F.A.Q.
What is a Therapist Assistant?
Therapist Assistants are valued members of the health care team who work as assistants to:
- Physical Therapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Recreational Therapists
Therapist Assistants work with people of all ages, from children to the elderly, with physical and/or mental disabilities to improve their abilities and quality of life.
Who might be interested in the Therapist Assistant Program?
Individuals with an interest in rehabilitation and working in health care and community settings should consider the Therapist Assistant Program. Being able to relate, interact and communicate with people of all ages is a valued asset.
What are the Career opportunities?
The demand for Therapist Assistants has continually grown and expanded.
There are a variety of employment possibilities in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, residential care facilities, community agencies and private practices.
In a recent independent BC Stats survey, 81% of the Okanagan College graduates found employment in less than one month, and 89% were employed full time.*
What are the wages for Therapist Assistants?
The wage scale can vary from $15.00 to 35.00/hr. Most government agencies are paying $22.00/hr. i.e. Interior Health Authority. In the BC Stats survey, the typical hourly wage was $21/hour.*
Where is the program offered?
The Program is offered in Kelowna at Okanagan College on KLO Road.
How long is the program?
It is a two-year full-time diploma program, including eight-weeks of clinical experience each year. The program runs from September to the end of June.
Can this program transfer to other programs?
Yes, there are various transfer options, including degree completion opportunities.
Can graduates work in other provinces?
Yes, graduates may find employment across Canada.
Why should I attend the Therapist Assistant Program at Okanagan College?
- In an independent survey, 100% of Therapist Assistant graduates were very satisfied or satisfied with their education at Okanagan College.*
- 82% of students found the Therapist Assistant program very useful in obtaining a job*
- Okanagan College is the only program in Canada that offers the Recreation Therapist Assistant component
- Your diploma will allow you to practice as an Assistant in three areas of therapy- Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Recreational Therapy!
- We were the first publicly funded program in BC and CANADA!
What are the Academic Admission Requirements?
Please refer the current Okanagan College Calendar for details.
When should I apply?
Applicants with the required admission requirements are accepted on a first come – first served basis. Applications are accepted from November 1st for admission into the program the following September. Applications are currently being accepted for admission into the program September 2012.
How do I apply?
Apply online through the College website www.okanagan.bc.ca/applyonline
OR
Apply in person at the Registration office of any Okanagan College campus.
How many students are accepted into the program each year?
Enrollment is limited to 36 seats in first year.
How much does the program cost?
2011-12: $7,470.40 total for the two year program (Fees include all mandatory fees. Activity fee, Health & Dental, Student Association fee, Education Technology fee, Development fee)
Amounts are all approximate and subject to change. International students will pay International tuition fees
Are there additional costs other than tuition?
You will need to purchase books and supplies costing approximately $1000 per year. Students are responsible for their own accommodation and transportation to and from clinical sites.
Where are the placements?
Placements (referred to as practica in the first year and preceptorships in the second year) are offered throughout the province, and may be arranged in other provinces upon request.
Where can I find more information about this program?
If you have general questions about the Therapist Assistant program, call the Welcome Centre at (250) 762-5445 x 4119, and ask to speak with an OC Education Advisor.
You can also visit the Okanagan College website, or the Therapist Assistant program website at www.okanagan.bc.ca/therapistassistant .
For specific questions, contact the Chair at (250) 762-5445 x 4206, or bwade@okanagan.bc.ca
* BC Diploma, Associate Degree and Certificate Student Outcomes Survey, BC Statistics: Okanagan College, Occupational Therapist Assistant (2008, 2007, 2006)
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