Diploma in Interdisciplinary Therapy Assistant
The Interdisciplinary Therapy Assistant diploma program prepares students to work in today's interdisciplinary health-care systems. This program will provide students with a strong occupational and physical therapy assistant background, and incorporate essential assistant-level skills in speech language therapy and therapeutic recreation. Equipped with skills in these four rehabilitation disciplines, students will be prepared to meet industry demand and work in various general therapy, rehabilitation, as well as discipline-specific positions.
If you enjoy helping people and want a career assisting patients to overcome injuries or impairments, this diploma program could be for you.
The program delivers theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills using a balance of discipline-specific and interdisciplinary courses.
Program graduates will be prepared to:
communicate and collaborate as a valuable member of a client-centred interdisciplinary health-care team
assist with effective physical therapy and occupational therapy practice by providing safe and competent care across client populations
support other rehabilitation disciplines, including therapeutic recreation and speech-language pathology
demonstrate effective professionalism, leadership, and reflective practice skills
There are two main ways to complete the program:?
In person
2 years
Attend face-to-face classes at our Edmonton campus with instructors and classmates. Due to the more demanding course load, this in-person option is best suited for students who can commit to full-time studies each term. All courses must be taken in the preplanned order. For options to complete the program part-time in person over 3-4 years, consult with the program area for a customized learning plan.
Intakes
- Jan
- Sep
Application Processing Time in Days: 30
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
Graduating interdisciplinary therapy assistants will have the ability to work within both the public and private health-care systems as multi-skilled professionals. The key role of therapy assistants is to provide direct and indirect client care which focuses on recovering function through rehabilitation under the supervision of a therapist.
The therapy assistant also plays a key role in collaborating and communicating with all stakeholders to optimize services, and in continually maintaining and enhancing their level of competency. Settings can include private clinics, hospitals, continuing care centres, rehabilitation centres, clinics, and home care.
Employers advertise for therapy assistants frequently using the following terms:
therapy assistants
rehabilitation assistants
physical therapy assistants
occupational therapy assistants
health care assistants
therapy aides
For more information on related careers see:
ALIS OCCinfo occupational profiles
ALIS WAGEinfo salary info
PSW Opportunity
Eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):
Graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
Desire to stay in Canada temporarily for work.
Important Note:
Graduating from a DLI doesn't automatically qualify you for a PGWP.
Validity of PGWP:
Depends on the length of the study program or the expiry date of your passport, whichever comes first.
Duration of PGWP Based on Study Program Length:
Less than 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials): Not eligible for PGWP.
At least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials), but less than 2 years: PGWP may be granted for the same length as the study program (e.g., a 9-month program results in a 9-month PGWP).
2 years or more: PGWP may be valid for 3 years.
Completion of Multiple Programs:
PGWP may combine the lengths of each program if:
Each program is PGWP eligible.
Each program is at least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials) in length.
Important Restriction:
You cannot obtain a PGWP if you already had one after completing an earlier program of study.
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
English language proficiency requirements
If English is your second language, you must provide proof of English language proficiency before admission. These results must be no more than two years old when you start your program.
Test scores we accept:
IELTS Academic: 6; no section score below 5.5
TOEFL iBT: 71
Cambridge English Language Assessment: 170-179
CAEL: 60
PTE Academic: 54
Duolingo: 105
minimum of 80% in ESLS 7000 or ESLS 7100 (or ESLG 2101), and 80% in ESLW 7000 or ESLW 7100 (or ESLG 2103)
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Under Graduate Diploma or Certificate
- Duration: 02 Year
-
Total Tuition Fee:
43623 CAD
Average Cost of Living: 22895 CAD /year
Application Fee: 150 CAD