the workplace; and the value of developing problemsolving and critical-thinking skills for job performance success. 0114 PTA / OTA Page 6 of 6