With ever-increasing numbers of aging people requiring assistance to continue a full life and with changes to the way health care services are delivered, the need has never been greater for Occupational Therapist Assistants and Physiotherapist Assistants.
The Lambton College Occupational Therapist & Physiotherapist Assistant, Ontario College Diploma program will train students to help people of all ages as they strive to recover and regain functional independence from injury, trauma, surgery, or chronic health conditions or illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, arthritis and mental illness. Students learn how to assist in implementing treatment plans that promote a client's independence in activities that are important to them.
This new and exciting program is being offered in the newly opened NOVA Chemicals Health & Research Centre. The unique program curriculum will engage students throughout a four-term program, as students learn how to assist clients to achieve their health goals. Students develop the ability to work with both professions as they focus their studies on occupational therapy and physical therapy education. The integration of in-class studies with hands-on experience is accomplished through rich experiential lab opportunities and practice in a variety of clinical fieldwork placement settings.
As with many other health-related fields, this program is suitable for compassionate, empathetic students who possess a concern for the well-being of others.
See Course List
Admission Requirements
O.S.S.D. or equivalent with:
- Grade 12 English C or U
- Grade 11 or 12 Biology C or U
-or-
Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry C or U
The admissions process is competitive and meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.
Lambton College reserves the right to alter information including admission requirements and to cancel at any time a program or course; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary
to meet current competencies or changes in the job market; to change the pathways third-party certification bodies; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications
or registrations or over-acceptance of offers of admission. In the event Lambton College exercises such a right, Lambton College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to Lambton College.
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, it is mandatory to own a reliable laptop to complete tests and assignments.
Course List
OPA-1183: Human Anatomy and Physiology I
This course is the first of two courses that provide a basic introduction to the structure and function of the human body. The micro and macro anatomy of selected organ system are examined, and the interrelation of physiology is discussed. The constituents of the body are introduced with focus on foundational concepts such as movement, support, and transportation. Course content is designed with OTA/PTA applications and acts as a framework for understanding rehabilitation of the human body.
OPA-1003: Human Movement and Functions
This course introduces learners to concepts of normal human movement within a three dimensional context. Students learn how to describe the body in motion as it relates to function and mobility. Students also explore concepts of posture including its dynamic transitions through activity. An introduction to basic patient handling and proper body mechanics for the Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA) and Physiotherapist Assistant (PTA) is reinforced.
OPA-1012: Introduction to Rehabilitation
This course introduces the definition and broad concept of rehabilitation including the various forms of its delivery. The specific fields of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy are explored with a focus on principles of theory and models of practice. A foundational understanding of professional practice begins to be formulated through an examination of the role and scope of practice for the OTA/PTA, professional organizations, and governing legislation.
OPA-2013: Clinical Conditions in Rehabilitation
This course outlines commonly encountered diagnoses and medical conditions where rehabilitation services are often indicated. A general overview of conditions, their causes and basic medical management are discussed. Emphasis however, is focused on how occupational and physical therapy approaches are used to facilitate recovery.
COM-1013: Critical Thinking and Writing
In this writing course, students respond to current issues and news articles via various styles of paragraphs and essays. Students strive for clarity of message and diplomatic expression of opinion based on fact. Students practice thinking critically and organize and hone their writing to ensure clarity and correctness in their messages. Critical Thinking and Writing lays the foundation for a subsequent research-writing course.
HGD-1013: Human Growth and Development
Using a developmental psychology lens this course focuses on providing students with an opportunity to improve understanding of development and self in the context of global community. Students will examine the human lifespan from infancy to old age, across physical, cognitive, social and personality contexts. Foundational theories, socio-cultural and historical context, as well as an examination of current issues unique to Canada, provide the learner with opportunities for critical thinking and a better understanding of the influences on their own development and self-awareness. Applied learning assignments provide learners with the opportunity to demonstrate learning while also adding to their co-curricular record. Global partnership, diversity and equity, epigenetic change, and transgenerational impact are recurring themes throughout.
GED-XXX3: General Education Elective
OPA-2183: Human Anatomy and Physiology II
This course is the second of two courses that provide a basic introduction to the structure and function of the human body. The constituents of the body are introduced with focus on foundational concepts such as communication, control, integration, and reproduction. Students will continue to develop their musculoskeletal knowledge base while expanding into interrelated body systems. Course content is designed with OTA/PTA applications and acts as a framework for understanding rehabilitation of the human body.
OPA-2003: OTA Skills: Occupation
This course highlights OT treatment as it applies to the three occupational domains of self-care, productivity and leisure. Techniques within the scope of the OTA role are thoroughly examined including core concepts of activity selection, activity analysis, grading and compensation / adaptation. Consideration of clients across age and diagnostic spectrums are achieved. Through course assignments and structured labs, students develop clinical skill-sets in preparation for Fieldwork Experience.
COM-2033: Communications for Health Sciences
This course, designed for students in the health field, further develops students' communication proficiency. Students create workplace documents and research reports and share their findings through oral presentations. Advocacy and peer education will drive the research and documentation process. Current health issues and research will serve as the impetus for creation of informed research reports and presentations.
PSY-1003: Psychology
This course focuses on how we behave. It is an attempt to understand ourselves and others. The primary goal of this course is to see psychology as an objective way of studying human experience.
