Occupational/Physical Therapist Assistant (Rehab Assistant)
Overview
Learn to assist in the delivery of rehabilitation plans that promote independence and function for patients recovering from illness or injury.
| Tuition | $9,841 |
|---|---|
| Credential | Diploma |
| Length | 2 years |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based |
| Campus | Broadway |
| Start Dates |
| Tuition | $54,034 |
|---|---|
| Credential | Diploma |
| Length | 2 years |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based |
| Campus | Broadway |
| Start Dates | |
| PGWP | International graduates may be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit. |
What to expect
What you will learn
- Practise as an Occupational Therapist Assistant or Physical Therapist Assistant in a competent, professional, accountable and ethical manner.
- Incorporate cultural safety and humility into practice by effectively engaging with diverse cultural perspectives with respect and sensitivity.
- Utilize evidence-informed rehabilitation knowledge to implement assigned Occupational Therapy or Physical Therapy interventions.
- Collaborate as a member of an interdisciplinary team within an evolving health care system.
- Contribute to the development and maintenance of an effective practice environment through direct client care, organization and support of rehabilitation services.
- Identify and report relevant information regarding the client’s status and well-being to the appropriate interdisciplinary team member.
- Communicate effectively, through verbal, nonverbal, written and electronic means, with clients, their families, caregivers and other interdisciplinary team members.
- Develop and implement strategies to maintain and improve professional competence, through engagement and reflective practice, within the role of the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physical Therapist Assistant.
- Promote, support and encourage health and wellness for self and others.
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The Occupational/Physical Therapist Assistant (OPTA) Program is 69 weeks in length. It consists of 5 semesters delivered over two years. Year 1 consists of Semesters 1, 2 and 3 and is scheduled from September to June. Year 2 consists of Semesters 4 and 5 and is scheduled from September to April.
Students must complete the diploma within three years of starting the program.
Admission Requirement
Program-specific
- Grade 12 graduation or equivalent
- English Studies 12 with a minimum ‘B’ grade, or equivalent
- Anatomy and Physiology 12 or equivalent
- Attending a Program Information Session is strongly recommended.
Upon acceptance to the program:
- Students in this program are required to complete a Criminal Record Check (CRC). The CRC must be completed according to VCC’s Criminal Record Check instructions. Students whose CRC results indicate they pose a risk to vulnerable populations will not be able to complete the requirements of the program (e.g. practicums) or graduate.
- Valid CPR-C certification. Certificate must remain valid throughout the program.
- TB Screening: Students must submit a negative tuberculosis (TB) skin test or chest X-ray dated a maximum of six months prior to the program start date. An additional TB test is required after each potential exposure to TB and/or travel to areas with a known prevalence of TB.
- A School of Health Sciences Student Immunization Record must be completed. Students may be declined placement in a clinical or practicum site if a completed immunization record is not provided.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended Characteristics
- Ability to work with people who have physical, emotional, mental health and/or cognitive challenges
- Willingness to provide physical and emotional support to clients
- Ability to perform typical therapist assistant duties
- Patience, empathy and a genuine interest in promoting the independence and well-being of others
- Good observational and organizational skills
- Ability to work independently and in collaboration with others
- Ability to adapt and respond appropriately to changing situations
- Ability to communicate in a complex, health care environment
- Mature, trustworthy, reliable and dependable
- Basic computer skills – email, word processing, internet searching
Program Availability
Fall 2026 |
|
|---|---|
| Program Start Date | Sep 2026 |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | October 1, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | June 1, 2026 |
Not currently available.
Courses
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. with the exception of practicum experiences. Students will be advised of their practicum hours once registered and attending the program.
This 2 years health program consists of 5 terms. The first year has three terms and the second year has two terms. As part of the program, students are assigned practicum placements in both year one and year two.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Term One | Credits | |
| OPTA 1131 | Anatomy and Physiology for OTAs and PTAs | 6 |
| OPTA 1132 | Health Care and Rehabilitation | 3 |
| OPTA 1133 | Introduction to Rehabilitation Skills | 5 |
| OPTA 1134 | Health Promotion and Recreation | 3 |
| OPTA 1135 | Communications 1 | 3 |
| OPTA 1136 | Introduction to Professional Practice | 1.5 |
| Credits | 21.5 | |
| Term Two | ||
| OPTA 1235 | Communications 2 | 2 |
| OPTA 1236 | Professional Practice 1 | 1.5 |
| OPTA 1241 | Musculoskeletal Conditions | 3 |
| OPTA 1242 | MSK Principles and Practice – PTA | 3.5 |
| OPTA 1243 | MSK Principles and Practice – OTA | 3.5 |
| OPTA 1244 | Cardio-Respiratory Conditions | 3 |
| OPTA 1245 | Acute Care Principles and Practice – PTA | 3 |
| OPTA 1246 | Acute Care Principles and Practice – OTA | 3 |
| Credits | 22.5 | |
| Term Three | ||
| OPTA 1234 | Lifespan Development | 3 |
| OPTA 1351 | Group Principles and Practice – PTA | 1 |
| OPTA 1352 | Group Principles and Practice – OTA | 1 |
| OPTA 1354 | OPTA Practicum 1 | 5 |
| OPTA 1353 | Professional Practice 2 – Practicum Preparation | 1 |
| Credits | 11 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Term Four | ||
| OPTA 2434 | Professional Practice 3 | 2 |
| OPTA 2461 | Neurological and Mental Health Conditions | 3 |
| OPTA 2462 | Neuro Principles and Practice – PTA | 4 |
| OPTA 2463 | Neuro/Mental Health Principles and Practice – OTA | 4 |
| OPTA 2464 | OPTA Practicum 2 | 6.5 |
| Credits | 19.5 | |
| Term Five | ||
| OPTA 2532 | Inter-Professional Practice | 5 |
| OPTA 2533 | Professional Practice 4 | 4.5 |
| OPTA 2571 | Paediatric and Complex Conditions | 2 |
| OPTA 2534 | OPTA Practicum 3 | 8 |
| Credits | 19.5 | |
| Total Credits | 94 | |
This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Fees and Costs
| Application fee | $36 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition / Year | $9,841 |
Year 1 - $5,758 Year 2 - $4,083 |
| Student union | $362 | |
| College initiative | $283 | |
| Campus resource | $394 | |
| Medical & Dental | $570 | Provided by Student Union |
| U-Pass | $1,032 | Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more. |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Total | $12,562 |
Books & Supplies
Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
Need help with tuition?
Explore your options Students of this program are eligible to receive the Student Recruitment and Retention Bursary
Technical requirement
Tuition deposits are payable usually within three weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.
| Tuition deposit | $14,000 | $10,000 non-refundable |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $145 | |
| Tuition | $54,034 | |
| Student union | $362 | |
| College initiative | $298 | |
| Campus resource | $394 | |
| Medical & Dental | $570 | Provided by Student Union |
| Temporary medical insurance | $149 | |
| U-Pass | $1,032 | Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more. |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Other fees | $3,140 | |
| Total | $57,173 |
Books & Supplies
Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
Need help with tuition?
Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.
Technical requirement
How to Apply
Ready to apply?
Online
You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.
Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5
Contact us
Advising services
Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: studentservice@vcc.ca
Advising services for International students
Do you have any questions?