Physical Therapy Assistant

Program Overview

If you enjoy helping people and want a career assisting patients to overcome physical injury or disability, this diploma program could be for you. Our program prepares you with the theoretical knowledge and therapeutic skills needed to begin your challenging career as a physical therapy assistant. You may assist with treatments and exercises, monitor patients, and perform other tasks as required. The two sixweek practicum experiences give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in physical therapy settings. The NorQuest College PTA diploma program offers crossover domain options to better prepare graduates to work in a multidisciplinary setting.

Distance Delivery

For further information on distance learning study options click here.  Students in the Physical Therapy Assistant distance program will be required to attend an on-campus workshop for assessment of practical skills before starting their practicum experience.

Career Potential

As a physical therapy assistant, you may find employment in rehabilitation hospitals, acute care centres, physical therapy clinics, continuing care centres, special care facilities, schools, and home care programs.

For information on related occupational profiles (keyword physical therapy), see www.alis.gov.ab.ca/occinfo.

Transferability

The following Physical Therapy Assistant diploma courses have university transfer credit: COMM 1011, COMM 2011, ENGL 2550, HEED 1000.

Under the University of Calgary’s existing credit transfer policy, students with a diploma may be awarded one year of credit toward a degree program. Additional credit transfer agreements with various institutions are currently in negotiation.

Admission Requirements

• 18 years of age
• Grade 12 diploma with a minimum of:
  
  
  • 50% in English 30-1 or English 30-2 or equivalency (Grade of C- in NorQuest’s ENGL 2550)
  • 50% in Grade 10 Math or equivalency
  • 60% in Biology 30 or equivalency (Grade of C- in NorQuest’s ANPH 1001 and ANPH 1002; or ANPH 1000; or GSCN 1000)
• CPR - Basic Life Support for Health-Care Providers certificate (Level C) required before practicum experiences begin
• English and math skills assessment
• Clear criminal record check; must include vulnerable sector check. (More than one criminal record check may be necessary during the length of your program, in accordance with practicum requirements.)
• Up-to-date immunization record
• Health status questionnaire
• Must have the physical and mental abilities required for lab and practicum experiences
• Mature students (age 19+) must meet all requirements except for the Grade 12 diploma.

English Language Proficiency

If English is your second language, you must provide proof of English Language Proficiency (ELP) prior to admission. Acceptable evidence of ELP may be one of the following:

1. CLBA with an average score of 8 (with no skill score below 7)
2. TOEFL Internet-based test score 84 (no section score below 21)
3. Academic IELTS 6.0 (no band scores below 6.0)
4. CAEL 60 (no subtest below 60)

Provisional Admission

An applicant may be granted provisional admission to this program. A student who has provisional admission must satisfy certain conditions within the first year of enrolment and by the date specified in the offer of admission. Conditions will be stipulated in the admission letter. Access to courses, activities, and practicum experiences may be limited until all provisional requirements are met. Provisional admission may be offered only to applicants who have a clear security clearance.

Prep for Physical Therapy Admission Route

An alternative admission route to this program may be obtained by successful completion of the Prep for Physical Therapy Assistant program.

Progression

Students must attain a pass grade in each course to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses.

Credential

After successfully completing all program requirements, graduates will be awarded a NorQuest College Physical Therapy Assistant diploma.

Honours Criteria

• Overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.7
• The student has not failed or repeated any courses.
• The student has not had a learning improvement plan.

Tuition and Fees

2009/2010 Tuition and Fees (pdf)

Funding Your Education

Students in this program may be eligible for Alberta government funding including costs for tuition, books and living expenses.

Program Outline (2009/10)

Courses may be adjusted within the terms specified. A final schedule will be provided to learners during registration.

Year 1

Year 2

Last updated: April 29, 2008