PixelEvent
loading

Rehabilitation Assistant (OTA & PTA)

Canadian Students
International Students

Program Details

  • Rehabilitation Assistant (OTA & PTA)

  • Program Code: 574
  • Credential: Diploma
  • Duration: 9 Semesters
  • School of Health Sciences
  • Area: Health Sciences
  • Domestic Applications: CLOSED
  • International Applications: CLOSED
Compare To View Another Program
SHOW PROGRAM DETAILS:

Program Overview

Print Overview
Location/Delivery Modes & Dates
  • OA
    Online - Asynchronous - September 2025

Healing in motion.

Rehabilitation assistants are integral members of a health care team that work under the supervision of and in collaboration with Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists. They contribute to the safe and effective delivery of activities outlined in treatment plans for clients experiencing temporary or permanent limitations in occupational performance and/or functional movement. Their role varies depending on the practice setting, which may include rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, long-term care facilities, community settings and private practices. Rehabilitation Assistants work with individuals, families and groups, helping clients achieve optimal physical, psychosocial and cognitive function.
 
This part-time program is delivered through online learning, offering flexibility and fostering collaboration and interaction. A cohort model supports collaboration with classmates and minimizes isolation often associated with distance education. Online courses are enhanced by laboratory sessions and 19 weeks of structured clinical placements. Students complete five clinical placements throughout the program.
 
As a graduate of this program, you will be equipped with the technical knowledge and practical skills required to work as a rehabilitation assistant in hospitals, health centres, community organizations, rehabilitation facilities and long-term care facilities. You will have the opportunity to work with patients to advance their independence and function – playing a meaningful role in their healing journey.

Do you have a strong desire to help others and want to embark on a meaningful career path? Make your move – apply now!


 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
  • A combination of virtual and lab learning
  • 19 weeks of clinical practice
  • Upon graduation, apply to the Rehabilitation Assistant (OTA and PTA) program to receive dual certification
  • Graduates with one certification from OTA or PTA from another institution are eligible for advanced standing into the Rehabilitation Assistant program; entry point will be determined on a case-by-case basis
DID YOU KNOW?
  • Some rehabilitation assistants choose to specialize in a specific area of rehabilitation, such as neurorehabilitation or geriatric rehabilitation, while others may choose to pursue further education and become a rehabilitation therapist.
  • They help individuals with physical, cognitive or emotional impairments to achieve their maximum level of independence and function.
  • In Canada Rehabilitation Assistants deliver treatment plans established by Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists, but do not perform patient assessments.[1]

 
PROGRAM MISSION, VISION AND PHILOSOPHY
Mission:
Fostering an educational experience that equips students with theoretical knowledge and technical skills required to work as Rehabilitation Assistants.

Vision:
Sustaining Canada’s most accessible Rehabilitation Assistant Diploma program through innovative post-secondary education strategies.

Philosophy:
Providing a vital supporting role in the delivery of efficient and effective rehabilitation services.
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the Rehabilitation Assistant (OTA/PTA) program, graduates will be able to:
  1. Apply the academic knowledge and skills outlined in the competency profiles for Physiotherapist Assistants (Canadian Physiotherapy Association) and Occupational Therapist Assistants (Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists).
  2. Apply the learned academic knowledge and skills in clinical practice.
  3. Apply effective communication skills and professional behaviors.
  4. Perform delegated therapeutic skills safely and effectively under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist.
  5. Provide the community with skilled Rehabilitation Assistants who can serve their employers and clients with the highest degree of competence.
CURRICULUM
This part-time, 3-year program offers online asynchronous classes and flexible lab options. Students may attend labs onsite at Prince Philip Drive campus, join live virtually, or access recordings. Clinical placements are available through NL Health Services (NLHS), in private practices, or in other provinces. Out-of-province students can complete training remotely.

Graduates are prepared to support physiotherapists and occupational therapists in diverse healthcare settings. The program aligns with competencies promoted by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT).
CERTIFICATIONS
Students will complete the following during the program:
  • Mask fit testing

Note: Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation requires the use of an approved respirator when there is potential for exposure to airborne hazards. This program requires respirator use and you must be fit tested on the respirator approved for your program. A fit test ensures the respirator is suitable to you, sized appropriately, and provides a tight seal. It will also educate you on respirator use and care. Facial hair impacts the fit of respirators, therefore, students with facial hair will be required to be clean shaven at the time of fit testing and every time you wear a respirator. Your instructor will arrange fit testing. If you have a medical condition that could affect your ability to wear a respirator, you must be assessed by a health care provider before being fit tested. Your provider will need to confirm that it is safe for you to use a respirator. If you are unable to pass a fit test, alternative respirator options may be available; however, these options are more expensive, and students are responsible for any associated costs
CLINICAL PLACEMENTS
Clinical placements are a required element of this program, and students will be assigned placements at approved training sites. There is no guarantee that students will receive a placement at their preferred clinical site. All expenses associated with the completion of clinical placement will be the responsibility of the student. 

