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Apply NOW Program FAQ

Occupational/Physical Therapist Assistant (Rehab Assistant)

This program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to work as an Occupational Therapist Assistant and a Physical Therapist Assistant. Assistants function as members of interdisciplinary teams and assist Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists with the implementation of treatment programs to promote, restore, maintain and/or enhance the client's level of functioning in the areas of mobility, self care, productivity and leisure. While in class, students practise their skills on each other.

Graduates of the program find employment in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, extended care facilities, the client's home or in private practice.

If you know the admission requirements,

Find out more about this program:

Program Description Admission Requirements Program Status

Apply to this Program Fees and Other Costs Additional Information Courses

Program Description

The first year of this program is offered over three consecutive terms. The second year of this program is offered over two consecutive terms. The College places students in practicums in both years, and upon completion of these practicums, students return to the classroom.

Start Length Credential Campus Part or Full‑time September 2 years Diploma Broadway Full-time

Admission Requirements

General

VCC welcomes applications from Canadian citizens, permanent residents and international students.

Exceptions
International students

As Vancouver Community College is a post-secondary institution committed to educating adult learners, applicants should be 18 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school.

Please note that you must submit official transcripts and educational documents to support your application; unfortunately, we cannot accept photocopies or fax versions.

Program Specific

1) Grade 12 graduation, GED or equivalent with Human Biology 12 (OR VCC BIOL 1094) and Math 11

2) If a C+ was not achieved in Math 11, applicants must write the VCC Basic Arithmetic Assessment and score 80% or higher

3) Proof of English Language Proficiency

4) 30 hours of paid or volunteer experience working with people with disabilities as verified by a supervisor, employer or educational institute. Click here for the Work Experience Verification form in PDF form.

All requests for transfer credits or course exemptions for all courses in the program must be submitted with application to the program. Click here for Request for Transfer Credit (PDF) form.

Seats are offered to applicants who have met all admission requirements, on a first-qualified, first-served basis

Upon acceptance:
5) Current CPR - Level C

6) Proof of a negative TB skin test or chest xray. For further information about Health requirements click here

7) Criminal Record Search Each applicant is responsible for any costs incurred. Applicants who have drug-related charges should consult with the Registrar's Office prior to applying to the program. The CRS must be received by the Registrar's Office prior to the first day of class.

Recommended characteristics

- Excellent command of spoken and written English

- Ability to communicate effectively with people of all ages

- Good health and physical stamina

- Patience, empathy and a genuine interest in promoting the independence of others

- Good observational and organizational skills

- Ability to follow directions and work as part of a team

- Updated immunizations

- Basic computer and word processing skills

Program Status

Accepting applications

Apply to this Program

The first step, apply early. Students who have officially applied and met all admission requirements are sent a letter of acceptance approximately four to five months in advance of the next available start date. A first payment is required to reserve a space in the program.

Online     Fax     In Person If you're ready and know the program you want, apply now. Download and complete the (PDF) application form and fax to 604.871.7458. Visit us at one of our campus locations.

After you apply, you can check your to see if all of the requirements have been met or to update contact information. Please use the temporary login ID and Personal Identification Number (PIN) that you used to complete your original online application.

Fees and Other Costs

Application Fee Tuition Fee $30.00 $2,973.75 year 1 $2,287.50 year 2

International Tuition Fees

Application Fee Tuition Fee Ancillary Fee $125.00 $22,980.45 $1500

Other Costs

Cost Type Details College initiative fee $85.80 year 1 $66 year 2 Student union fee $47.38 per year Student union health plan fee $142.15 Student union dental plan fee $135.41 Other costs Textbooks: $1,500 for two years Material Fee: $5.20 per credit hour Miscellaneous: $100/year/year

Additional Information

Students enrolled in the Occupational/Physical Therapist Assistant program at VCC should note that some of their courses are transferable to Thompson Rivers University. For further information see: http://www.bctransferguide.ca

Health Requirements:

- Applicants with a repetitive stress injury should contact the Department regarding the physical requirements of this program and job
- Updated immunizations strongly recommended: measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis B vaccine and current influenza vaccination. Please review Important Health Requirements for the VCC School of Health Sciences.

Courses