Physical Therapy Assistant

Program Overview

If you enjoy helping people and want a career assisting patients to overcome physical injury or disability, this diploma program could be for you. Our program prepares you with the theoretical knowledge and therapeutic skills needed to begin your challenging career as a physical therapy assistant. You may assist with treatments and exercises, monitor patients, and perform other tasks as required. The two sixweek practicum experiences give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in physical therapy settings. The NorQuest College PTA diploma program offers crossover domain options to better prepare graduates to work in a multidisciplinary setting.

Before applying to this program, you are strongly advised to meet with the coordinator of Allied Health Careers and complete a career investigation report. During this interview, you will learn about the program and the career opportunities available to you as a physical therapy assistant. The coordinator will assist you to determine whether the program is a proper fit for you and your career goals. Please contact Allied Health Careers at 780.644.6395 for more information.

Distance Delivery

For further information on distance learning study options. Students in the Physical Therapy Assistant distance program will be required to attend an on-campus workshop for assessment of practical skills before starting their practicum experience.

Career Potential

As a physical therapy assistant, you may find employment in rehabilitation hospitals, acute care centres, physical therapy clinics, continuing care centres, special care facilities, schools, and home care programs.

FFor information on related occupational profiles (keyword physical therapy), see www.alis.gov.ab.ca/occinfo.

Transferability

The following Physical Therapy Assistant diploma courses have university transfer credit: COMM 1011, COMM 2011, ENGL 2550, HEED 1000.

Diploma graduates are eligible for block transfer credit into the Bachelor of Professional Arts program with a major in Human Services, Bachelor of Science (Post Diploma) program, and Bachelor of Health Administration program at Athabasca University. The amount of transferable credit is specific to each program. NorQuest is currently negotiating block transfer into the Bachelor of Science (Post Diploma) in Human Services program at Athabasca University.

Diploma graduates are eligible to apply for entry into the Bachelor of Technology in Technology Management degree program at NAIT.

NorQuest is currently negotiating block transfer into the Bachelor of Health Science program and the Bachelor of General Studies program at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia, and the Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation program at the University of Calgary. The amount of transferable credit is specific to each program.

Additional credit transfer agreements with various institutions are currently in negotiation.

Admission Requirements

• 18 years of age
• • Grade 12 diploma*
• 50% in English 30-1 or English 30-2 or equivalent
• 50% in Grade 10 Math or equivalent
• 60% in Biology 30 or equivalent
• English and math skills assessment
• Up-to-date immunization record
• Health status questionnaire
• Must have the physical and mental abilities required for lab and practicum experiences
• CPR - Basic Life Support for Health-Care Providers certificate (Level C) required before practicum experiences begin
• Clear criminal record check; must include vulnerable sector check (More than one criminal record check may be necessary during the length of your program, in accordance with practicum requirements.)**

English Language Proficiency

If English is your second language, you must provide proof of English language proficiency (ELP) prior to admission. Acceptable evidence of ELP may be one of the following:

1. CLBA with an average score of 8 and with no skill score below 7
2. TOEFL Internet-based test score 84, with no section score below 21
3. Academic IELTS 6.0, with no band scores below 6.0
4. CAEL 60, with no subtest below 60

Note: Meeting the English language proficiency requirement does NOT exempt the applicant from meeting the English academic course work required for admission to this program.

Provisional Admission

An applicant may be granted provisional admission to this program. A student who has provisional admission must satisfy certain conditions within the first year of enrolment and by the date specified in the offer of admission. Conditions will be stipulated in the admission letter. Access to courses, activities, and practicum experiences may be limited until all provisional requirements are met. Provisional admission may be offered only to applicants who have a clear security clearance.

Prep for Therapy Assistant Admission Route

An alternative admission route to this program may be obtained by successful completion of the Prep for Therapy Assistant program.

Progression

Students must attain a pass grade in each course to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses.

Credential

After successfully completing all program requirements, graduates will be awarded a NorQuest College Physical Therapy Assistant diploma.

Honours Criteria

• Overall grade point average (GPA) greater than or equal to 3.7
• The student has not failed or repeated any courses.

Tuition and Fees

2010–11 Tuition and Fees (pdf)

2010-11 Program and Supplies Fee & Textbook Rental Fee (pdf)

Program Outline (2010/11)

Cross-over domain options may be taken at any time.

Year 1

Year 2

Last updated: April 29, 2008