Course description
Level One
COMM1850 Essential Writing Skills
Description: This course will introduce students to the essential concepts of grammar and sentence structure leading to effective college-level paragraph construction.
Hours: 15
Credits: 1
OTA1020 Intro. To Health Care Delivery System
Description: This exploratory course is intended to provide a broad overview of the Canadian and Provincial health care system with an emphasis upon current issues and concerns. New developments in health care reform, such as long term care reform, trends in health care delivery with increased emphasis on home care and the importance of health promotion, as well as the futuristic trends and concrete alternatives to change the health care delivery system will be explored. The challenging role of the health care provider will be examined as the health care system continues to impact on the changing role of the health care worker. The consumer role will be studied with a critical look at the influence of consumerism and its impact on the health care system. The course will provide the student with an opportunity to review current moral and ethical issues affecting the health care system. Students will be encouraged to identify current issues that are relevant to their own needs and interests.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
PNUR1035 Anatomy And Physiology
Description: The focus of this on-line course is on the basic structure and function of the human body. Knowledge of the theories of homeostasis and the basic structure of cells, tissues, organs, and systems provides the student with a solid preparation for more detailed physiology in Physiology & Pathophysiology. Basic microbiology related to practice and human disease is included.
A weekly one-hour tutorial is available to assist the student to be successful in this course.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
PSYC1110 Life Span Development
Description: This course makes use of independent learning with tutorials as the delivery methodology. It is the study of the human growth process, including physical, social, intellectual, emotional and behavioural development and covers the period from conception to death. The material is covered in terms of the total social context (family and community). Along with the normal growth process, the way in which unusual or abnormal developmental or behavioural patterns are developed is studied. Tutorials will be held to allow students time to discuss and question content. These tutorials also allow the opportunity to explore how the course content can be useful to the workers in the human service field.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
PTA1045 Anatomy of Movement
Description: Student must be employed as a physiotherapy or occupational assistant/aid. The student will be introduced to the structure and function of the key body systems which are involved in normal functional movement. The course will focus on the skeletal and muscular systems and will include cellular, gross and surface anatomy. Application lab opportunities will be offered throughout this course.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
PTA1075 Introduction to Rehabilitation
Description: This course will provide the foundation for the roles and scope of practice of an Occupational Therapy Assistant/ Physiotherapy Assistant (OTA/PTA). Professional, philosophical and ethical concepts in rehabilitation such as basic principles of biomedical ethics, professional cods of ethics, informed consent, confidentiality and boundary violations will be introduced. Students will also be exposed to practical issues such as the role of rehabilitation team members, documenting and reporting observations as well as standard or routine practices necessary for safety in the workplace. An observational placement or visit to rehabilitation settings will be included in this course.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
PTA1080 Normal Functional Movement
Description: This course enables the student to observe and handle the human body in motion. Kinesiology concepts are introduced, and students learn the principles of good body mechanics for themselves and their clients. While learning how normal joints move, the student learns hands-on techniques that can later be applied to people with disabilities. Musculoskeletal anatomy and surface anatomy in this course will provide reinforcement for that learned in Anatomy of Movement. The course provides the foundation for the exercise and functional activity interventions that students will learn in future coursework.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
Level Two
COMM1005 Communication Skills for the OTA/PTA
Description: This course will provide students with an overview of the communication process and issues that occur within the health care setting. Students will be given an opportunity to apply theory and practice strategies for effective communication with patients, families and other health care professionals through role play, class discussion and assignments.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
OTA1010 Clinical Practicum I (OTA/PTA)
Description: This course will examine a variety of clinical documentation strategies used in rehabilitation settings and identify strategies for documenting client/clinical information. The role of the Occupational Therapist Assistant/Physiotherapist Assistant in documenting clinical observations will be discussed. The roles of current and future technological trends will also be reviewed.
Hours: 90
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: OTA1020, PSYC1110, PTA1080, PTA1040 or PTA1045
OTA1030 Introduction To Gerontology (OTA/PTA)
Description: In view of the significant increase in the aging population, this course is designed to challenge attitudes associated with aging and to foster an appreciation for the contribution older adults bring to the treatment setting. Current theories of aging and issues older adults face in society will be presented. Students will examine the transitions and losses associated with aging (physiological and psychological) as well as changes in health care, social security, housing and support systems. Practical application or intervention strategies relevant to the OTA/PTA when working with older adults will be emphasized.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: PSYC1110
OTA1040 Therapeutic Foundations For The Occupational Therapist Assistant
Description: Admission: Student must be employed as a physiotherapy aide/assitant and/or occupational therapy aide/assistant. Students must have completed OTA/PTA part-time program first term courses. This course introduces the theory and philosophy of occupational therapy practice and addresses the principles of activity analysis, selection, grading/adaptation in addition to the teaching and learning process. Emphasis is placed on a basic understanding of occupational performance and the therapeutic value of self-care, productivity and leisure for treatment of physical or psychosocial dysfunciton through the lifespan. Therapeutic use of self, crafts and other relevant interventions or media will be delivered through classroom lecture, discussion and hands-on lab activities.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: PSYC1110
PTA1010 Therapeutic Modalities For The Physiotherapist Assistant
Description: Admission: Student must be employed as a Physiotherapy Aide/Assistant or Occupational Therapy Aide/Assistant. Prerequisite: Must have completed Anatomy and Physiology course as well as Normal Functional Movement and Disabling Conditions. The aim of this course is to expose the student to an understanding of numerous therapeutic modalities employed in a physiotherapy department. This would include the physiotherapy equipment used with therapeutic modalities. Emphasis is placed on the appropriate and safe use of each modality. The student will have the opportunity to apply theory and skills in a Physiotherapy Department.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: PSYC1110, PTA1080, PTA1040 or PTA1045
PTA1065 Common Clinical Conditions
Description: The student will be introduced to a variety of disabling conditions based on broad diagnostic categories, encompassing physical and psychological conditions specific to large client groups, such as pediatrics, adult and geriatric populations. The course content will explore the pathology of these diagnostic categories and the impact of disabling conditions on the client. The role of the Occupational Therapist Assistant/Physiotherapy Assistant in providing care of the clients with disabling conditions will be discussed. Note: This course will include some self-directed/independent learning activities.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: PSYC1110, PTA1045, PTA1075, PTA1080
Level Three
OTA2010 Clinical Practicum II OTA/PTA
Description: During this clinical experience, the student will apply the theory and practical skills acquired to date. It is expected that the student will safely assist the physiotherapist and/or occupational therapist and/or formally trained OTA/PTA in all aspects of client care. The experiences will be in a physiotherapy setting, an occupational setting or a mixed discipline setting. The student will be observed and evaluated on their clinical performance directly by a physiotherapist or occupational therapist or formally trained OTA/PTA.
