You'll learn strategies to work with individuals with communication disorders, physical limitations, and mental health conditions. Your classroom is specifically designed to provide you with access to the tools and technologies required to address client needs. This mock rehab clinic/classroom is equipped with everything from wheelchairs and walkers to a kitchen and a bathroom so you can put the theories you learn into practice.

You will participate in 16 weeks (610 hours) of supervised practicum. These experiences will consolidate the theoretical knowledge and skills you learned in the classroom and lab and provide you with the opportunity to practice in a health care setting (clinic, hospital, long-term care facility, etc.). Depending on placement availability, you may be required to go out of province (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, or Newfoundland and Labrador) or to various locations across PEI. You may be scheduled to attend practicum shifts early mornings, days, or evenings. Transportation to and from practicum sites is the responsibility of the student. As well, all practicum costs are the responsibility of the student. There are no guarantees students will be placed at a preferred location or with a preferred shift schedule. Please note that public transit does not always align with your shift or location schedule.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

• Communicate effectively using a variety of written, verbal, and non-verbal methods with clients, colleagues and others
• Demonstrate the ability to prioritize and follow through with assigned tasks
• Use technology appropriately to support best practices in the rehabilitation field
• Work respectfully and effectively with clients, their supports and other team members to enable clients to reach their goals
• Practice under the supervision of a licensed physiotherapist and/or occupational therapist in an independent manner
• Practice in a professional, legal, and ethical manner in accordance with the provincial and employer standards, policies, and procedures
• Use critical-thinking skills and an evidence-based approach in all aspects of rehabilitation therapy to optimize client-centred care
• Assume responsibility for lifelong learning to support rehabilitation practice
• Act as an effective team member in a collaborative therapeutic setting

The OTA/PTA program at Holland College is dedicated to the philosophy of holistic patient care, emphasizing the importance of treating patients as individuals with unique needs and circumstances. The program believes the best rehabilitation outcomes are achieved through a collaborative approach involving the patient, their family, and a team of healthcare professionals. The program is committed to providing students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to support therapist assistants in delivering high-quality care to patients. The program strives to instill in the students the importance of ethical practice, ongoing professional development, and cultural competence. The program graduates are prepared to work as part of a healthcare team and make a positive impact on the lives of their patients by promoting their independence, autonomy, and overall well-being. 

Our Mission

The mission of the OTA/PTA program is to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become effective members of the healthcare team, promote health and wellness, and improve the quality of life of individuals with disabilities or functional limitations.  

The Holland College OTA/PTA program strives to provide a learner-centred, experiential approach to education, delivered in a variety of learning environments. The program educates qualified, professional individuals and prepares them to be important members of an interprofessional team in the dynamic healthcare industry. 

Our Vision

Contributing to the health, wellness and quality of life of rehabilitation clients through an innovative and student-centred Occupational Therapist Assistant/Physiotherapy Assistant Program. Graduates of the program are competent and compassionate healthcare professionals who provide quality care to clients in various healthcare settings.  

Our Values

Applied Learning 

Holland College has a rich history in Prince Edward Island. We honour that legacy by ensuring the skills and applications we offer prepare students to be leaders in their chosen fields. 

Innovation 

We will ensure our faculty and students have access to the latest techniques, trends and technologies so when they enter the healthcare workforce, they are prepared to assist their clients with both their current and future needs. 

Engagement 

We will encourage continuous learning, teamwork, and open communication for our students and faculty and staff will model these attributes. Our program and college are part of our greater provincial community and we will continue to be an active member of all communities

• Hospitals
• Long term care facilities
• Mental health facilities
• Rehabilitation facilities
• Schools
• Private physiotherapy
• Occupational therapy clinics

The Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant program at Holland College 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 November 30, 2024 for the period until November 30, 2030.

For further information, or to contact the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program, visit www.otapta.ca.