Occupational Therapist Assistant & Physical Therapist Assistant (OTA/PTA) Diploma Program
A career as an Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA) or Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. This dynamic two-year healthcare diploma program prepares you to support rehabilitation, mobility improvement, and wellness for patients of all ages. Under the supervision of Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Physiotherapists (PTs), you’ll help individuals regain independence and recover from injury or illness in a variety of healthcare settings.
Why Choose the OTA/PTA Diploma Program?
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High-Demand Healthcare Careers
OTAs and PTAs are in demand across Canada and globally in hospitals, private clinics, long-term care, and community health programs. -
Make a Positive Impact
Help clients improve physical function, regain mobility, reduce pain, and enhance their ability to participate in daily activities. -
Real-World Experience
Gain hands-on training through practicum placements in real healthcare environments such as hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation clinics.
Key Responsibilities in an OTA/PTA Career
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Support Daily Living and Rehabilitation Activities
Assist clients in performing daily tasks such as self-care, work, school, and recreational activities under OT supervision. -
Aid in Injury Recovery and Mobility Improvement
Work under the guidance of PTs to help patients regain strength, flexibility, and movement after illness or injury. -
Utilize Therapeutic Modalities
Learn to apply treatments such as exercise programs, assistive devices, and electrotherapy to support rehabilitation goals. -
Collaborate on Client-Focused Care
Contribute to a multidisciplinary healthcare team, offering compassionate, individualized care to improve client well-being.
What You’ll Learn in the OTA/PTA Program
1. Comprehensive Theoretical and Practical Training
Receive in-depth instruction in both occupational and physical therapy practices, paired with hands-on clinical experience in various healthcare settings.
2. Therapeutic Techniques and Interventions
Master the use of assistive technology, mobility aids, and physical modalities like electrotherapy to improve clients’ physical abilities and support their recovery.
3. Collaboration and Communication in Healthcare
Build professional communication skills and learn how to work effectively with OTs, PTs, other healthcare professionals, and clients.
4. Core Health Sciences Knowledge
Study key subjects such as:
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Anatomy and Physiology
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Kinesiology
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Pathophysiology
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Occupational and Physical Therapy Principles
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Patient Care and Safety
5. Client-Centered and Holistic Care
Develop the ability to deliver personalized, respectful care focused on each client’s unique needs, goals, and quality of life.
6. Practicum Placements in Healthcare Settings
Apply your learning in real-world environments through supervised placements in:
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Hospitals
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Private Rehabilitation Clinics
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Home Healthcare
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Schools and Educational Programs
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Community Health Organizations
Career Opportunities After Graduation
Graduates of the OTA/PTA diploma program are qualified to work in a variety of roles and settings, including:
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Hospitals and Rehabilitation Centres
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Long-Term Care and Assisted Living Facilities
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Sports and Orthopedic Clinics
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Community Health Programs
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School-Based Therapy Services
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Home Healthcare Agencies
Start your career in a rewarding, people-centered field and become a key part of the recovery journey for individuals in need of physical and occupational therapy.
- Academic Requirement: The applicant must have completed Grade 12 with at least 60% in English and Biology.
- ELP Requirement: IELTS: Overall score of 7.0, with 7.0 in each section. PTE: Score of 64, plus completion of an additional exam that includes a speaking component. Duolingo: Minimum score of 120. TOEFL iBT: Total score of 92, with at least 23 in each individual section.
- Special Requirement: Additionally, 60% in two other Grade 12 level subjects—one of which must be either a Science or Math.
We understand that sometimes plans change. Here’s a simple breakdown of how refunds work at Medicine Hat College if you decide to cancel your enrollment.
1. After You Sign the Contract – 4-Day Cooling-Off Period
Once you sign your Alberta Student Enrolment Contract, you get 4 business days to change your mind.
If you cancel within this period, you will get a full refund of all fees, including any registration fee.
2. Before Your Program Starts
You will get a full refund of your registration fee if:
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You cancel during the 4-day cooling-off period
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The college cancels your contract before your program starts
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The program is delayed and you choose to cancel your contract
3. After Your Program Starts
If you cancel after your program begins, your refund depends on how much of the program you’ve completed.
✅ If you have already paid all your tuition:
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Less than 10% completed: You’ll get at least 75% of your tuition back.
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Between 10% and 50% completed: You’ll get at least 40% of your tuition back.
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More than 50% completed: No refund is required.
❌ If you haven’t paid all your tuition yet:
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Less than 10% completed: The college can keep up to 25% of total tuition.
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Between 10% and 50% completed: The college can keep up to 60% of total tuition.
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More than 50% completed: The college can keep 100% of total tuition.
Special Agreements
You and the college can agree to a different refund policy, but it must follow the minimum rules above. If you’ve paid more than required, the college must return the extra amount.
For more information click on the below link of government of Alberta website.
https://www.alberta.ca/tuition-refunds
- Application Fee: $125
- LOA Deposit: $5,000
- Annual Tuition Fee: $21,296
- Total Tuition Fee: $44,649
- Course Duration: 2 years
- Credentials: Diploma
- Intake: September 2025
- Copy of passport
- All academic transcripts
- All academic certificates
- IELTS/PTE/TOEFL/Duolingo - if applicable
- Student Email ID:
- Student Contact No:
- Student Address:
- Admit Card
NOTE: Medicine Hat college will request transcripts from the previous Education Institute. The student can send the transcripts directly to the college from their issuing institute.
IF ONSHORE STUDENT
- Stamped copy of visa
- LOI
- Study permit
- Canadian Address:
- Canadian Contact No: