Offered by Red Deer Polytechnic in Red Deer, Canada, Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant Diploma is a diploma in Health Sciences programme. The programme runs for 2 years, delivered on campus. Tuition for international students is CAD 38,985 per year (CAD 10,498 per year for local students).
At a glance
Degree:Diploma
Field:Health Sciences
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: On Campus
Local tuition: CAD 10,498 / year
International tuition: CAD 38,985 / year
We have no an application deadline on record for this programme yet — see the official programme page.
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Last checked September 2026 · Source: rdpolytech.ca ·
Program details
Overview
The Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant Diploma at Red Deer Polytechnic is a two-year, full-time program that prepares students to support occupational and physical therapists in rehabilitation settings. Coursework covers human anatomy, physiology and functional movement, rehabilitation principles and common conditions, mental health concepts and communication strategies, and occupational and physical therapy assistant skills. Students complete three five-week practicum placements in settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities and community rehabilitation programs. The program is accredited by the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program (OTA & PTA EAP) in collaboration with Physiotherapy Education Accreditation Canada and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists. Delivery is on-campus. Graduates may transfer into the University of Calgary's Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation program. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 and complete the program within four academic years of first admission. The program suits students seeking a hands-on, practicum-based entry into rehabilitation support roles in clinical and community care settings.
Requirements
Admission Requirements: Direct entry requires 60% in ELA 30-1, 50% in Math 30-1 or 50% in Math 30-2, and 60% in Biology 30, with equivalent courses accepted. Applicants whose first language is not English must show graduation from a Canadian high school with three consecutive first-language English courses, a Canadian undergraduate degree taught in English, or one of: Duolingo English Test 130, IELTS Academic 7.0 (6.5 per band), Oxford ELLT 8 (7 per band), or TOEFL 92 iBT/580 PBT. Students with a Study Permit require a Medical Authorization one month before classes begin, and must meet health, safety and immunization standards for their three 170-hour clinical practicums, travelling within Alberta as required for placement availability.
