'I enjoy being a part of the college atmosphere'
Q: What is your name and role at Okanagan College?
A: Brian Hall, instructor in the Therapist Assistant Diploma Program.
Q: What is your education and background?
A: I have a liberal arts bachelor’s degree and an M.Sc in Occupational Therapy, I’ve worked as an OT in Kelowna since 2006 in a variety of clinical roles.
Q: When did you know you had found your discipline?
A: It was working at Easter Seal camps as a lifeguard and out-tripper that I was first drawn to OT—laughing, being creative and learning didn’t feel like work. I strove to find a ‘real job’ that felt like those days at camp.
Q: Why did you choose to work at Okanagan College
A: I’ve been familiar with the program and knew several of the instructors as a clinical practicum supervisor, PAC member and guest lecturer. It was a natural progression when an opportunity arose to apply to join the team.
Q: What do you like most about the work you do?
A: I enjoy being a part of the college atmosphere, where students are gaining skills and knowledge in a wide variety of areas & disciplines. Facilitating students to problem solve in the lab environment and gain new practical skills is very rewarding.
Q: Favourite teaching experience?
A: I’ve really enjoyed collaborating with an instructor from another health discipline to develop video teaching tools for both our curriculums. It’s been an amazing learning opportunity to work with an experienced instructor, both of us coming together on one topic with different health-care lenses to create an immersive product for applied learning & teaching.
Q: What advice do you have for new students?
A: Consider completing the university transfer course requirements (English, Psychology, Biology) prior to entering the TAD program. It can be an overwhelming first semester, and by doing this it will allow you to focus on the TAD curriculum courses and better prepare you for your practicums.
Q: Why do you think people should enter the Therapy Assistant field?
A: The TA diploma is both a skill-based two-year diploma where a meaningful job can be secured after graduation, and a great foundation for future aspirations in health care education like an undergraduate or graduate degree.
Therapist Assistant Diploma
Help improve people’s quality of life through rehabilitation programs supervised by Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Recreation Therapists. Learn how to set up body movement programs, explain treatment techniques and implement therapeutic leisure activities.
Department of Therapist Assistant
Experienced instructors integrate the theory, knowledge and clinical skills required to graduate entry-level Therapist Assistants, as well as develop collaborative relationships that are responsive to the community’s needs.