OPA-2023: OTA/PTA Skills: Foundations of Therapeutic Exercise
Therapeutic exercise will be a large focus for this course. Students will begin to develop an understanding of the body's response to therapeutic exercise. Students will develop an appreciation for how strength, range of motion and stretch are key components to an effective treatment plan. Principles of indication and exercise prescription, as well as contraindications will be addressed. Lab session will allow the student to develop and practice handling techniques that promote safe and effective patient outcomes.
GED-XXX3: General Education Elective
GED-XXX3: General Education Elective
OPA-3001: Field Experience Prep
This course addresses topics to prepare students for practical Fieldwork Experience. Clinical documentation and communication are studied with an emphasis on accuracy, relevancy and priority. An introduction to Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan (SOAP) and Data Action, Response, Plan (DARP) formats are covered. Basic principles and practices of Infection Control as it applies to rehabilitative settings are discussed. An introduction to Workload Measurement is also provided. Emerging personal professionalism is studied with the creation of a Learning Portfolio at the conclusion of the course. This tool is used during work-site placements to guide personal development and promote self-reflection.
OPA-3023: OTA/PTA Skills: Transfers, Gait and Mobility
This course explores the principles and techniques applied to facilitate a client's ability to transfer, ambulate and mobilize to their full potential. Concepts of balance retraining are covered. The student will be encouraged to develop an appreciation for how movement retraining, combining functional and repetitive practice, results in best client outcomes. The use of gait aids, orthoses, bracing, and other assistive aids will be highlighted.
OPA-3033: OTA/PTA Clinical Skills: Electrophysical Modalities and Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
This course explores additional therapeutic techniques available to the OTA/PTA. Electrophysical agents and hydrotherapy are introduced. Foundations of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation including aerobic exercise training and respiratory/breathing exercise are also studied. Finally, strategies for effective exercise instruction and client coaching are explored.
OPA-3043: OTA Clinical Skills: Person and the Environment
This course highlights Occupational Therapy treatment as it applies at the level of the person and the environment. Techniques within the scope of the OTA role is thoroughly examined including concepts of seating, upper extremity function and positioning, environmental adaptation and advocacy. Consideration of clients across age and diagnostic spectrums is achieved. Through course assignments and structured labs students enhance their clinical skill-sets in preparation for Fieldwork Experience.
OPA-3053: Enhanced Therapeutic Skills
This course examines tailored and effective approaches that can be used by an OTA/PTA to enhance therapeutic encounters with clients. Specific focus is on conditions of impairment related to communication, cognition, perception and mental health. Laboratory work promotes an experiential component along with formal skills acquisition. Concepts of therapeutic use of self and group treatment are addressed.
OPAF-3018: Field Experience I
Skills within the assistant role are practiced and progressed from a basic-level to an intermediary-level of competency. Students use their personal learning portfolios to track and enhance the learning experience.
OPA-4003: Clinical Case Studies: Consolidation
This course follows a group-based format that allow students to engage in solution-focused learning. Course content chronicles select patients whose rehabilitative profiles reflect diversity in diagnosis, personal attributes and complexity of care. Within their role as an OTA/PTA, students integrate cumulative course material as they document the therapeutic process, implement and modify treatment plans, anticipate barriers to progress and generate solutions that promote therapeutic success and satisfaction. Elements of safety, interdisciplinary collaboration, advocacy and professional ethics will be woven into the learning process to promote enhanced consolidation.
OPA-4013: Rehabilitation: Broader Perspectives and Current Trends
This course explores rehabilitation from both a national and international perspective. Rehabilitation as a component of the Canadian Health Care System is compared to that of its place on the global stage. Students become familiar with the World Health Organization and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Current trends in research (including roots of international origin) are discussed. Topics of classroom discussion and assignment foster an appreciation for how rehabilitation services are influenced by research, resources, and both geographic and cultural diversity.
OPA-4023: Professional Practice
This course explores select components of professional practice: non-clinical supportive roles, worksite logistics, personal presentation and time management. In addition, students have the opportunity to become broadly familiar with resume and interview trends in the healthcare field, creative job search strategies and resources that can support an OTA/PTA that is employment-ready.
OPAF-4018: Field Experience II
During the field experience, skills within the assistant role are practiced and progressed from an intermediatory-level of a competency to a level where the student will be fully competent to enter practice.
OPA-4034: Capstone Consolidation
This course allows students to appreciate the cumulative course material studied in the OTA/PTA program. As students produce written work assignments, they are encouraged to integrate both the theoretical and practical elements of their training. Reflection and self-analysis allow students to strengthen their personal platforms in preparation to launch from the academic setting to the professional community environment.
Program Maps
Students are required to follow their prescribed program map and are not allowed to take unscheduled breaks for any reason.
Current Students
Current students can view program maps from previous years on the mylambton website.
You will need to login with your C# and password in order to access your program map.
Employment Opportunities
The Lambton College Occupational Therapist Assistant & Physiotherapist Assistant, Ontario College Diploma program prepares graduates for a broad range of employment opportunities. As Occupational Therapy Assistants and Physiotherapy Assistants, graduates can expect a wide variety of rewarding career opportunities that are dynamic and challenging.
Graduates may work as Occupational Therapy Assistants and Physiotherapy Assistants in various employment settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centres, community care facilities, mental health agencies, clinics, community and government agencies and schools.
For more information about post-graduate work eligibility for international students, please review the Post-Graduate Work Permit Program information.