Overview
Medical advances permit a growing number of children and adults to live successfully with disabilities. Clients who have experienced an injury or a health condition that has impacted 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, the therapist assistant works with clients across the lifespan with the goal of facilitating their active participation in our society. Therapist assistants also support facility administration by managing therapeutic supplies and maintaining equipment.
SAIT's Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant diploma program trains students to become knowledgeable and skilled assistants in occupational and physical therapy, and the curriculum meets or exceeds the essential competencies required for support personnel in both professions.
The Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant program is two years in length and comprised of four semesters. The first semester of the program addresses key concepts of rehabilitation and healthcare delivery. Observational visits to the clinical settings assist learners in integrating knowledge of normal physical and psychological function with basic therapeutic skills. More advanced rehabilitation concepts, common health conditions, and therapeutic skills used in occupational therapy and physical therapy are taught in the second semester.
In the third semester of the program, advanced therapeutic skills and complex health conditions are taught. Professionalism and communication skills are also emphasized and practiced during a four-week practicum. In the fourth and final semester of the program, professional practices are integrated throughout a 12-week practicum. Students spend the final three weeks of the semester at SAIT, engaging in comprehensive practical examinations and consolidating their experiences.
Is this the right fit for me?
Students who experience success in this program and profession:
- have at least basic computer skills
- possess effective communication skills in both written and spoken English
- Are physically fit and able to lift a minimum weight of 50 pounds
- have higher secondary or post-secondary grades
- are self-directed, highly motivated, detail-oriented and well-organized
- Are disciplined for learning in classroom, online, and clinical settings, as well as through self-study required of all courses
- are professional and flexible
- enjoy working in a team environment and in diverse settings
- above all, enjoy relating to others.
- Previous experience working or volunteering in a health or wellness-related field is an asset.
Accreditation
The Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant Program at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) has been 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). The status of Accreditation was awarded to the program on April 30, 2022 for the period until April 30, 2028.
For more information please contact the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program, Suite 26, 509 Commissioners Road West, London, Ontario, N6J 1Y5, 226.636.0632, www.otapta.ca.
Credentials
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant diploma with both the occupational therapist assistant (OTA) and the 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
Application dates
- Fall 2022 start: applications are accepted Oct. 6, 2021 to March 31, 2022.
Program requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents with an overall average of at least 60%:
- English Language Arts 30-1,
- Biology 30,
- Chemistry 20 or Science 20.
- All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
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 you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions. Find more information here.
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 Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.
- Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Find out how to monitor your application status after you apply.
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 students are frequently required to relocate outside of Calgary for practicum.
Successful candidates will be informed of the allocation of their practicum placement by the program. There is no guarantee that students will be placed at their desired practicum location. Special considerations of personal circumstances will not be given in regards to assigning practicum placements. Students will be responsible for fees associated with practicum such as entrance requirements, relocation and travel costs.
In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, successful candidates will be requested to provide proof of the following requirements:
- Current Heart and Stroke Foundation Basic Life SupportLevel (C) CPR
- Updated immunization records
- Security clearance - Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector Check
- N95 respiratory mask fitting
- Health and wellness status
Courses
*This program is currently under review for the 2022-2023 academic year.
Program Outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
First Year
Semester 1 - Fall
| 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 |
| PSYC-210 | Lifespan Development | 3.0 |
| RHAB-230 | Anatomy of Movement | 3.0 |
| RHAB-232 | Fundamentals of Client Care | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 Total | 16.5 | |
Semester 2 - Winter
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COMM-263 | Practice Skills - Communication | 3.0 |
| RHAB-203 | Applied Client Care | 1.5 |
| RHAB-240 | Practice Skills - Modalities | 3.0 |
| 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 | 16.5 | |
| First Year Total | 33.0 | |
Second Year
Semester 3 - Fall
| 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-266 | Communication Disorders | 1.5 |
| RHAB-268 | Health Conditions II | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 Total | 16.5 | |
Semester 4 - Winter
| 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 | 27.0 | |
| Program Total |
60.0 | |
*Available by correspondence or online learning. The courses must be completed within the time frame shown in the program outline. Please contact the Academic Chair prior to enrolling in any online or correspondence courses.
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.
Transfer Options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer in, within or on from SAIT is available. Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs 2021/22
Domestic tuition and fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health and dental plan | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3,200 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $4,533 |
| 2 | $2,618 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $3,951 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside of this time frame.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $183.20
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $310
- Student support fee: $150
- Student technology fee: $150
Health and dental fees
Domestic students
- Health plan: $122
- Dental plan: $130
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
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. The cost associated with CPR training are the responsibility of the student.
Students are responsible for all practicum costs such as food and transportation. A practicum location outside of Calgary is a requirement of the program. Relocation costs, such as food, housing, transportation and costs for any additional practicum documentation for out-of-town placements are the responsibility of the student.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $106
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $3,816 | $916 | $553 | $5,285 |
| 2 | 2 | $2,544 | $916 | $553 | $4,013 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $196
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $320
- Student support fee: $200
- Student technology fee: $200
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum: $291
This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
Health and dental fees
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $2,500 per full-time year.
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. Cost associated with CPR training are the responsibility of the student.
Students are responsible for all practicum costs such as food and transportation. A practicum location outside of Calgary is a requirement of the program. Relocation costs, such as food, housing, transportation and costs for any additional practicum documentation for out-of-town placements are the responsibility of the student.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*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.
Ensure you complete all three steps below ahead of orientation.
Get started on pre-orientation requirements
Fall 2021
Orientation
Your program orientation will take place Sept. 2 on campus. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about your orientation.
We are expecting to meet you at new student orientation. Important program information is discussed to ensure you are prepared to begin classes that start on day one. Orientation is a mandatory part of your learning experience to ensure student success.
How to register for classes
You'll follow a fixed block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
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.
Required equipment/tools
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 tablet (Apple or Android) to support the CompTracker system. Any size tablet 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.
Other requirements
- CPRS 001 BLS Provider (Level C) CPR course (no later than Sept. 30)
- N95 Mask-fit testing
- Police Information Clearance with Vulnerable Sector Check
- Immunization record (no later than Sept. 30)
- Health and Wellness Status
Preparation courses
To support your success, you’ll be automatically registered in two short courses to 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.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
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.
