Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant Diploma

It is to your advantage to have basic computer literacy with a working knowledge of word processing software. 

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) for admission to credit programs by providing official documentation to the Office of the Registrar after an online application has been submitted. All ELP tests must have been obtained within two years of the date their program starts. ELP requirements are in addition to the other admission requirements noted above.  

Students with Study Permits that are admitted to a program that has a practicum or clinical placement in childcare, primary/secondary school teaching or health service field occupations must complete their Medical Authorization as required by Citizenship and Immigration Canada one month prior to the start of classes. 

Health workers are responsible to attain and maintain required health and safety certifications and maintain recommended immunization standards. 

For clinical and practicum placements, as a Health program student, you must meet these standards of practice.

These health and safety requirements do not need to be submitted as part of your application. However, failure to submit the required documents will affect your progression in your chosen program. 

View details about health & safety requirements for work-integrated learning (clinical and practicum) placements, including document submission deadlines.  

Students must complete a minimum of one third of their practical training in each area (OT or PT) and will be placed in a variety of therapeutic environments, which may include: hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, private rehabilitation clinics/services, and home care and community care services. 

Practicum Expenses – The RDP Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant diploma program includes three practicum courses which are 170 hours each. Students are responsible for all expenses associated with practicum. Practicum expenses can vary depending on the practicum location. Minimum costs will be room and board, relocation costs, and travel to and from the workplace. You will require appropriate professional clothing or uniform attire, as well as proper footwear, for working with the public in a professional setting. 

Practicum Travel – Due to practicum availability, students will be required to travel to any location within the province of Alberta in order to complete the practicum requirements. In extreme circumstances, the Institution may need to delay completion of a practicum until a placement becomes available. 

Students presenting courses from other recognized post-secondary institutions may be granted transfer credit towards the Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant program, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning and Transfer Credit page to learn more.   

The Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant Diploma program recognizes the need to facilitate access to post-secondary education for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners. To increase participation of Indigenous Peoples the program has designated three (3) seats for qualified applicants who are First Nations, Métis, or Inuit.  After June 1 for the Fall term and October 1 for the Winter term unallocated seats will be released to qualified applicants on the waitlist if one exists for the program. 

Indigenous applicants must meet the admission requirements for the program as outlined in the Academic Calendar and qualify for a designated seat by: 

• Self-identifying as an Indigenous applicant on the Application for Admission. 
• Providing proof of Indigenous ancestry

 Proof of Indigenous ancestry (one of the following): 

• Certified copy of a Status or Treaty card, Métis membership card, Nunavut Trust Certificate card, roll number or any other proof accepted by Inuit communities. 
• Proof that an ancestor’s name has been entered in the Indian Register according to the Indian Act, band list of an individual band, or the Inuit roll. 
• Written confirmation of Indigenous ancestry from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. 
• Statutory Declaration by an applicant attesting to Aboriginal ancestry with supporting documentation. 

Other forms of proof may also be considered at the discretion of the Registrar.