Overview
Due to medical advances, many children and adults with disabilities can lead fulfilling lives. People who experience an injury or a health condition that impacts their ability to function in day-to-day life can maximize their physical, mental, and social abilities through rehabilitation.
Under the supervision of an occupational therapist or physiotherapist, therapist assistants work with clients with the goal of facilitating their active participation in our society. Therapist assistants also support facility administration by managing therapeutic supplies and maintaining equipment.
Train to be a rehabilitation therapy assistant and gain knowledge in occupational and physical therapy to become a skilled assistant with a curriculum that meets and exceeds the essential competencies required for support personnel for occupational therapist and physiotherapist professions.
This program addresses key concepts of rehabilitation and healthcare delivery. You’ll have the opportunity to go on observational visits to clinical settings to help you integrate your knowledge of normal physical and psychological function with basic therapeutic skills, and study advanced rehabilitation concepts, common health conditions, and therapeutic skills used in occupational therapy and physical therapy.
You’ll also develop advanced therapeutic skills and learn about complex health conditions. This program includes two practicum rotations during which you’ll apply and further refine your classroom and laboratory learning.
Is this the right fit for me?
You'll experience success in this program and profession by developing the following traits, skills and aptitudes:
- fine motor skills
- effective communication skills (speaking, reading, writing, and listening)
- ability to work independently and with others
- adaptability
- ability to work well under stress, maintain professional behaviour and emotionally self-regulate
- ability to use technology
- can wear Personal Protective Equipment for extended periods of time, tolerate latex and disinfection chemicals
- willing to work extended hours, including nights and/or weekends, and shift work
- ability to tolerate the sight of human blood and tissue
- ability to assist in transporting, lifting, and positioning patients and/or equipment and meet the physical demands of the job (for example, spending most hours working on your feet, walking, bending, and other repetitive tasks)
- ability to use your hand, wrist, and arm for prolonged periods of time
- comfortable performing patient care procedures which may be sensitive or performed in close proximity
Applicants are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for Occupational Therapy Assistants as well as the governing body’s competency profile for the profession, to ensure that you can successfully demonstrate the skills required to achieve all the competency-based objectives for the program and profession.
Accreditation
This program is 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).
Credentials
Upon completing this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant diploma, including the occupational therapist assistant (OTA) and physical therapist assistant (PTA) discipline designations.
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Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities in rehabilitation centres, mental health facilities, long-term care facilities, hospitals, schools and private physiotherapy and occupational therapy centres. Potential positions include:
- physical and occupational therapy assistant
- rehabilitation therapy assistant
Related careers include:
- physical therapist
- occupational therapist
Admission requirements
Program requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents with an overall average of at least 60%:
- English Language Arts 30-1, AND,
- Biology 30, AND,
- Chemistry 20 or Science 20.
All applicants, including students educated in Canada, must demonstrate English language proficiency.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After applying, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
Practicum requirements
The School of Health and Public Safety has many practica partners located within Alberta and across Canada. Practicum placements in Calgary are limited, and you may be required to travel or relocate outside of the city.
Successful applicants will be assigned their practicum placement. While we'll strive to assign your practicum location based on your preference, it is not guaranteed. Special considerations will not be given. You will be responsible for fees associated with the practicum, such as entrance requirements, relocation and travel costs.
In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, you will be requested to provide proof of the following requirements:
- Current Heart and Stroke Foundation Basic Life SupportLevel (C) CPR
- Updated immunization records
- Police Information Check, including Vulnerable Sector Check
- N95 respiratory mask fitting
- Health and wellness status
International students must complete their Immigration Medical Exam (IME) and obtain a co-op work permit to attend this practicum. You can apply for your co-op work permit together with your initial study permit using your Letter of Acceptance. Or you can also apply for your co-op work permit once you arrive in Canada at least four months before your co-op term starts. For more information, please contact the International Centre at international@sait.ca.
Learn more about practicum requirements
When should you apply?
Visit our Apply page to see when applications open and close for upcoming semesters.
To see which semesters this program has intakes for, look at the Available Intakes information at the top of this page.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to the program and submit your transcripts.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor your application status through the application portal.
You must submit final transcripts/grades to show you have completed the courses and met the minimum admission requirements by the transcript deadline or your seat will be rescinded.
This program meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program for international students as long as the student is enrolled in the on-campus delivery mode or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for the blended option). International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the admission process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
We recommend you add hps.info@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following year start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | June 28, 2024 |
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Open Studies courses available
Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies.
Open Studies is a great way to explore a certain subject before diving into the full program. See what courses are offered by finding this program on the Open Studies courses tab.
