Physical Therapy Assistant Diploma

For information: 644-6395 or

• Two-year diploma program
• Full-time, on-campus studies and distance education
• Fall intake for on-campus studies
• Continuous intake for distance education
• Two six-week practicum experiences

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 six-week practicum experiences give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in physical therapy settings.

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. Tutorial support is available for theory courses.

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

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 70% in 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 1002; or ANPH-1000; or GSCN-1000)
• CPR–BLS Level C for Health Care Providers before practicum experiences begin
• Clear criminal record check (More than one criminal record check may be necessary during the length of your program, in accordance with work placement 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
• You must provide proof of English language proficiency (ELP) prior to admission if English is your second language. Acceptable evidence of ELP may be one of the following:
  • CLBA with an average score of 8 (with no skill score below 7)
  • TOEFL Internet-based Test score 84 (no section score below 21
  • IELTS 6.0 (no band scores below 6.0)
  • CAEL 60 (no subtest below 60)

Provisional Admission

Provisional admission may be assigned to an applicant who has been offered admission to a program. The offer of admission is provisional, based on completion of specified conditions that must be satisfied within the first year of enrolment and by the date specified in the offer. 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. Conditions will be stipulated in an admission letter.

Prep for Physical Therapy Admission Route

Students may choose an alternative admission route to this program by successfully completing 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.

Tuition and Fees

Click here for 2008/2009 Tuition and Fees

Funding Your Education

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

Program Outline (2008/09)

Year 1 - 48 weeks

Year 2 - 16 weeks

Last updated: April 29, 2008