Students require a clear Certificate of Conduct (Criminal Record Check and Vulnerability Sector Check) to be permitted into a clinical placement. Students with an unclear Certificate of Conduct are advised to contact student.placements@cna.nl.ca prior to beginning the program.
 
ACCREDITATION
The Rehabilitation Assistant program at College of the North Atlantic has been accredited by the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program (OTA & PTA EAP) in collaboration with Physiotherapy Education Accreditation Canada (PEAC) and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT). The status of Accreditation was granted to the program on November 30, 2024 for the period until November 30,2030.

Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program
Suite 26, 509 Commissioners Road West
London, Ontario
N6J 1Y5
(226) 636-0632
www.otapta.ca
 
REFERENCES

[1] Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, info sheet; [Click here and type the title of this document]

Admission Requirements

At the time of application to the Rehabilitation Assistant program, applicants MUST be completing or have completed one of the following:

1. High School
High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% overall average in the following (or equivalent):
i. English 3201 (minimum 60%) 
ii. Mathematics chosen from:
Advanced:  2200, 3200 (50% minimum in each course)
Academic:  2201 (50% minimum), 3201 (60% minimum)
iii. Science – one option below:
a. Biology: 2201 and 3201 (minimum of 50% in both courses)
b. Physics: 3204 (minimum of 50%)
c. Chemistry: 3202 (minimum of 50%)
d. Earth Systems: 3209 (minimum of 50%)
iv. Electives (2 additional credits) chosen from any of the remaining 3000 level courses offered in the Senior High School Program.
Note: Starting with the 2024-2025 Academic Year intake, applicants that have completed BL3201 after September 2020, will be required to have completed both BL2201 & BL3201.
2. College Transition (prior to 2024, students would have completed Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition)
College Transition Certificate with the following courses:
i. English (minimum 60%): CM1060, CM1061
ii. Math (minimum 60%): MA1040, MA1041
iii. Science - one option below:
a. Biology: BL1025, BL1026 (minimum of 50% in both courses)
b. Chemistry: CH1035, CH1036 (minimum of 50% in both courses)
c. Physics: PH1055, PH1056 (minimum of 50% in both courses)
Note: It is strongly recommended that College Transition students who intend to enroll in the Rehabilitation Assistant (OTA/PTA) program complete both of the Introductory Biology courses.
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with Degree and Technical Profile (overall 60% average) including the following courses (or equivalent):
i. English (minimum of 60%) 3101A, 3101B, 3101C or 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
ii. Mathematics (minimum of 60%) 1101A, 1101B, 1101C, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
iii. Science - one option below:
a. Biology 1101, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C (minimum of 50% in all courses)
b. Chemistry 1102, 2102A, 2102B, 2102C, 3102A, 3102B, 3102C (minimum of 50% in all courses)
c. Physics 1104, 2104A, 2104B, 2104C, 3104A, 3104B, 3104C (minimum of 50% in all courses)
Applicants with Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with a different Profile (and appropriate grades) may be eligible for admission to the program provided the appropriate selection of courses including those outlined above have been completed.
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, must be at least 19 years at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.

Note: Students meeting academic entrance requirements are accepted on a first qualified, first accepted. Before final acceptance is granted, additional documentation must be submitted.

Note: The School of Health Sciences requires the following minimum English language proficiency scores for applicants whose first language is not English (IELTS Academic Test overall band score of 7.0, Speaking 7.0, Listening 7.5, Reading 6.5 and Writing 7.0). ESL students only – must meet School of Health Sciences English proficiency as outlined in Policy No. AC-102-PR.

