About Rehabilitation Assistants (combines Physiotherapy Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant & Speech Language Assistant)
The title "Rehabilitation Assistant" combines "Physiotherapy Assistant", "Occupational Therapy Assistant" and "Speech Language Assistant". Rehabilitation Assistants are para-professionals who work as a members of health care teams under the supervision of and in collaboration with occupational therapists (OTs), physiotherapists (PTs) and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists. Capilano University offers the only program nationally to triple-train graduates as occupational therapy assistants (OTA), physiotherapy assistants (PTA) and speech language/audiology assistants (SLPA). The RA works with clients in a variety of settings providing hands-on rehabilitation, such as exercise, range of motion, splinting, activities of daily living, adjusting hearing aid or performing hearing screening. A vast array of responsibilities awaits qualified and trained RAs in today's health care system.
What Does a Rehabilitation Assistant Do?
Therapists design and review treatment plans to be carried out by the Rehabilitation Assistants. RAs provide training which enables clients to develop, maintain or restore physical, psychosocial, cognitive and/or communication skills according to the plan. Training activities, delivered individually or in groups, may include ambulation; exercises at home or the gym; activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing and eating; speaking, reading or writing practice; home management such as meal planning and preparation; vocational support such as a graduated return to work program; or leisure activities.
RAs may be involved with administrative and program support. This includes working with the client and the environment such as scheduling and greeting patients; managing and maintaining rehabilitation supplies and equipment inventory; providing office and technological support; providing assistance in fabricating, assembling and maintaining positioning and mobility equipment e.g. cushions and wheelchairs as well as special assistive equipment.
Why Study to be a Rehabilitation Assistant at Capilano University?
- The only program in Canada that combines training for Physiotherapy assistant, Occupational Therapy assistant and Speech Language Pathology and Audiology assistant.
- Our 63 credit Diploma program is completed over 4 terms that spans 1.5 years.
- Hands-on practical application combined with theory in small class structure allowing for optimal student/instructor interaction. Faculty are experts currently working out in their respective professional field.
- Trained to National Standards, graduates can work across Canada.
- Fieldwork placements are offered throughout BC. Opportunities also exist across Canada and internationally.
- Laddering opportunities are available for further educational options which can lead to a degree.
- Capilano hosts an annual job fair which provides students and graduates with a broad range of employment options to choose from.
- Our graduates can qualify for loan forgiveness programs if employed in Northern BC.
Who Should Apply?
Successful Rehabilitation Assistants are people who have a positive attitude, care about people and who are motivated to enable people to help themselves. Those who have a strong interest in rehabilitation and who see themselves as "team players" will do well in this program. Flexibility in working in a demanding health care environment and ability to communicate well with managers, peers and people of all ages, backgrounds, attitudes and beliefs are definite assets for any candidate entering the field of health care.
Career Opportunities
The majority of Capilano's graduates are employed in acute care and rehab hospitals. Opportunities also exist in extended care, private practice and community health. Regardless of whether you are interested in working with newborns in the infant hearing/screening, or with children/youth in paediatrics, or with adult or geriatric clients; employment opportunities are readily available at all population levels.
Work may also be available on a casual, part-time basis depending on your areas of interest.
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