First year
Semester 1
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ANPH-209 | Anatomy and Physiology | 3.0 |
| ORNT-208 | Orientation to Rehabilitation | 3.0 |
| PROF-210 | Introduction to Healthcare Delivery | 1.5 |
| RHAB-230 | Anatomy of Movement | 3.0 |
| RHAB-232 | Fundamentals of Client Care | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 total | 13.5 | |
Semester 2
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC-210 | Lifespan Development | 3.0 |
| RHAB-203 | Applied Client Care | 1.5 |
| RHAB-242 | Practice Skills - Occupational Therapy Assistant Foundations | 3.0 |
| RHAB-244 | Practice Skills - Exercise | 3.0 |
| RHAB-246 | Health Conditions I | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 total | 13.5 | |
Semester 3
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COMM-263 | Practice Skills - Communication | 3.0 |
| RHAB-208 | Health Conditions II | 1.5 |
| RHAB-240 | Practice Skills - Modalities | 3.0 |
| RHAB-266 | Communication Disorders | 1.5 |
| Semester 3 total | 9.0 | |
| First year total | 36.0 | |
Second year
Semester 4
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PRCT-200 | Practicum I | 3.0 |
| RHAB-260 | Practice Skills - Mental Health Concepts | 3.0 |
| RHAB-262 | Occupational Therapy Assistant Advanced Practice Skills | 3.0 |
| RHAB-264 | Physical Therapy Assistant Advanced Practice Skills | 3.0 |
| RHAB-300 | Health Conditions III | 1.5 |
| Semester 4 total | 13.5 | |
Semester 5
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| PRCT-234 | Practicum II | 6.0 |
| PROF-260 | Professional Practice | 3.0 |
| RHAB-270 | Practicum Consolidation | 1.5 |
| Semester 4 total | 10.5 | |
| Second year total | 24.0 | |
| Program total |
60.0 | |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Learn more about program and institution partnership agreements.
Costs 2023/24
Tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year. *
Domestic students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | $4,176 | $1,262 | $768 | $6,206 |
| 2 | 2 | $2,784 | $948 | $622 | $4,354 |
International students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | $19,440 | $1,262 | $768 | $21,470 |
| 2 | 2 | $12,960 | $948 | $622 | $14,530 |
*For a detailed breakdown of tuition costs per course, visit the domestic and international fee tables.
Fees
Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)
Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside of the typical 15-week program.
Learn more about what your fees are for
Fees are subject to change without notice.
| Fees | < 9 credits per semester | > 9 credits per semester |
| SAIT fees | ||
| Campus athletic and recreation | $51.50 | $103 |
| Student support fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| Student technology fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| UPass* | N/A | $160 |
| Total | $157 | $474 |
| Saitsa fees | ||
| Student association fee** | $16.23/credit | $146 |
| Health plan*** | N/A | $86 ($172 annually) |
| Dental plan*** | N/A | $79 ($158 annually) |
| Total | $311 maximum | $476 |
*Additional eligibility requirements apply for students to obtain a UPass. To check your eligibility, visit our Upass page.
**Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.
***Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. In most cases, program fees quoted are based on students paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Learn more at saitsa.com/benefits.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $2,500 per full-time year.
Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practicum, including pre-practicum requirements as outlined by the program, and relocation costs to practicum sites outside of Calgary
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Additional fees
- Students pay a mandatory $75 Comp Tracker fee per term.
- There is a fee associated with obtaining a police information check including Vulnerable Sector Check and is payable to the Police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP.)
- Students must have their immunizations reviewed by the SAIT Health Clinic. There is a $75 charge to review vaccine history. Any vaccines to be administered will result in additional charges.
- There is a fee, approximately $50-$100, associated with an Electronic Student Permit Checking submission which is required for clinical practicum placements, payable to Synergy Gateway through the Verified software platform.
- CPR certification must be completed yearly. Costs associated with CPR training are the responsibility of the student.
Learn more about your tuition and financial aid options
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
✅ Plan ahead ❗️
You are required to complete several health, confidentiality and consent forms before starting your program. All completed and signed paperwork is needed on orientation day.
Get started on practicum requirements
Orientation
Your program orientation (ORNT 118) will be held on campus August 30. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about your orientation.
How to register for classes
You'll need to register for your classes ahead of each semester.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn how to register for your classes and find important registration deadlines.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Additional tech requirements
You will be evaluated on your level of competency performance during practicum which is logged using a tracking system called CompTracker .
You will require a wi-fi-enabled device (Apple or Android) to support the CompTracker system. A tablet is preferred but a laptop is acceptable. Keyboards are advisable but not mandatory. Smartphones are not acceptable devices for CompTracker.
There is a required user license fee billed on a per-semester basis. Each program will have a different student fee depending on how the system is used within the program. More information will be shared at orientation.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.
They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Students will also require an ANPH textbook, which has extra costs associated. This will be discussed at orientation.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8481
Email: hps.info@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Your journey starts here
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