Additional Requirements Upon Acceptance

1. Complete a HS Student Information and Program Awareness Package, which includes:

  • Criminal Record Screening (RNC) or Criminal Record Check (RCMP)
  • Vulnerable Sector Check (RNC or RCMP)
  • NL Student Preplacement Immunizations and Communicable Diseases Screening Form

Notes: 
  • Applicants with a criminal offense listed on their Criminal Record Check may be denied access to clinical placements and may be unable to complete their program. Acceptance of the Criminal Record is at the discretion of the clinical placement site.
  • The applicant is responsible for ensuring that all medical requirements are met, and health screening records are complete before submission. Certain immunizations require a series of tests or vaccines, requiring weeks or months to complete. Start the process as early as possible.
  • The applicant is responsible for all associated costs (vaccinations, laboratory testing, healthcare visits, certificate of conduct fees, etc.).

Courses

COURSES

CODE TITLE Hrs/wk
Semester 1   Cr Le La
TA1150 Intro to Musculoskeletal Anatomy 4 3 2
TM1130 Medical Terminology 3 3 0
CM1270 Communications in Health Care 3 3 0
         
Semester 2   Cr Le La
TA1142 Orientation to Rehabilitation 5 4 1 wk
PS1420 Health Care Organization and Structure 3 3 0
TA1395 Anatomy & Physiology for Rehabilitation Assistants 4 3 2
         
Semester 3   Cr Le La
TA2221 Communication Disorders in Rehabilitation 2 2 0
HG1300 Professional Practice 3 3 0
TA1601 Introduction to Clinical Skills 2 1 3
         
Semester 4   Cr Le La
TA1612 Advanced Clinical Skills 3 2 3
TA1231 Human Movement and Kinesiology 4 3 2
TA2140 Disease, Injury and Intervention I 4 4 0
         
Semester 5   Cr Le La
TA1701 Clinical Placement I 2 0 2 wks
TA2141 Disease, Injury and Intervention II 4 4 0
TA2521 Mental Health Concepts and Techniques 2 2 0
         
Semester 6   Cr Le La
TA2685 Therapeutic Skills I for PTA 5 4 3
         
Semester 7   Cr Le La
TA2751 Clinical Placement II for PTA 5 0 5 wks
TA2671 Therapeutic Skills I for OTA 5 4 3
HG1681 Ethics in Health Care 3 3 0
         
Semester 8   Cr Le La
TA2150 Community Rehabilitation and Wellness for the Older Adult 3 3 0
TA2615 Therapeutic Skills II for the Rehabilitation Assistant (OTA & PTA) 6 5 4
TA2741 Clinical Placement II for OTA 5 0 5 wks
         
Semester 9   Cr Le La
TA2710 Clinical Placement III for the Rehabilitation Assistant (OTA & PTA) 6 0 6 wks

Tuition & Fees

Canadian Students
The confirmation fee is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance. It is required in order to hold your seat in the program.
Mandatory Fees

Application Fee - $30.00 (per program)

A non-refundable fee required for each application submitted to the College | Application Page

Application fees are only refundable if the program does not go ahead, and the applicant does not want to transfer the application to another program.

Confirmation Fee - $105.00 (per program annually)

A non-refundable annual fee due upon confirming acceptance into each program. This covers registration and student association services and must be paid each academic year.

Academic Audit Fee - $50.00 (once per program)

A one-time fee assessed for auditing academic records during your program.

Technology Fee - $83.00 (per semester)

A semester-based fee to support student access to software, internet, and digital services across all campuses.

Full-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Health Sciences $1,301.00 (per semester) $625.00 (per semester)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs $320.00 (per course)
Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

International Students
A fee, which is applied toward program tuition and compulsory fees and includes a deposit fee, is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance.
Mandatory Fees

Full-Time Student Fees
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Health Sciences $4,685.00 (per semester) $2,344.00 (per semester)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs $1,046.00 (per course)
Estimated Program Costs

The document below provides a summary of estimated program costs for international students applying to the 2026–2027 academic year. Please note that all amounts are approximate and subject to change without notice. These costs apply only to international applicants.

Download Estimated Program Costs (PDF)

Making Payments

Application Fee

If applying online, the application fee must be paid via credit card during the submission of your application to College of the North Atlantic.

Tuition and Other Payments

College of the North Atlantic has partnered with PayMyTuition for all international tuition payments. All tuition payments, unless otherwise noted, can be paid via PayMyTuition.

  • Payments can be made from any bank, in any country, and in any currency.
  • Offers better than bank exchange rates.
  • Fast, secure, and cost-effective.
Please note that you can only use PayMyTuition once you have been assigned a CNA student number.

Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

College of the North Atlantic reserves the right to cancel or alter the delivery date and location of any program offering and delivery method, and will do so in a timely manner in order to minimize the impact on applicants.

News

Our Related News

View All News
TOP