Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant
Seneca College, Canada
Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant
Seneca Polytechnic
Health Sciences — Rehabilitation & Therapy
Program Overview: Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant at Seneca Polytechnic
The Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant (OTP) program at Seneca Polytechnic prepares you for a rewarding healthcare career by equipping you with the skills to assist licensed occupational therapists and physiotherapists in delivering comprehensive rehabilitative care. You will learn to support individuals of all ages in enhancing their physical, cognitive, emotional, and developmental well-being through the implementation of treatment plans, guided exercises, and adaptive techniques.
Unique to Seneca's approach, the first semester introduces two-eyed seeing — a theoretical concept that integrates both Indigenous and Western perspectives on health and wellness. The program uses a mix of delivery modes including in-person hands-on components, online, hybrid, and flexible classes, giving you practical experience in a brand-new on-campus Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy simulation lab.
With Ontario's growing need to support an aging population, individuals with disabilities, and those with rehabilitative needs, graduates of this program enter a high-demand field. The program meets Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility requirements, making it an excellent choice for international students looking to build a healthcare career in Canada.
Key Program Highlights
- Over 500 hours of mandatory work placements across four clinical rotations in the Greater Toronto Area, ensuring you graduate career-ready.
- Hands-on training in a state-of-the-art on-campus Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy simulation lab.
- Integration of Indigenous perspectives through the two-eyed seeing framework, promoting holistic understanding of health and wellness.
- PGWP-eligible program validated by the Ontario Credential Validation Service as an Ontario College Credential.
Curriculum and Course Modules
The OTP program is structured across four semesters, combining foundational health science theory with progressive clinical skill development. Courses cover anatomy, therapeutic techniques, client-centred care, and professional practice, with mandatory work placements beginning in the second semester and continuing through graduation.
Anatomy and Physiology for Rehabilitation
CoreProvides foundational knowledge of the human body's musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular systems as they relate to occupational therapy and physiotherapy practice.
Occupational Therapy Foundations
CoreIntroduces principles of occupational therapy including client-centred assessment, adaptive techniques, and strategies for enabling occupational performance across diverse populations.
Physiotherapy Foundations
CoreCovers fundamental physiotherapy concepts including therapeutic exercise, mobility training, and physical rehabilitation techniques under the supervision of a physiotherapist.
Interprofessional Health Care Practice
CoreDevelops skills for effective communication and collaboration within interprofessional health care teams, emphasizing ethical practice, documentation, and client safety.
Indigenous Perspectives in Health and Wellness
CoreExplores the two-eyed seeing framework, integrating Indigenous and Western perspectives on health and wellness to promote culturally inclusive client care.
Clinical Work Placement
CoreFour mandatory field placements spread across semesters two, three, and four in clinical settings throughout the Greater Toronto Area, totalling over 500 hours of supervised practice.
Elective and General Education Courses
Admission Requirements
Admission to the OTP program is competitive and requires a secondary school diploma or equivalent. International applicants must also meet Seneca Polytechnic's English language proficiency requirements. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance on your application and eligibility.
Academic Requirements
- Secondary EducationOntario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent from your home country
- Minimum GradesPassing grades in required subjects in the final year of high school
- Mature ApplicantApplicants 19 years or older without an OSSD may be considered as mature applicants
- Clinical PreparednessAfter admission, students must complete a Clinical Preparedness Permit including immunization records, police check, and CPR certification
- Health RequirementsCurrent immunization records, bloodwork for immune status of Hepatitis B, Varicella, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
English Language Requirements (Diploma Programs)
- IELTS AcademicMinimum overall band score of 6.0, with no band below 5.5
- TOEFL iBTMinimum score of 80
- Duolingo English TestMinimum score of 105
Required Documents
Intake Periods
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Seneca Polytechnic offers several financial support options for international students enrolled in the OTP program. Contact Uni4Edu for the latest information on available scholarships and assistance with your funding applications.
Seneca International Entrance Scholarship
Up to CAD 5,000Available to international students starting a new program. Scholarship amounts are based on the number of years of study, and an application fee credit may also be provided.
Seneca Academic Excellence Award
VariesRenewable scholarship for students who maintain strong academic performance throughout their studies. Eligibility is determined based on Grade 12 grades or grades from a previous postsecondary program.
Seneca Bursaries and Financial Aid
VariesNeed-based financial assistance available to enrolled students facing financial hardship. Contact Uni4Edu to learn about eligibility criteria and the application process.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects for OTP Graduates
Graduates of the OTP program enter a growing healthcare field with strong employment demand across Ontario and Canada. As an Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistant, you will work under the supervision of licensed therapists in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, long-term care facilities, and community health settings, helping clients improve their functional independence and quality of life.
Potential Job Roles
Types of Employers
Rankings and Recognition
Seneca Polytechnic is one of Canada's largest and most respected polytechnic institutions, consistently recognized for its career-focused programs, strong industry partnerships, and high graduate employment rates. As a polytechnic institution, Seneca is evaluated through national college rankings rather than traditional university ranking systems.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Health Sciences Programs | Ontario College Quality Assurance | Credential Validated |
| Applied Sciences and Technology | National College Surveys | Highly Rated |
| Graduate Employment Rate | Key Performance Indicators (Ontario) | Contact Uni4Edu for current data |
| Industry Partnerships | National Recognition | Leading in Canada |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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