Hours: 90
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: OTA1010, OTA1030, OTA1040, PTA1010, PTA1065
OTA2030 Therapeutic Techniques for the OTA: Physical Dysfunction
Description: This course expands on the foundations of occupational therapy and focuses on treatment techniques for performance component deficits (i.e. sensory, motor, perceptual and cognitive skills) that impact on successful engagement in occupation. Assistive devices, orthotics, computer-based technology, seating, mobility and other common treatment methods used to facilitate occupational performance in the area of self care, productivity and leisure will be applied to a variety of musculoskeletal, neurological and developmental disorders and conditions. Lab sessions will provide students with the opportunity to integrate classroom theory into practice.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: OTA1040
OTA2050 Communication Disorders
Description: Admission: Student must be employed as a Physiotherapy Aide/Assistant or Occupational Therapy Aide/Assistant. This course is designed to introduce the student to basic concepts in the area of communication disorders. The course will focus on general speech, language and hearing problems which may inhibit a person's ability to communicate effectively. The students will learn practical strategies that will enhance their own communication skills with people who have speech, language, and hearing problems, as well as facilitate the clients' communication through a variety of approaches. Time will be spent on learning about common feeding and swallowing difficulties and standard strategies used to compensate for such deficits.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: COMM1005, OTA1030
OTA2065 Mental Health And Therapeutic Techniques
Description: This course introduces the student to both psychiatric disorders and key therapeutic skills employed when working in a mental health setting. Basic therapeutic use of self, group leading techniques and adapting activity to respond to the needs of clients will be reviewed. This course will also provide an introduction to psychosocial rehabilitation and the importance of community support for clients experiencing mental health issues. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (DSM IV) will provide the cornerstone for discussing common psychiatric disorders. Application lab opportunities will also be included.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: COMM1005, OTA1030, OTA1040, PSYC1110
PTA1020 Therapeutic Exercise For The Physiotherapist Assistant
Description: Admission: Student must be employed as a Physiotherapy Aide/Assistant or Occupational Therapy Aide/Assistant. Prerequisite: Must have completed Anatomy and Physiology Course as well as Normal Functional Movement and Disabling Conditions. This course will introduce the student to the basic skills for application by a Physiotherapy Assistant. The skills are presented in two broad areas of practice; exercise and locomotion. The skills taught in this course are expected to be applied in the practice experience scheduled in a number of health care settings.
Hours: 60
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: PTA1010
PTA1090 Special Topics in Rehabilitation for the OTA/PTA
Description: This course will examine a variety of special topic areas in rehabilitation and their related therapeutic interventions.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: OTA1010, OTA1040, PTA1010
Level Four
OTA2040 Professional Issues Related to the OTA/PTA Practitioner Role
Description: In this course, the student will have the opportunity to re-examine knowledge of professional, legal and ethical issues related to the profession. Students will be challenged to utilize theory, clinical and critical thinking skills from all preceding semesters to arrive at ethical and caring solutions to everyday clinical situations. Opportunities to explore employment, career management and issues dealing with the transition from student to graduate will be provided.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: OTA2030, OTA2050, PTA1020, PTA1090
PTA1050 Clinical Practicum III OTA/PTA (Pregraduate Experience)
Description: This fifteen-week (525 hour) course will provide students with the opportunity to apply and consolidate the knowledge and skill sets previously learned in the classroom and lab to the reality of the clinical setting under the direct supervision of registered physiotherapists and/or occupational therapists. During this experience, students will participate as contributing team members and will be observed and evaluated by registered physiotherapists and/or occupational therapists. This course facilitates the transition from the role of a student to the role of a graduate Physiotherapist Assistant/Occupational Therapist Assistant.
Hours: 525
Credits: 18
Pre-Requisites: OTA2010, OTA2030, OTA2050, PTA1020, PTA1090, OTA2060 or OTA2065
