Diploma in Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Humber Polytechnic - North Campus, Canada

Humber Polytechnic's Occupational Therapist Assistant & Physiotherapist Assistant diploma program prepares you to support clients in achieving greater independence, mobility and participation in activities of daily living. As the first program of its kind in Ontario, Humber has a long-standing reputation for preparing rehabilitation professionals who work collaboratively to improve health, function and overall well-being across diverse care settings.

What can you do with an Occupational Therapist Assistant & Physiotherapist Assistant diploma?
Graduates work as occupational therapist assistants and physiotherapist assistants in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, long-term care homes, community organizations, private clinics and home-care environments. Working under the direction of occupational therapists and physiotherapists, you will help clients develop, restore and maintain the skills needed for daily living, movement, rehabilitation and meaningful participation in life.

The program develops a strong foundation in rehabilitation principles, human anatomy, movement sciences, therapeutic interventions and client-centred care. You will learn how to assist with treatment plans, therapeutic activities, exercise programs, mobility training and functional rehabilitation while supporting clients with diverse physical, cognitive and developmental needs. Communication, professionalism, adaptability and problem-solving are integrated throughout the curriculum.

Applied learning is central to the program experience. Through laboratory activities, simulation experiences, case-based learning and clinical education opportunities, you will develop practical rehabilitation skills in environments that reflect contemporary health-care practice. These experiences help build confidence while preparing you to support clients safely and effectively across a range of rehabilitation settings.

Interprofessional Education (IPE) is a key feature of the program. You will learn with, from, and about students across the Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, developing the collaboration, communication, and teamwork skills required in today's health-care environments. These experiences mirror real-world practice, where rehabilitation professionals work alongside a variety of health-care providers to support positive client outcomes.

Humber Polytechnic is located in Toronto, Ontario. The Greater Toronto Area is home to a large and growing health-care sector with increasing demand for rehabilitation support professionals. The knowledge and experience gained through this program prepare graduates to contribute to rehabilitation and wellness services across Ontario, Canada, and a variety of community and clinical settings.

What you will learn:

• Assist with rehabilitation programs that support mobility, function, and independence
• Apply therapeutic techniques and activities that promote physical and occupational performance
• Support clients through exercise, mobility, and daily living interventions
• Collaborate effectively with occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and interprofessional teams
• Deliver client-centred care while applying professional, ethical, and safety standards

Applied learning opportunities through simulation and work integrated learning help bridge theory and practice, allowing you to develop the confidence, technical abilities and professional judgement required in rehabilitation settings. By graduation, you will be prepared to support clients in achieving meaningful health, wellness and functional goals while contributing to collaborative health-care teams.