PGWP-eligible Program
An Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistant is a versatile healthcare professional who assists licensed occupational therapists and physiotherapists in providing comprehensive rehabilitative care to patients. With a broad skill set, they support individuals of various age groups in enhancing their physical, cognitive, emotional, and developmental well-being. By implementing treatment plans, guiding patients through exercises, teaching adaptive techniques and monitoring progress, these professionals contribute to improving functional independence, mobility, and overall quality of life. Their dedication helps patients recover from injuries, surgeries and medical conditions, facilitating their journey towards regaining strength, flexibility and overall physical well-being.
Ontario has seen a growing need to support the aging population, individuals with disabilities as well as those with rehabilitative needs or injuries. Occupational therapists, physiotherapists and their assistants are much needed health care professionals responsible for helping individuals to recover and maintain their physical abilities while managing functional limitations associated with a range of acute/chronic conditions.
Unique to Seneca’s approach, in the first semester of the program you’ll learn two-eyed seeing; a theoretical concept of seeing the world through both Indigenous and Western perspectives.
The program delivery model will explore a mix of delivery modes that include an in-person hands on component as well as online, hybrid and flexible classes. You’ll gain practical experience in our brand-new, on-campus simulation lab and through robust work placements that span more than 500 hours. This allows you to apply in-class learning to a workplace, while building a professional network and ensuring you are career-ready upon graduation.
Learn more about the OTP program. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the curriculum, discover career options and hear answers to some frequently asked questions.
All students are required to purchase their own lab coat, goniometer, soft retractable measuring tape and stethoscope. Details about where to purchase these supplies will be provided ahead of first semester.
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
Communicate appropriately and effectively with clients, families and others
Practice competently in a legal, ethical and professional manner
Document and complete client records in a thorough, objective, accurate and non-judgmental manner
Contribute to the development, implementation and modification of intervention/treatment plans, under the supervision of and in collaboration with the occupational therapist or physiotherapist
Incorporate principles of equity, inclusion, belonging and Indigenous understanding of health and wellness into professional practice to optimize client care
Students will be exposed to their professional environment by completing four mandatory work placements spread across semesters two, three and four. Students must be in good standing and meet all requirements prior to participating in the work placements. The successful completion of all four placements is required for graduation. Eligibility for participation does not guarantee that a particular placement will be secured.
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| May 2025 | King | Open |
| Sept. 2025 | King | Open |
Please note that availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| May 2025 | King | Open |
| Sept. 2025 | King | Open |
Please note that availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.
This program meets Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility requirements.
This program is offered in Seneca's hybrid delivery format with some courses available in Seneca's flexible delivery format. Some coursework is online and some must be completed in person. Students will need to come on campus to complete in-person learning requirements. In courses delivered in the flexible format, using interactive learning spaces, professors teach in person to students in a physical classroom or lab and stream to students online at the same time. Students have a choice of coming to campus for an in-person experience or learning online.
Learn more: Seneca’s program delivery options and how courses in this program will be delivered each term.
Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:
occupational therapy and physiotherapy clinics
hospitals
extended care facilities
other healthcare facilities
